Introduction

Understanding Greek words is fundamental in Biblical studies, as it allows readers to grasp deeper meanings behind the scriptures. The Greek word ἐχθρός (echthros, Strong’s G2190) is a powerful term that appears frequently in the New Testament to denote “enemy” or “hostile.” It plays a significant role in expressing enmity, both in interpersonal relationships and spiritual conflicts. Understanding ἐχθρός helps us see the nuances in the text when discussing opposition or hostility, particularly between humans and God, or between opposing moral or spiritual forces. The word’s usage in ancient Greek culture also provides insight into the way enemies were perceived and how conflicts were addressed.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐχθρός (echthros) [ekh-THROS]
• Etymology: Derived from the root word ἔχθω (echtho), meaning “to hate” or “to be hostile.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective; it can function substantively as a noun, masculine in form; first and second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Enemy: A person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
• Hostile: Having or showing unfriendly or antagonistic behavior or feelings.
• Adversary: An opponent in conflict, competition, or disagreement.

Similar Words: ἀντίδικος (antidikos) [an-TEE-dee-kos], meaning “opponent” or “accuser.” While ἀντίδικος refers specifically to a legal adversary or opponent in a court or contest, ἐχθρός has a broader meaning of an enemy or hostile force, not limited to legal contexts.

Further Insights: ἐχθρός is primarily an adjective but can be used substantively as a noun. Its forms vary between the masculine, feminine, and neuter genders, following the first and second declension patterns. Below is a declension chart for the word:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἐχθρός as an adjective meaning “hostile” or “hating” and notes that it can be used as a noun to denote an “enemy.” It highlights its use in both interpersonal and divine-human contexts, such as the enemy of God (Romans 5:10) or enemies of one’s soul (1 Peter 2:11).
• Thayer’s: Notes that ἐχθρός is used broadly to denote someone who is opposed or in active hostility. It emphasizes its application in New Testament theology, particularly in reference to the enmity between man and God due to sin.
• Vine’s: Discusses ἐχθρός as a term that captures both the personal and spiritual dimensions of opposition, highlighting its appearance in key New Testament passages like Matthew 5:43-44, where Jesus teaches about loving one’s enemies.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides examples of ἐχθρός in classical Greek, indicating that it is commonly used to refer to both personal and state enemies in various literary and historical contexts.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐχθρός as a word meaning “hated” or “hostile,” derived from the verb ἔχθω, and notes its frequent occurrence in the New Testament as “enemy.”

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 5:43-44 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy [ἐχθρόν].’ But I say to you, love your enemies [ἐχθρούς] and pray for those who persecute you.”
• Romans 5:10 – “For if while we were enemies [ἐχθροί] we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”
• James 4:4 – “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy [ἐχθρός] of God.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:25 – “For He must reign until He has put all His enemies [ἐχθρούς] under His feet.”
• Luke 6:27 – “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies [ἐχθρούς], do good to those who hate you.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐχθρός (G2190: echthros)

The Greek word ἐχθρός (echthros, Strong’s G2190) is a significant term in both Biblical and classical contexts. It conveys the idea of an enemy or someone who is hostile. In the New Testament, ἐχθρός is used to describe both literal human adversaries and spiritual enemies of God. It has profound theological implications, especially in understanding the Christian command to love one’s enemies and to reconcile with God. The term is also deeply rooted in classical Greek literature, where it describes personal, political, and cosmic enemies, reflecting the universal concept of enmity and hostility.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word ἐχθρός appears over 30 times in the New Testament, often in the context of Jesus’ teachings on love and reconciliation? Its frequent usage underlines the revolutionary nature of the Gospel message to love one’s enemies, challenging both cultural norms and the natural human response to conflict and opposition.