"threat, commination, Acts 4:29; 9:1; harshness of language, Eph. 6:9*"
Definition and meaning
threat, commination, Acts 4:29; 9:1; harshness of language, Eph. 6:9*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἀπειλή
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of apeile (G547) across the King James Bible.
But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
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Common questions
Strong's G547 (apeile) is a Greek word that means: threat, commination, Acts 4:29; 9:1; harshness of language, Eph. 6:9* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word apeile (G547) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G547 is apeile, a Greek word defined as: threat, commination, Acts 4:29; 9:1; harshness of language, Eph. 6:9*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
apeile is a Greek word found in the New Testament.