from ἐν and νόμος; (subjectively) legal, or (objectively) subject to:--lawful, under law.
Transliteration:énnomos
Pronunciation:en'-nom-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἔννομος (G1772), transliterated as *énnomos*, is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐν (in, within) and the noun νόμος (law). Its core meaning therefore signifies being "in law," "within the sphere of law," or "governed by law." Semantically, it carries a dual nuance:
1. **Subjective sense**: Referring to that which is "lawful," "legal," or "legitimate," implying conformity to established legal or moral standards.
2. **Objective sense**: Describing one who is "subject to law" or "under law," indicating a state of being bound by or accountable to a particular legal framework or authority.
The word inherently conveys a sense of order, regulation, and proper conduct in accordance with prevailing norms, whether civic or divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔννομος appears only twice in the New Testament, each instance offering a distinct yet complementary insight into its meaning:
1. **[[Acts 19:39]]**: In the context of the riot in Ephesus, the town clerk addresses the unruly crowd, stating, "But if you have any other question, it will be decided in the lawful assembly" (ἐν τῇ ἐννόμῳ ἐκκλησίᾳ). Here, ἔννομος clearly denotes a "lawful" or "regular" assembly, one convened according to proper legal procedure and authority, as opposed to the chaotic, unauthorized gathering of the mob. The emphasis is on civil order, due process, and adherence to established legal norms within the Roman provincial administration. It underscores the importance of legitimate authority and structured governance.
2. **[[1 Corinthians 9:21]]**: This occurrence carries profound theological weight. Paul, explaining his adaptable ministry approach, writes, "To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being without law toward God, but under law to Christ), that I might win those outside the law." (μὴ ὢν ἄνομος θεοῦ ἀλλ' ἔννομος Χριστοῦ). Here, Paul explicitly contrasts himself as "not without law toward God" (using the antonym `{{G459}}` *anomos*, lawless) but rather "under law to Christ" (ἔννομος Χριστοῦ). This is a pivotal statement. Paul is not advocating for lawlessness for the sake of evangelism, nor is he returning to a legalistic adherence to the Mosaic Law. Instead, he defines his obedience as being "within the law of Christ" or "subject to Christ's law." This signifies a willing submission to Christ's authority and teachings, which embody the true spirit and fulfillment of God's righteous demands. It is a new form of "being under law," one rooted in relationship with Christ rather than external codes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἔννομος is illuminated by its relationship to several other key biblical terms and concepts:
* **`{{G3551}}` νόμος (*nomos*)**: The base word for "law," most frequently referring to the Mosaic Law. ἔννομος signifies being "in" or "under" this broader concept of law.
* **`{{G459}}` ἄνομος (*anomos*)**: The direct antonym, meaning "lawless" or "without law." Paul's explicit denial of being ἄνομος toward God in [[1 Corinthians 9:21]] highlights the positive and essential nature of being ἔννομος Χριστοῦ.
* **`{{G5228}}` ὑπὸ νόμον (*hypo nomon*)**: "Under law." This phrase, particularly in Paul's epistles, often refers to being under the Mosaic Law, especially concerning justification (e.g., [[Romans 3:19]], [[Galatians 3:23]]). While ἔννομος shares a semantic field, Paul's declaration of being ἔννομος Χριστοῦ presents a redefinition or a higher form of being "under law," shifting the focus from external code to internal allegiance to Christ.
* **Order and Authority**: The concept of ἔννομος implies order, legitimate authority, and structure, whether in civic life (as in Acts) or in one's spiritual walk (as in 1 Corinthians). This resonates with God's character as a God of order (`{{H7225}}` *reshiyth* often implies order in creation) and divine governance.
* **The Law of Christ**: This distinct concept, central to ἔννομος Χριστοῦ, refers not to a new set of legalistic rules, but to the ethical and spiritual principles embodied in Christ's life, teachings, and the indwelling Spirit. It is a law of love and grace that fulfills the righteousness of God's original intent ([[Galatians 6:2]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἔννομος is primarily drawn from its use in [[1 Corinthians 9:21]], where it articulates a crucial aspect of Christian freedom and obedience.
1. **Redefining "Under Law"**: Paul's declaration "under law to Christ" (ἔννομος Χριστοῦ) profoundly redefines what it means for a believer to be "under law." It distinguishes Christian obedience from the legalistic burden of the Mosaic Law, which could lead to condemnation. Instead, it posits a voluntary and joyful submission to the lordship of Christ. This "law of Christ" is not a new external code, but an internal principle of life guided by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live in conformity with God's will and character.
2. **Freedom in Christ is Not Lawlessness**: The phrase emphasizes that Christian freedom is not an absence of moral obligation or a license for licentiousness. Rather, it is a freedom *from* the condemnation of sin and the law, and a freedom *for* righteous living, empowered by the Spirit, in humble submission to Christ. Believers are not ἄνομος (lawless) but are ἔννομος (under law) to the one who redeemed them.
3. **Christ as the Standard**: Christ Himself becomes the new standard and embodiment of God's law. To be ἔννομος Χριστοῦ means to live in accordance with Christ's example, His commands (e.g., love God and neighbor), and His purposes. This obedience flows from a transformed heart and a personal relationship, rather than from a fear of external punishment.
4. **Divine Order**: The use in Acts reminds us that God is a God of order. Even in secular contexts, lawful and orderly processes reflect a divine preference for structure over chaos. This principle extends to the church, which is called to operate with decency and order ([[1 Corinthians 14:40]]).
### Summary
The Greek word ἔννομος (G1772) signifies being "lawful" or "subject to law," derived from ἐν (in) and νόμος (law). Its two New Testament occurrences provide distinct yet interconnected insights. In [[Acts 19:39]], it refers to a "lawful assembly," underscoring the importance of proper civic order and legitimate authority. More profoundly, in [[1 Corinthians 9:21]], Paul declares himself "under law to Christ" (ἔννομος Χριστοῦ), contrasting this with being "lawless" (`{{G459}}` *anomos*). This pivotal theological statement articulates that Christian freedom is not an absence of moral obligation, but rather a willing submission to the lordship of Christ. It redefines what it means to be "under law" (distinct from `{{G5228}}` *hypo nomon*), shifting the focus from external legal codes to an internal, Spirit-empowered obedience to Christ's teachings and example. Thus, ἔννομος highlights both the divine preference for order in all spheres of life and the transformative nature of Christian obedience, which finds its ultimate standard and fulfillment in Christ.
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