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G62 · Greek · New Testament
ἀγράμματος
agrammatos
Adjective
Unlearned, illiterate

Definition

Without letters/schooling; unlearned in the formal rabbinic or scribal education

Full Definition

Agrammatos (from a- privative + gramma, 'letter') means 'without letters' — unlearned, illiterate, or untrained in formal schooling. In Acts 4:13, it describes Peter and John as 'unschooled' (agrammatos) in the eyes of the Jewish leaders, who were astonished that such men could speak with such authority. The word does not necessarily mean unable to read, but rather without formal rabbinic or scribal training.

Usage & Theological Significance

Acts 4:13 is one of the most theologically charged uses of agrammatos in the New Testament. The Sanhedrin — the supreme religious court — marveled at Peter and John's boldness and recognized that they had 'been with Jesus.' The very men who lacked academic credentials confounded the academically credentialed. This fulfills the principle of 1 Corinthians 1:27: 'God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.' The Holy Spirit's power is not dependent on human education. This does not devalue learning, but it does relativize it — the Spirit can work through any vessel He chooses.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 4:13
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:27
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus said, 'I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.'
John 7:15
The Jews there were amazed and asked, 'How did this man get such learning without having been taught?'
Acts 4:31
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

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