ἐχθρός (echthros)
echthros
enemy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word echthros describes a state of active hostility or enmity, rooted in the noun for hatred. It functions as both an adjective meaning "hostile" and a substantive noun referring to an "enemy." In the New Testament, it captures the deep rift between humanity and God caused by sin, as seen when Paul notes that believers were once enemies in their minds (Colossians 1:21). The term is not merely about dislike; it implies opposition and conflict.
Its usage ranges from personal adversaries to cosmic forces. Jesus commands his followers to love their echthroi, extending grace even to those who oppose them (Matthew 5:44). The word also identifies specific antagonists, such as the devil described as "the enemy" in Matthew 13:39, or political rulers whose power is ultimately defeated by Christ (1 Corinthians 15:25). This breadth shows how the concept spans interpersonal conflict to spiritual warfare.
Translators typically render echthros as "enemy," though the English word can sometimes feel too neutral. The Greek carries a sharper edge of active opposition. In Romans 11:28, Paul uses it to describe Israel’s current status in relation to the gospel, contrasting it with their beloved status regarding election. This duality highlights the temporary nature of hostility within God’s broader plan of redemption.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word echthros describes a deep, active hostility that goes beyond simple dislike. It captures the sharp rift caused by sin, whether between people or between humanity and God. In Colossians, Paul reminds us that we were once enemies in our minds, alienated from God by our own actions. This reality is not just a historical fact but a personal truth about where we all start without grace.
Jesus turns this tension into an invitation for radical love. When He commands us to love our enemies in Matthew 5:44, He does not ask for passive tolerance but active blessing. This command challenges the natural human instinct to retaliate or withdraw. Instead, it calls us to break the cycle of hostility by offering kindness to those who oppose us.
Ultimately, this word points to the hope of reconciliation. Romans 5:10 shows that while we were still enemies, God reconciled us to Himself through Christ’s death. This means no relationship is too broken for His love to heal. The same grace that bridges the gap between us and God gives us the strength to extend peace in our own difficult relationships.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- enemies18×
- enemy6×
- an enemy2×
- the enemy1×
- hostile1×
- enemy,1×
- [they are] enemies1×
- [the] enemies1×
- An enemy1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐχθροὺς7×
- ἐχθρὸς6×
- ἐχθρούς6×
- ἐχθροὶ5×
- ἐχθρῶν2×
- ἐχθρός1×
- ἐχθρόν1×
- ἐχθρὸν1×
- ἐχθρὲ1×
- ἐχθροῦ,1×
- ἐχθροί1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,
This verse contains Jesus’ direct command to love echthroi, establishing the ethical standard for Christian conduct toward adversaries.
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Romans 5:10
For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life.
Paul uses this term to describe our former spiritual state before reconciliation, highlighting the magnitude of God's saving work.
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Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
Here the command is linked to becoming children of the Most High, showing that loving enemies reflects God’s own character.
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Matthew 13:39
The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.
Jesus identifies the devil as the enemy who sows weeds, illustrating the spiritual forces behind worldly conflict and division.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does echthros mean in the New Testament?
How is echthros different from a general foe?
Why does Jesus command us to love our echthroi?
Every Occurrence (32 verses across 13 books)
Matthew 7 verses
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
Matthew 5:44But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who…
Matthew 10:36A man’s foes will be those of his own household.
Matthew 13:25but while people slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel weeds also among the wheat, and went away.
Matthew 13:28“He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them up?’
Matthew 13:39The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.
Matthew 22:44‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’?