### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἄθεσμος (áthesmos, `{{G113}}`) is a compound term derived from the privative alpha (α-), signifying negation or absence, and θέσμιος (thesmios), which relates to θέσμος (thesmos), meaning "that which is laid down," "an ordinance," or "law." The root of θέσμιος is τίθημι (tithēmi, `{{G5087}}`), "to place," "to set," or "to establish."
Therefore, the core meaning of ἄθεσμος is "without law," "not conforming to law," or "unlawful." It describes a state or action that is contrary to established norms, principles, or statutes. While it can refer to human law, in a biblical context, it primarily denotes a disregard for divine law and moral order. By implication, such lawlessness leads to criminal or wicked behavior, characterizing individuals or deeds that are morally depraved and rebellious against God's ordained standards.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἄθεσμος appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Second Epistle of Peter, underscoring its specific theological weight within this letter.
1. **[[2 Peter 2:7]]**: "and rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the lawless (ἀθέσμων) and wicked (ἀσελγεία) people." Here, ἄθεσμος is used to describe the inhabitants of Sodom. The phrase "lawless deeds" (ἀθέσμων ἔργων) refers to their flagrant disregard for moral and divine boundaries, leading to their depraved and destructive behavior. The context emphasizes God's judgment upon those who live in open rebellion against His established order, contrasting their conduct with the righteousness of Lot. The term highlights not merely isolated acts of sin, but a pervasive state of being "without law" in their lives.
2. **[[2 Peter 3:17]]**: "You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless (ἀθέσμων) people and lose your own stability." In this instance, ἄθεσμος refers to false teachers or those who propagate doctrines that lead believers astray. Their "error" (πλάνῃ) is characterized by a fundamental lawlessness, implying that their teachings and conduct are contrary to God's revealed truth and established commands. This verse serves as a warning against being influenced by those who operate outside of God's revealed will, thereby jeopardizing one's faith and spiritual steadfastness.
In both contexts, ἄθεσμος signifies a profound rejection of divine authority and moral accountability, leading to either overt wickedness or deceptive teaching.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἄθεσμος stands in close semantic relation to several other Greek terms that describe sin, rebellion, and moral deviation:
* **ἀνομία (anomia, `{{G458}}`)**: This noun, meaning "lawlessness" or "iniquity," is conceptually very close. While ἄθεσμος describes the *person* or *deed* as being lawless, ἀνομία refers to the *state* or *principle* of lawlessness itself. ἄθεσμος can be seen as an adjective describing one who embodies ἀνομία.
* **ἀνομῶν (anomōn, `{{G459}}`)**: The participle of ἀνομία, referring to "one who is lawless" or "one who commits lawlessness."
* **πονηρός (ponēros, `{{G4190}}`)**: A broader term meaning "evil," "wicked," or "bad." While ἄθεσμος specifies the nature of the wickedness as being "lawless," πονηρός is a more general descriptor of moral depravity.
* **ἀσεβής (asebēs, `{{G765}}`)**: Meaning "ungodly" or "impious," indicating a lack of reverence or respect for God. ἄθεσμος often implies ἀσεβής because disregard for divine law is inherently ungodly.
* **ἀσελγεια (aselgeia, `{{G766}}`)**: Translated as "sensuality," "licentiousness," or "debauchery." This term, used alongside ἄθεσμος in [[2 Peter 2:7]], describes the unrestrained, shameless immorality that often results from a lawless mindset.
* **νόμος (nomos, `{{G3551}}`)**: "Law," serving as the direct antonym. ἄθεσμος describes the one who is antithetical to νόμος, particularly God's law.
* **δίκαιος (dikaios, `{{G1342}}`)**: "Righteous" or "just," representing the opposite character to ἄθεσμος – one who conforms to God's law and will.
The concept of ἄθεσμος highlights a fundamental opposition to divine order and a rejection of God's authority as the ultimate Lawgiver.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἄθεσμος lies in its portrayal of a deep-seated rebellion against God's established moral and spiritual order. It is more than mere disobedience; it is a state of being "without law," implying a self-willed autonomy that rejects any external divine constraint.
In [[2 Peter 2:7]], the "lawless deeds" of Sodom serve as a stark example of the ultimate consequences of such a lifestyle: divine judgment. This underscores that God's moral laws are not arbitrary but are foundational to human flourishing and are upheld by His righteous character. To be ἄθεσμος is to invite divine wrath.
In [[2 Peter 3:17]], the "error of lawless people" refers to false teachings that lead to spiritual instability. This indicates that theological error often stems from a foundational lawlessness – a disregard for the established truths and commands of God's Word. Such lawlessness in doctrine can be as destructive as lawlessness in conduct, leading believers away from the truth and into apostasy.
ἄθεσμος thus points to a spiritual condition characterized by a deliberate rejection of divine authority, whether manifested in flagrant immorality or deceptive doctrine. It contrasts sharply with the Christian call to live in conformity with God's will and truth, emphasizing the importance of adherence to God's law as a mark of genuine faith and a safeguard against spiritual peril. The term serves as a warning against both outward licentiousness and inward theological rebellion, both of which stem from a heart that is "without law" before God.
### Summary
The Greek word ἄθεσμος (áthesmos, `{{G113}}`) fundamentally means "without law" or "lawless." Its two occurrences in 2 Peter reveal its profound theological significance: it describes individuals and their actions as being in direct opposition to God's established moral and spiritual order. In [[2 Peter 2:7]], it characterizes the extreme wickedness of Sodom, leading to divine judgment. In [[2 Peter 3:17]], it warns against the deceptive teachings of those who disregard God's truth, leading to spiritual instability. ἄθεσμος signifies a deliberate rejection of divine authority and a state of moral depravity or doctrinal error, highlighting the severe consequences of living outside of God's revealed will. It stands in stark contrast to righteousness and obedience, serving as a critical term for understanding the nature of rebellion against God in the New Testament.
TRV