Pronunciation Guide: ah-THEM-ee-tos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G111: ἀθέμιτος (athemitos) uniquely used by Peter refers to actions or behaviors that are contrary to divine law and established customs, particularly those that violate sacred boundaries. It describes that which is forbidden or unlawful, not merely by human statute but by divine and moral law. The term carries strong connotations of religious taboo and moral prohibition.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Compound word from ἀ- (negative prefix) + θέμις (law, custom)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Appears in contexts discussing cultural and religious boundaries
• Used in both religious and secular Greek literature

ἀθέμιτος Morphology:

• ἀθέμιτος (nominative singular masculine/feminine) – unlawful
• ἀθέμιτον (accusative singular neuter) – unlawful thing
• ἀθέμιτα (nominative/accusative plural neuter) – unlawful things

Origin & History

The term ἀθέμιτος has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where θέμις represented divine law or that which was established by custom and considered right in the eyes of the gods. The addition of the negative prefix ἀ- transformed it into a powerful term denoting violation of divine order.

In classical usage, Herodotus employed the term in his Histories when describing customs that violated sacred boundaries or religious taboos. Plutarch also used it in his Moralia to describe actions that transgressed both divine and natural law, showing its consistent association with serious moral and religious violations.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• That which violates divine law or sacred boundaries
• Actions contrary to established religious customs
• Behaviors that transgress moral and natural order
• Ritually forbidden or prohibited practices

ἀθέμιτος Translation Options:

• “Unlawful” – Emphasizes violation of divine rather than civil law
• “Forbidden” – Captures the sense of religious prohibition
• “Taboo” – Reflects the cultural-religious boundary aspect
• “Contrary to divine law” – Most precise but wordy option
• “Ritually improper” – Useful in ceremonial contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀθέμιτος appears in contexts where Jewish religious customs intersect with Gentile practices. Its most notable appearance is in Acts 10:28, where Peter acknowledges the Jewish prohibition against associating with Gentiles as “unlawful”. This usage is particularly significant as it occurs at a pivotal moment in early church history when God was breaking down cultural barriers.

The term also appears in 1 Peter 4:3, where it describes “abominable” idolatries, emphasizing the severe religious prohibition against idol worship. The Septuagint usage of related terms helps illuminate the word’s strong connotations of religious and moral transgression.

Key verses:

• “You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing [ἀθέμιτον] for a man who is a Jew to keep company with one of another nation.” Acts 10:28
• “Walking in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable [ἀθεμίτοις] idolatries.” 1 Peter 4:3

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Jewish context, ἀθέμιτος carried particularly strong connotations regarding ritual purity and social boundaries. The term reflected deeply ingrained cultural barriers that separated Jews from Gentiles, encompassing not just religious law but also social customs that had developed over centuries of maintaining Jewish identity in a Gentile world.

The use of this term in Acts 10:28 is especially revealing of the radical nature of God’s direction to Peter regarding Gentile inclusion. By declaring that what was previously considered ἀθέμιτος was now acceptable, God was not merely adjusting a minor regulation but fundamentally restructuring Jewish-Gentile relations in the early church.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀθέμιτος in the New Testament reveals a profound theological transition in God’s redemptive plan. What was once considered unlawful (association with Gentiles) was declared clean by God Himself, demonstrating His sovereignty over religious law and custom. This transformation highlights the universal scope of the gospel and God’s plan to include all nations in His covenant.

This term also illuminates the tension between human religious traditions and divine purposes. Through Peter’s vision and subsequent actions, we see God’s authority to redefine what is “lawful” in light of His redemptive purposes in the Messiah Jesus. This redefinition wasn’t a contradiction of God’s law but its fulfillment in bringing all peoples into covenant relationship with Him.

Personal Application

Reflecting on ἀθέμιτος challenges us to examine our own religious and cultural boundaries. Just as Peter had to overcome deeply ingrained beliefs about what was “unlawful,” we too must allow God to challenge our preconceptions about who belongs in His family and how we should relate to those different from us.

This word reminds us that God’s ways often transcend our human categories and customs. When we encounter situations that challenge our traditional understanding of what is proper or permissible, we should seek God’s perspective rather than relying solely on inherited traditions.

Related Words

• παράνομος (paranomos) – against law, lawless (broader term for general lawlessness) See G3891
• ἄνομος (anomos) – without law, lawless (emphasizes absence of law) See G459
• βέβηλος (bebelos) – profane, unholy (focuses on ritual impurity) See G952
• ἀσεβής (asebes) – ungodly, impious (emphasizes religious deviation) See G765

Did you Know?

• The concept of θέμις (the root word without the negative prefix) was personified in Greek mythology as Themis, the goddess of divine law and custom, showing how deeply this concept was embedded in ancient Greek culture.
• The word ἀθέμιτος appears in ancient Greek medical texts to describe treatments that were considered contrary to natural law or proper medical practice, showing its application beyond purely religious contexts.
• Modern Greek still uses derivatives of this word family in legal terminology, particularly in phrases describing actions that violate fundamental principles of law or justice.

Remember This

ἀθέμιτος stands as a powerful reminder that God’s kingdom often breaks through our human boundaries and restrictions, challenging us to embrace His broader vision of community and fellowship.