ἀνομία (anomia)
anomia
lawlessness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word anomia describes a state of lawlessness or iniquity. It comes from the root meaning "without law," but in Scripture it rarely implies a neutral lack of rules. Instead, it points to active rebellion against divine order. The term appears fourteen times in the New Testament, frequently highlighting behaviors that stand in direct opposition to God’s will.
This word carries significant weight in key passages. Jesus uses it to describe those who practice evil despite calling Him Lord (Matthew 7:23) and to characterize the moral decay that marks the end of the age (Matthew 24:12). In his letters, Paul contrasts anomia with righteousness, noting that Christ came to redeem people from this very condition (Titus 2:14). John defines sin itself using this term, stating that lawlessness is the essence of transgression (1 John 3:4).
The concept bridges the Old and New Testaments. In the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, anomia often translates words for wickedness or iniquity, such as pesha. This connection shows that the New Testament authors viewed lawlessness not just as breaking human rules, but as a deep-seated spiritual rebellion. It represents a life oriented away from God’s authority and toward self-determination.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anomia points to a life lived in active rebellion against God’s order, rather than simply breaking a rule. It describes a heart that has turned away from divine authority toward self-determination. This is not merely about missing the mark; it is a deep-seated spiritual condition where one’s actions stand in direct opposition to God’s will.
Yet this heavy truth carries a profound hope. Jesus did not come only to condemn lawlessness but to redeem us from it. He gave Himself so that we might be purified and become a people zealous for good works. When we recognize our own tendency toward rebellion, we are invited to look to Christ’s sacrifice, which covers our iniquities and restores our relationship with Him.
In a world where moral decay often seems to grow cold the love of many, this word reminds us that true life is found in submission to God. We do not need to carry the weight of our past rebellions alone. His mercy remembers our sins no more, offering us a fresh start rooted in grace rather than our own performance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lawlessness4×
- lawlessness.3×
- of lawlessness,2×
- lawless acts2×
- wickedness.1×
- to lawlessness1×
- lawlessness?1×
- lawlessness,1×
- lawless deeds1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνομίαν3×
- ἀνομίας,2×
- ἀνομιῶν2×
- ἀνομίᾳ;1×
- ἀνομίᾳ1×
- ἀνομίας.¶1×
- ἀνομίας1×
- ἀνομίαν.¶1×
- ἀνομίαν.1×
- ἀνομίαν,1×
- ἀνομίαι1×
- ἀνομία.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:23
Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’
Jesus uses this term to show that merely calling Him Lord is insufficient if one’s life is characterized by active rebellion against His authority.
-
Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.
This verse highlights the redemptive purpose of Christ’s death, which is to redeem believers from this very condition of iniquity.
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Matthew 24:12
Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.
Jesus links the multiplication of lawlessness in the end times with the cooling of love, showing its corrosive effect on community and faith.
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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.
Paul contrasts presenting ourselves as servants to wickedness with serving righteousness, illustrating the practical choice between lawlessness and holiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does anomia mean in the Bible?
How is anomia different from hamartia?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Does this word apply to all Christians?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’
Matthew 13:41The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling and…
Matthew 23:28Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Matthew 24:12Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.