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G884 · Greek · New Testament
ἀχάριστος
Acharistos
Adjective
Ungrateful, thankless, without gratitude

Definition

The Greek adjective acharistos combines the negative particle a- and charis (grace, gratitude), meaning "without grace" in the relational sense — ungrateful, thankless, unappreciative. It appears twice in the New Testament: in Luke 6:35, where God is described as "kind to the ungrateful and wicked," and in 2 Timothy 3:2, in Paul's list of vices characterizing the last days.

Usage & Theological Significance

The juxtaposition of acharistos with charis is theologically pointed. Ingratitude is the refusal of grace — the closing of one's hand against the gift. Paul's vice list in 2 Timothy 3 places ungrateful between "disobedient to their parents" and "unholy" — suggesting that the breakdown of gratitude to parents and to God is structurally similar. Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:35 is revolutionary: God extends kindness even to the ungrateful. This is the heart of grace — given not because we deserve it, but precisely because we don't.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 6:35 "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."
2 Timothy 3:2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.
Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:15 And be thankful.

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