ἀκατάγνωστος G0176
Beyond reproach, above criticism, irreproachable; conduct that cannot be justly condemned
This compound adjective (alpha-privative + kataginosko) means "not to be condemned," "beyond reproach," or "above criticism." Paul uses it in Titus 2:8 instructing Titus about sound teaching and conduct: "sound speech that cannot be condemned." The term describes speech so pure and truthful that opponents find no grounds for legitimate criticism. It's not that enemies won't attack but that they'll find nothing genuinely blameworthy, forcing them either to fabricate charges or be silenced by the obvious integrity of the message and messenger. The goal is blamelessness that disarms criticism.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Titus 2:8 calls for "sound speech beyond reproach, so that opponents may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us." This adjective describes teaching and conduct so irreproachable that critics find no legitimate grounds for condemnation. The strategy is moral and doctrinal integrity so clear that opposition must either fabricate false charges or fall silent. Paul aims to disarm criticism through unassailable character and truth. 1×
AR["بِلا-لَومٍ"]·ben["নিন্দাহীন"]·DE["untadelig"]·EN["beyond-reproach"]·FR["ἀκατάγνωστον"]·heb["לֹא-מְגֻנָּה,"]·HI["निरदोश,"]·ID["tidak-tercela,"]·IT["akatagnōston"]·jav["tanpa-cacat,"]·KO["책망받지-않는"]·PT["irrepreensível,"]·RU["неукоризненное"]·ES["irreprochable"]·SW["lisilo-na-lawama"]·TR["suçlanamaz,"]·urd["بے-الزام"]
Related Senses
H2896a 1. good (quality or moral) (305×)H7563 1. wicked person (259×)H7451c 1. moral evil or wickedness (234×)H5771 1. iniquity, sin, wrongdoing (222×)H6662 1. righteous person (substantive) (195×)G0266 1. sin, failure, transgression (173×)H2403b 1. sin, transgression (170×)H2617a 1. Covenant faithfulness, steadfast love (167×)H2398 1. Qal: to sin, commit sin (165×)H6666 1. righteousness, moral uprightness (145×)G5485 1. grace, divine favor (141×)H7451a 1. morally evil, wicked (129×)H2403b 2. sin-offering, sacrifice for sin (120×)G2570 1. good, right, excellent (98×)H6588 1. transgression, offense against God (88×)G0018 1. good (moral quality) (85×)H2896b 1. good, what is good (85×)H7451b 1. evil, wickedness (moral) (83×)H7451a 2. evil, harm, calamity (80×)G1342 1. righteous, upright (of persons) (70×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
ἀκατάγνωστος, ον, not to be condemned, LXX+NT+3rd c.AD+adverb -τως unexceptionably, λογιστεύσαςRefs 3rd c.AD+