Natural Instinct: φυσικῶς (Strong’s G5447: physikōs) Reveals Innate Knowledge

Strong’s G5447: An adverb derived from phusikos, meaning “naturally, by nature, according to nature.” Used to describe behaviors or characteristics that are innate or instinctive, rather than learned or rational. In biblical context, it often carries a negative connotation when describing unregenerate human nature.

U- Unveiling the Word

φυσικῶς (physikōs) embodies the concept of that which occurs naturally or by instinct, without external instruction or influence. In the New Testament, it specifically appears in Jude 1:10, where it describes the instinctive knowledge of unreasoning animals. This natural understanding stands in contrast to spiritual discernment and divine wisdom. The early church understood this term as highlighting the difference between natural, unredeemed human nature and the transformed nature received through the Holy Spirit. Today, this word remains significant in discussions about natural revelation versus special revelation, and the limitations of human understanding apart from divine enlightenment.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φυσικῶς, physikōs, foo-see-KOCE
• Pronunciation: foo (as in “food”) – see (as in “seed”) – KOCE (like “close” without the ‘l’)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• φύσις (phusis) – nature, natural condition
• -ικος (-ikos) – pertaining to
• -ως (-ōs) – adverbial suffix indicating manner

D – Defining Meanings

• Acting according to natural instinct
• Behaving in accordance with nature
• Operating by inherent disposition

For compound words:
The root φύσις denotes natural essence or disposition, while the -ικος suffix creates an adjective meaning “pertaining to nature.” The -ως ending transforms it into an adverb describing manner.

Translation Options:

• “naturally” – emphasizes the innate quality of an action
• “by instinct” – highlights the unconscious, animal-like aspect
• “according to nature” – stresses conformity to natural order

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φυσικός (physikos) – natural, physical See G5446
• φύσις (physis) – nature, natural order See G5449
• ψυχικός (psychikos) – natural, worldly See G5591

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb, φυσικῶς is indeclinable, meaning its form remains constant regardless of its function in the sentence. The -ως ending is the standard adverbial marker in Greek, comparable to the English “-ly” suffix.

• Related forms:
• Adjective: φυσικός (physical, natural)
• Noun: φύσις (nature)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

φυσικῶς presents a fascinating study in lexical development. BDAG emphasizes its connection to instinctive knowledge, while Thayer’s highlights its relation to the natural order of creation. LSJ provides evidence of its usage in philosophical contexts, particularly in discussions of natural law versus convention. Vine’s notes its singular New Testament appearance and its connection to unregenerate human nature. Moulton and Milligan document its usage in papyri, showing its application in everyday contexts to describe natural processes and instinctive behaviors.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know [φυσικῶς] naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.” Jude 1:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

φυσικῶς serves as a powerful reminder of the limitations of natural human understanding apart from divine revelation. In its biblical context, it highlights the contrast between mere natural knowledge and the spiritual wisdom that comes through the Messiah. This word teaches us that while natural instincts and knowledge have their place, true wisdom and understanding come through the Holy Spirit’s illumination. The good news is that through the Messiah, we are not limited to merely natural understanding but can receive spiritual discernment and wisdom from above.

D – Did You Know?

• φυσικῶς appears only once in the New Testament, making it a hapax legomenon
• Ancient Greek philosophers used this term extensively in debates about natural law
• The word influenced early Christian discussions about natural theology versus revealed truth

Strong’s G5447: An adverb derived from phusikos, meaning “naturally, by nature, according to nature.” Used to describe behaviors or characteristics that are innate or instinctive, rather than learned or rational. In biblical context, it often carries a negative connotation when describing unregenerate human nature.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: natural, instinct, nature, adverb, Jude, wisdom, discernment, natural-revelation, Greek-adverbs, biblical-Greek​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​