Topical Lexicon
OverviewThe adjective ἀδιάκριτος occurs once in the Greek New Testament (James 3:17). It describes a quality of heavenly wisdom that resists partiality, favoritism, or vacillation. In Scripture, the concept stands at the intersection of moral integrity, sound judgment, and equitable relationships in the covenant community.
Biblical Setting and Usage
James 3:17: “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.”
Here ἀδιάκριτος is paired with ἀνυπόκριτος (“sincere”), forming a composite picture of wisdom that neither discriminates nor pretends. James contrasts this heaven-born quality with “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” wisdom (James 3:15), highlighting the stark ethical divide between the two sources of counsel.
Though the term itself appears only once, the principle it names permeates both Testaments:
•Deuteronomy 10:17 — the Lord “shows no partiality.”
•Acts 10:34 — Peter confesses that God is “no respecter of persons.”
•Romans 2:11;1 Peter 1:17 — divine judgment is without favoritism.
•1 Timothy 5:21 — church leaders are charged to act “without partiality.”
These parallel passages demonstrate that ἀδιάκριτος summarizes a long-standing biblical ethic.
Theological Themes
1. Divine Impartiality Reflected in Human Conduct
God’s own character sets the standard. Because the Lord does not discriminate, His people must also reject favoritism (Leviticus 19:15). James presents impartiality as the fruit of wisdom rather than a mere social policy, rooting it in reverence for God rather than cultural trends.
2. Integrity of Judgment
Throughout Scripture, impartial judgment is tied to righteousness (Proverbs 24:23;Zechariah 7:9). An ἀδιάκριτος mindset guards against the double-mindedness James condemns (James 1:8) and the marketplace favoritism he rebukes (James 2:1-4). True discernment neither waffles in doubt nor bends to status.
3. Unity in the Body of Christ
Impartiality nurtures the “peace-loving” and “gentle” traits named alongside it (James 3:17). By removing preferential treatment based on wealth, ethnicity, or social rank, the church embodies the reconciled community Christ created (Ephesians 2:14-16).
Historical and Cultural Background
In the Greco-Roman world, patronage systems rewarded partiality; benefactors expected loyalty, and judges were often swayed by status. Jewish legal tradition also grappled with bribery and favoritism (Exodus 23:8). James writes into this milieu, affirming that believers must follow a higher, countercultural wisdom. Early Christian writers such as Clement of Rome echoed the theme, urging leaders to shepherd without “partiality of respect.”
Practical Ministry Implications
• Pastoral Counseling: Discernment that is ἀδιάκριτος helps pastors avoid preferential treatment and double standards, cultivating trust.
• Corporate Worship: Seating, participation, and recognition should reflect gospel equality, not social hierarchy.
• Church Discipline and Leadership Selection: Boards and elders must judge cases and appoint servants “without partiality,” safeguarding the community from bias (1 Timothy 5:21).
• Evangelism and Mercy Ministry: Impartial wisdom embraces outsiders, mirroring God’s unbiased grace toward Jew and Gentile alike (Acts 10:34-35).
• Personal Spiritual Formation: Believers pray for “wisdom from above” (James 1:5), expecting the Spirit to form an unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
Relationship to Other Virtues
ἀδιάκριτος stands between purity and sincerity in James’s list, illustrating how impartiality keeps motives pure and expressions honest. It resonates with δικαιοσύνη (righteousness), εἰρήνη (peace), and ἔλεος (mercy), showing that biblical wisdom is holistic, never permitting a virtuous façade to cloak biased intentions.
Conclusion
Though only once named, ἀδιάκριτος captures a foundational divine attribute and an indispensable mark of Christian maturity. By seeking wisdom that is “impartial,” believers display God’s unchanging righteousness, foster unity, and bear witness to the justice of the coming kingdom.
Forms and Transliterations
αδιάκριτοι αδιακριτος αδιάκριτος ἀδιάκριτος adiakritos adiákritosLinks
Interlinear Greek •Interlinear Hebrew •Strong's Numbers •Englishman's Greek Concordance •Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •Parallel Texts
