φυσικῶς (phusikōs)
phusikōs
physically
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb physikōs means "naturally" or "by nature," describing something that arises from inherent character rather than external instruction. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Jude 1:10, where it modifies how certain people behave.
Jude uses the word to describe those who act according to their unspiritual instincts. They lack true understanding and are destroyed by these natural impulses. The term highlights a contrast between human instinct and divine wisdom, showing that some actions stem from base nature rather than spiritual insight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word φυσικῶς appears only once in the New Testament, found in Jude 1:10. It describes actions that stem from our raw, unrefined instincts rather than spiritual insight. Jude uses it to contrast human nature with divine wisdom, showing how we can be led astray by impulses we have not yet surrendered to God.
When you feel overwhelmed by reactions that seem automatic or base, remember that this passage acknowledges the reality of our fallen nature. It invites you to recognize when your instincts are leading you away from peace. The hope lies in allowing God’s truth to reshape those natural responses over time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- naturally1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φυσικῶς1×
Key Verses
-
Jude 1:10
But these speak evil of whatever things they don’t know. They are destroyed in these things that they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason.
This is the sole New Testament occurrence, where the word contrasts unspiritual instincts with true understanding.