ἀχάριστος
acháristos
G884 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Lacking gratitude; not showing appreciation or thankfulness. In various contexts, the term describes someone who fails to acknowledge or respond to kindness, favor, or benefit received. It can also refer to neglecting proper recognition for acts of goodwill, or not returning a favor as culturally expected. The word can convey a broader sense of being ungracious.
Semantic Range
ungrateful, thankless, without appreciation, lacking gratitude, not returning a favor, ungracious
Root / Etymology
From the alpha privative prefix ἀ- (denoting 'not, without') added to a derivative of χαρίζομαι ('to show favor, grant as a favor, forgive'), itself related to χάρις ('grace, favor, gratitude'). Thus, ἀχάριστος denotes 'without gratitude' or 'not showing favor/appreciation'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἀχάριστος is attested from the early Hellenistic period onward, typically denoting a lack of appreciation or gratitude for benefits received. In the Septuagint and New Testament (e.g., Luke 6:35; 2 Timothy 3:2), the term is used to characterize negative ethical qualities, often in lists of vices, contrasting proper social or divine gratitude. The meaning aligns closely with broader Greek usage, where social reciprocity and the acknowledgment of favors were highly valued cultural norms. English translations often render it simply as 'unthankful' or 'ungrateful,' but the Greek can encompass a fuller failure of reciprocal responsibilities or social grace. Cognate and related Greek terms include ἔχων χάριν ('holding gratitude') and εὐχάριστος ('grateful'). Unlike terms denoting outright hostility or enmity, ἀχάριστος specifically portrays a negative lack where positive response is expected or due.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Α (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of χαρίζομαι; thankless, i.e. ungrateful:--unthankful.
Root Family
ἀχάριστος (acháristos) — favor, grace, gratitude
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G884-01 |
ἀχάριστοι | acharistoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
ungrateful | ungrateful ones | ungrateful ones | 1 |
G884-02 |
ἀχαρίστους | acharistous | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
ungrateful | ungrateful ones | ungrateful ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G884-02 |
Luke 6:35 | ἀχαρίστους | acharistous | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
ungrateful | ungrateful ones | ungrateful ones |
G884-01 |
2 Timothy 3:2 | ἀχάριστοι | acharistoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
ungrateful | ungrateful ones | ungrateful ones |