ἀπερίτμητος (G564) — Greek Lexicon

ἀπερίτμητος

aperítmētos

G564 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Root περιτμ- to cut around, to circumcise, to not circumcise

Definition

not circumcised; primarily denotes a physical state of not having undergone circumcision, and by extension can describe a person or group considered outside the covenantal community defined by circumcision within Israelite and Judean tradition. Figuratively, may refer to those regarded as spiritually or ritually impure, or those considered outside a given religious or cultural boundary, especially in polemical contexts.

Semantic Range

uncircumcised (physically), not having undergone circumcision, outsider to covenantal community, spiritually insensitive or impure (figurative usage)

Root / Etymology

From the negative prefix ἀ- (a-, ‘not’) and περιτμητός (peritmētos, ‘circumcised’), itself deriving from περιτέμνω (peritemnō, ‘to cut around, to circumcise’). Formed as an adjective by negating the action or result of circumcision.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Septuagint and New Testament Greek, ἀπερίτμητος is commonly used to designate non-Israelite (non-covenantal) males, reflecting the Israelite and Judean practice where circumcision was a physical sign of covenant. The term can function polemically to mark ethnic, religious, or ritual boundaries, especially between Judeans and non-Judeans (Gentiles/ethnē). The figurative use (e.g. 'uncircumcised in heart') implies spiritual insensitivity or resistance. While English Bibles often render ἀπερίτμητος as 'uncircumcised,' the concept in Second Temple and early Christian texts signifies more than physical status—it denotes inclusion or exclusion from covenantal identity. The term rarely appears outside Jewish or Judean contexts; in other Greek literature, circumcision is referenced differently, if at all.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Α (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of περιτέμνω; uncircumcised (figuratively):--uncircumcised.

Root Family

ἀπερίτμητος (aperitmētos) — not circumcised, uncut around, outside covenantal boundary

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G564-01`	ἀπερίτμητοι	aperitmetoi	`ADJ.S VOC M PL`	uncircumcised	uncircumcised ones	uncircumcised ones	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G564-01`	Acts 7:51	ἀπερίτμητοι	aperitmetoi	`ADJ.S VOC M PL`	uncircumcised	uncircumcised ones	uncircumcised ones

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