παρανομία (paranomia)
paranomia
lawlessness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun paranomia denotes a fundamental breach of law, appearing only once in the New Testament at 2 Peter 2:16. It describes not merely a mistake or an accident, but a conscious violation of legal or moral boundaries. The term captures the essence of wickedness that operates outside established order.
Its structure reveals its meaning clearly: it combines a prefix indicating deviation with a root related to law. This creates a sense of acting against what is right and proper. In the context of 2 Peter, it characterizes false teachers who ignore divine constraints.
The word carries significant weight in describing ethical collapse. It suggests a life defined by rebellion rather than obedience. Translators typically render it as "lawlessness," emphasizing the active rejection of moral standards. This usage highlights the destructive nature of ignoring spiritual authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paranomia points to a deliberate turning away from God's moral order. It is not simply an error or a momentary lapse, but a conscious choice to live outside the boundaries of divine law. In 2 Peter 2:16, this term describes the destructive path of false teachers who reject spiritual authority and ignore ethical constraints.
For your faith, this word serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience. It highlights that true righteousness involves more than just avoiding obvious sins; it requires a heart aligned with God's will. By recognizing the danger of lawlessness, we are encouraged to seek guidance from Scripture and remain grounded in truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- transgression;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παρανομίας·1×
Key Verses
-
II Peter 2:16
but he was rebuked for his own disobedience. A speechless donkey spoke with a man’s voice and stopped the madness of the prophet.
This verse uses paranomia to characterize the false teacher's rejection of divine constraints, linking it directly to disobedience and madness.