Brief Overview of ἄνομος (Strong’s G459)

The Greek word ἄνομος (anomos) is an adjective meaning “lawless” or “without law.” It combines the root νόμος (nomos), meaning “law,” with the prefix ἀ- (a-), which negates the meaning, resulting in “lawless” or “not bound by law.” The term is used to describe individuals or actions that are contrary to or not governed by legal or moral principles. In biblical contexts, it often signifies a disregard for divine or moral laws, reflecting a state of disobedience or rebellion.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: Strong’s defines ἄνομος as “lawless” or “without law.” It is used to describe someone who lives in violation of legal or moral standards, suggesting a state of being outside the bounds of law or ethical norms.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG describes ἄνομος as “lawless” or “without law.” It emphasizes its use to denote:

• Absence of Law: The condition of not being subject to or governed by laws, whether legal or moral.
• Moral Implications: A state of ethical or moral disregard, often used to describe behavior that defies divine or societal norms.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ defines ἄνομος as “lawless” and provides historical examples of its use in classical literature. It indicates that the term is applied to individuals or actions that are outside legal constraints or ethical expectations.
2. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s explains that ἄνομος means “lawless” and is often used to describe those who violate or are not subject to divine laws. It highlights its use in the New Testament to refer to people or actions that are contrary to the laws of God or moral principles.

In summary, ἄνομος (anomos) translates to “lawless” and describes a state of being outside the bounds of legal or moral law. Strong’s offers a basic definition, while BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s provide a deeper understanding, focusing on its implications for ethical behavior and divine commandments.