ἀνθρώπινος (anthrōpinos)
anthrōpinos
human
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective anthrōpinos describes something that belongs to or is characteristic of human beings. Derived from the word for "man," it distinguishes what is earthly and finite from what is divine. In the New Testament, it appears in eight verses, often contrasting human limitations with God’s power or wisdom.
Its meaning shifts slightly depending on context. In 1 Corinthians 2:13, Paul uses it to describe spiritual truths explained in "human" words, suggesting a mode of communication suited to our understanding rather than divine mystery. Conversely, in James 3:7 and 1 Peter 2:13, it simply denotes things created by or subject to humans, such as animals or civil authorities.
A key distinction appears in Romans 6:19, where Paul says he speaks "in human fashion" (anthrōpinon logō) to accommodate the weakness of his audience. Here, the term highlights a pedagogical concession rather than an inherent flaw. It reminds readers that while God’s ways are transcendent, He often meets people within their own human framework.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anthropinos reminds us that God speaks our language. In 1 Corinthians 2:13, Paul notes that spiritual truths are explained in words humans can understand. This is not a compromise of divine truth, but an act of grace. God meets us where we are, using the limits of our minds to reveal His heart.
We also see this word when discussing human authority or weakness. Romans 6:19 shows Paul speaking in "human terms" because he knows his audience struggles with fleshly habits. He does not demand perfection immediately but guides them step by step. This patience mirrors how God treats us, offering instruction suited to our current capacity.
Whether referring to civil laws or human limitations, this term highlights the boundary between the Creator and creation. It invites humility. We are finite beings, yet we are valued enough for God to communicate clearly with us. This assurance brings comfort in our daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of human2×
- human2×
- what is common to man;1×
- human;1×
- a human1×
- In human terms1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνθρωπίνης3×
- Ἀνθρώπινον1×
- ἀνθρώπινος·1×
- ἀνθρωπίνῃ·1×
- ἀνθρωπίνῃ1×
- ἀνθρωπίνων1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 2:13
We also speak these things, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things.
Paul uses this word to show that spiritual truths are communicated through human language, making divine wisdom accessible to believers.
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Romans 6:19
I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh; for as you presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to wickedness upon wickedness, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness for sanctification.
The term appears in the phrase 'human terms' to explain Paul's pedagogical approach, acknowledging the weakness of his readers' fleshly nature.
-
I Peter 2:13
Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme,
Here it refers to human ordinances or civil authorities, grounding the instruction to submit in the reality of earthly governance structures.