ἀπελεγμός

refutation, rejection, disrepute

Definition

ἀπελεγμός refers to a state of being refuted, rejected, or brought into disrepute. In its primary sense, it means a decisive refutation or exposure of something as false, leading to its rejection. Consequently, it denotes the resulting condition of being held in contempt or falling into discredit. In the New Testament, its sole occurrence in Acts 19:27 carries this full sense: the goddess Artemis risks being 'brought into disrepute' or 'having her majesty refuted and rejected' due to the spread of the Christian gospel.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 19:27. It is employed in a secular, polemical context by Demetrius the silversmith, who argues that Paul's preaching threatens to bring the great goddess Artemis into 'disrepute' (ἀπελεγμός). The usage highlights a perceived public refutation of a deity's power, leading to social and economic rejection. The context is one of religious controversy and economic threat.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ἀπελέγχω (apelegchō), meaning 'to refute, convict, or expose.' This verb itself combines the prefix ἀπό (apo, often intensifying) and ἐλέγχω (elegchō, 'to convict, reprove, prove'). Thus, the noun ἀπελεγμός fundamentally means 'a refutation' or 'a convicting exposure,' from which the meanings of rejection and disrepute naturally follow.

Semantic Range

While used by a pagan critic, this word theologically underscores the confrontational nature of the gospel against idolatry. It illustrates how the proclamation of Christ's truth inherently refutes and discredits false gods and systems, which can lead to societal backlash. Understanding this term enriches the reading of Acts 19 by highlighting the perceived potency of Paul's message—it wasn't just a new idea but a powerful refutation that threatened an entire religious-economic structure.

In the Greco-Roman world, a deity's reputation (τιμή, timē) was directly tied to public worship and patronage. For a goddess like Artemis of Ephesus, to be 'brought into disrepute' (ἀπελεγμός) meant a tangible loss of honor, which could diminish her perceived power, reduce pilgrimages, and cripple the industries (like silversmithing) that depended on her cult. The charge was not merely about religious feelings but about social stability and economic livelihood.

ἐλεγμός (elegmos, G1651) — a rebuke or reproof, focusing more on the act of censure than the resulting disgrace. ὀνειδισμός (oneidismos, G3680) — reproach, insult, or disgrace, emphasizing the shame inflicted rather than the logical refutation that caused it.

Word Details

Scripture References