ἀπερισπάστως
aperispástōs
G563 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In a manner free from distraction or anxiety; with undivided attention. The adverb ἀπερισπάστως expresses acting or existing without being pulled away or encumbered by competing cares, particularly in contexts of focus (such as religious devotion or instruction). It emphasizes a state of being unburdened by distracting obligations or concerns, especially those of daily life.
Semantic Range
without distraction, free from anxiety, with undivided attention, unburdened by concern, free from solicitude
Root / Etymology
ἀπερισπάστως is formed from the negative prefix ἀ- (not) and the adverbial form of the verb περισπάω (to draw away, distract, pull about), literally meaning 'not distractedly.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term ἀπερισπάστως is found in post-classical and Koine Greek, notably in 1 Corinthians 7:35, where Paul encourages an undistracted devotion to the Lord over preoccupation with domestic or worldly concerns. In earlier Greek, περισπάω and its cognates refer more generally to being pulled apart or distracted, with ἀπερισπάστως denoting the opposite: freedom from such distraction. The term is rare in surviving Greek literature, suggesting it may have arisen in Jewish or early Christian Greek as a way to articulate an ideal of focused religious or ethical life. English Bible translations often paraphrase as 'without distraction,' which corresponds well, though some traditions add clarifications such as 'concern' or 'solicitude,' especially referencing domestic matters, which reflect the word's New Testament context. The term does not carry a theological sense by itself but describes a psychological or practical state.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from a compound of Α (as a negative participle) and a presumed derivative of περισπάω; undistractedly, i.e. free from (domestic) solicitude:--without distraction.
Root Family
ἀπερισπάστως (aperispastōs) — not drawn away, not distracted, unencumbered, free from anxiety
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G563-01 |
ἀπερισπάστως | aperispastos | ADV |
without distraction | without distraction | without distraction | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G563-01 |
1 Corinthians 7:35 | ἀπερισπάστως | aperispastos | ADV |
without distraction | without distraction | without distraction |