ἀρνέομαι
To deny
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does ἀρνέομαι (arnéomai) mean in the Bible?
ἀρνέομαι (arnéomai) is a Greek word meaning "to deny". ἀρνέομαι -οῦμαι, depon. Neglecting family care contradicts professed faith. This term runs through the canonical themes of Faith.
Full entry for ἀρνέομαι (G720) · Browse the biblical lexicon
Meaning
To deny by refusing acknowledgment or disowning; often denotes apostasy when applied to Christ or faith.
Why This Word Matters
Neglecting family care contradicts professed faith. 1 John 2:18-23
Denial of Jesus’ identity severs relationship with the Father and constitutes spiritual rebellion. 1 Timothy 5:3-16
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
Indicative states a fact or reality 20×
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 9×
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose 1×
Imperative command or strong request 1×
Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract 2×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 33 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Appears In
Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain