ἄμεμπτος

From the study of Philippians 2:15

Range of meaning

'Without blame' (a- 'not' + memphomai 'to find fault, complain'). It describes a person or conduct against which no legitimate charge or complaint can be brought. The perspective is that of an observer or a judge.

Against the English

'Blameless' is accurate. Modern readers, though, often hear 'sinless' or 'morally perfect'. The Greek is about having no valid accusation against you, which is not a claim of inner flawlessness.

How it drifted

Later debates about Christian perfection pushed 'blameless' toward meaning 'without any sin'. The Greek word is relational and judicial: it means beyond reproach.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Greek Old Testament it translates Hebrew tam ('whole, upright'), for example Job 1:1. In Genesis 17:1, God says to Abraham ginou amemptos, 'become blameless', which is strikingly close to Paul's genēsthe amemptoi. Luke 1:6 uses it of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Paul uses it of himself 'as to righteousness under the Law' (Philippians 3:6) and of believers at Christ's coming (1 Thessalonians 3:13). Greek epitaphs and papyri use the related adverb for a spouse or official who behaved 'without reproach'.

From the study of Philippians 3:6

Range of meaning

'Without blame' or 'beyond reproach': a person against whom no valid complaint or accusation can be made. It is a public, social and legal word. It describes a record that others can check, not a claim about the inner heart. It is used in honorific inscriptions for officials and spouses.

Against the English

'Blameless' (KJV, ESV, WEB) and 'faultless' (BSB, NIV) can sound to modern ears like 'sinless' or 'morally perfect'. Readers then decide Paul must be exaggerating or speaking sarcastically.

How it drifted

In Christian use, 'blameless' and 'perfect' became linked with debates about sinless perfection. The Greek word is more modest and more public.

Used elsewhere in the period

• Gen 17:1 (Greek OT): God tells Abraham 'be (γίνου) blameless'. Paul's 'having become blameless' (γενόμενος ἄμεμπτος) echoes this closely.
• Job 1:1 (Greek OT): Job is called ἄμεμπτος (Hebrew tam).
• Luke 1:6: Zechariah and Elizabeth are blameless in all the commandments, yet they offer sacrifices and need God's mercy.
• Paul uses it positively: he wants the Philippians to be 'blameless and pure' (Phil 2:15; cf. 1 Thess 3:13).

From the study of 1 Thessalonians 3:13

Range of meaning

Literally 'not to be blamed': without fault that anyone could rightly charge. It describes conduct or character that holds up under scrutiny. It is used of people who are faithful and upright, without implying that they never sin.

Against the English

'Blameless' is accurate. Some readers, however, hear it as 'sinlessly perfect'. Biblical usage applies it to faithful people who were clearly not sinless: Job, Zechariah and Elizabeth, and Paul under the law.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the LXX it describes Job (Job 1:1, 8) and translates Hebrew tam/tamim ('whole, sound, wholehearted'). God tells Abraham 'be blameless' (Genesis 17:1). In the New Testament, Luke 1:6 calls Zechariah and Elizabeth 'blameless', and Paul says he was 'blameless' as to righteousness under the law (Philippians 3:6). In this letter Paul says his own conduct among them was 'blameless' (2:10), and he prays they will be kept 'blameless at the coming of our Lord' (5:23).