Brief Overview of στυγητός (Strong’s G4767: stugētos)

Strong’s G4767: Hateful, detestable, or worthy of being hated. From στυγέω (to hate, abhor). Used in Paul’s letter to Titus to describe the former state of believers before their transformation in the Messiah, emphasizing the contrast between pre-conversion sinfulness and new life in the Messiah.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στυγητός expresses deep moral revulsion and represents what is truly detestable or worthy of being hated. In Titus, Paul uses it to describe the former condition of believers, emphasizing the radical transformation brought by God’s grace. Early church fathers saw in this term a powerful description of sin’s true nature and the complete change effected by salvation. Today, στυγητός reminds us of both the seriousness of sin and the transformative power of God’s grace.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στυγητός, stugētos, /stoo-gay-tos’/
• Detailed Pronunciation: stoo-GAY-tos (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root word: στυγέω (stugeō) – “to hate, abhor”
• -τός (-tos) – verbal adjective suffix indicating capability or worthiness
  The combination means “worthy of being hated”

D – Defining Meanings

• Hateful
• Detestable
• Abhorrent
• Worthy of being hated

For compound words: Not applicable as στυγητός is a simple adjective with suffix.

Translation Options:

1. “Hateful” – Most direct translation
2. “Detestable” – Emphasizes moral repugnance
3. “Abhorrent” – Captures strong emotional reaction

E – Exploring Similar Words

1. μισητός (misētos) /mis-ay-tos’/ – hateful, from different root. See G3404
2. βδελυκτός (bdelyktos) /bdel-ook-tos’/ – abominable. See G947
3. ἐχθρός (echthros) /ekh-thros’/ – hostile, enemy. See G2190

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, στυγητός exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative/Accusative/Genitive/Dative
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine/Neuter

Examples of morphological changes:

• Masculine: στυγητός (nominative), στυγητοῦ (genitive)
• Feminine: στυγητή (nominative), στυγητῆς (genitive)
• Neuter: στυγητόν (nominative), στυγητοῦ (genitive)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its strong moral disapproval. Thayer’s notes its connection to divine hatred of sin. LSJ documents its use in moral contexts. Vine’s highlights its single NT occurrence. Strong’s connects it to intense aversion. Moulton and Milligan show its use in strong condemnations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

“For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, [στυγητός] hateful, hating one another.” Titus 3:3

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στυγητός powerfully illustrates the depth of transformation in the Messiah. By describing our former state as “hateful,” Paul emphasizes the radical nature of God’s grace that transforms those who were once detestable into beloved children. This reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s transforming love.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word shares its root with the mythological river Styx, associated with hatred and dread.
2. Early Christian writers used it to describe sin’s inherent nature rather than personal animosity.
3. It appears in ancient curse tablets, showing its strong emotional force.

Strong’s G4767: Hateful, detestable, or worthy of being hated. From στυγέω (to hate, abhor). Used in Paul’s letter to Titus to describe the former state of believers before their transformation in the Messiah, emphasizing the contrast between pre-conversion sinfulness and new life in the Messiah.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: hatred, transformation, sin, grace, conversion, moral-corruption, divine-transformation, paul-teaching, salvation, greek-adjective​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​