ἀναπείθω

I urge by evil persuasion, I tempt

Definition

The verb ἀναπείθω means to persuade someone, but with a strong negative connotation of inciting or enticing them toward a wrong or unlawful action. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 18:13, it describes the accusation that Paul was 'persuading' people to worship God in ways contrary to the Jewish law, implying a seductive or subversive influence. In broader Greek literature, it could mean to win over by argument, but the biblical usage leans heavily toward the idea of corrupting someone's allegiance or leading them into error. This makes it closely related to concepts of temptation and deception.

Biblical Usage

Ἀναπείθω is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 18:13. In this context, it is employed by Paul's Jewish opponents in Corinth, who accuse him before the proconsul Gallio of 'persuading people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.' The usage here is forensic and accusatory, framing Paul's evangelism as a form of sedition or corrupting influence against established religious order. The word captures the charge of leading people astray from accepted tradition.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀνά (ana), often meaning 'up' or 'again,' combined with the verb πείθω (peithō, G3982), meaning 'to persuade' or 'to convince.' The compound form intensifies the sense of persuasion, often with the implication of persuasion 'back' to a previous state or 'thoroughly.' While πείθω can be neutral or positive, the prefix and context give ἀναπείθω its predominantly negative force of inciting to wrongdoing.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the conflict between the new Christian message and established religious authority. The accusation in Acts 18:13 frames the gospel not merely as a different opinion but as a seductive force pulling people away from God's law. Understanding this term enriches the reading of Acts by showing the serious charge against Paul: that he was spiritually misleading people, a charge that connects to broader biblical themes of false teaching (e.g., 2 Peter 2:1) and the temptation to abandon true faith.

In the Greco-Roman world, persuasion (peithō) was a central skill in rhetoric and philosophy. However, ἀναπείθω often carried a negative cultural weight, akin to inciting rebellion or corrupting morals. The charge against Paul would have been serious in a Roman context, as it implied causing social and religious unrest. The proconsul's dismissal of the case (Acts 18:14-15) shows he viewed it as an internal Jewish dispute, not a genuine threat to Roman order.

πείθω (peithō, G3982) — A more general term for persuasion, which can be positive, negative, or neutral. ἀποπλανάω (apoplanaō, G635) — To lead astray or deceive, with a stronger emphasis on causing error. παραλογίζομαι (paralogizomai, G3884) — To deceive by false reasoning or trickery.

Word Details

Scripture References