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G87 · Greek · New Testament
ἀδιάκριτος
Adiakritos
Adjective
Without partiality, impartial, undivided, without discrimination

Definition

The Greek adjective adiakritos (ἀδιάκριτος) means impartial, without partiality, not divided, or without discrimination. It is the alpha-privative form of diakrinō (to judge, discriminate, make distinctions). It appears only once in the New Testament — James 3:17 — as the second characteristic of "the wisdom that comes from above." Heavenly wisdom is first "pure" (hagnē), then "peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, adiakritos and sincere."

Usage & Theological Significance

James places adiakritos — impartiality — at the heart of divine wisdom. This is no accident: earlier in his letter (James 2:1–9), he has delivered a devastating rebuke of favoritism in the church — giving honor to the rich man and ignoring the poor. True wisdom, James argues, does not play favorites. It does not measure people by wealth, status, ethnicity, or beauty. Heavenly wisdom sees as God sees — looking at the heart, not the appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). Acts 10:34–35 presents Peter's breakthrough: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right." Adiakritos is the divine attribute that becomes the Christian's calling — an impartial love that reflects the impartiality of God Himself.

Key Bible Verses

James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial (adiakritos) and sincere.
James 2:1
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.
Acts 10:34–35
I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
Romans 2:11
For God does not show favoritism.
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

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