from Α (as a negative particle) and a derivative of (statute; from the base of τίθημι); illegal; by implication, flagitious:--abominable, unlawful thing.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **athémitos**, represented by `{{G111}}`, describes that which is **illegal** or, by implication, flagitious and **abominable**. Its base definition is derived from a negative particle combined with a word for statute, indicating something that is against established law or custom. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, carrying a strong sense of transgression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical applications, `{{G111}}` is used in two distinct contexts. In Acts, Peter describes it as an **unlawful thing** for a Jew to keep company with someone of another nation, referring to a violation of ceremonial custom [[Acts 10:28]]. In contrast, the Apostle Peter also uses the word to describe idolatry as **abominable**, placing it within a list of sinful behaviors practiced by Gentiles, such as lasciviousness, lusts, and excess of wine [[1 Peter 4:3]]. This usage highlights a severe moral and spiritual violation against God's law.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of what is considered illegal or impure:
* `{{G1495}}` **eidōlolatreía** (idolatry): This term for image-worship is directly described as **abominable** `{{G111}}` in [[1 Peter 4:3]], defining the specific action that is against divine statute.
* `{{G2839}}` **koinós** (common, defiled, unclean, unholy): In [[Acts 10:28]], God shows Peter not to call any man **common** or unclean, directly challenging the very tradition Peter had just described as an **unlawful thing** `{{G111}}`.
* `{{G169}}` **akáthartos** (impure... foul, unclean): This word is paired with **koinós** in [[Acts 10:28]] and helps define the state of ceremonial impurity that was mistakenly applied to Gentiles. It is also used to describe foul spirits [[Revelation 18:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G111}}` is centered on the nature of law and transgression.
* **Divine vs. Human Law:** The word's usage contrasts human-made religious statutes with God's divine commands. In [[Acts 10:28]], the "unlawful thing" is a human tradition that God himself overturns.
* **Moral Abomination:** Its use in [[1 Peter 4:3]] elevates its meaning from a simple breaking of rules to a moral horror in the eyes of God. Describing idolatries as **abominable** frames them as fundamentally wicked and illicit.
* **Defining Sinful Behavior:** When used in [[1 Peter 4:3]], `{{G111}}` functions as a capstone to a list of vices, branding the practice of idolatry as a flagrant violation that characterizes a life lived apart from the will of God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G111}}` is a specific and powerful term that denotes something as illegal, forbidden, or abominable. While it can refer to the violation of human customs, its more significant application is in describing acts that are profoundly offensive to God's law, such as idolatry. The word serves to distinguish between man's rules and God's absolute moral standard.
TRV