from θεός and the base of στυγνητός; hateful to God, i.e. impious:--hater of God.
Transliteration:theostygḗs
Pronunciation:theh-os-too-gace'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term θεοστυγής (theostygḗs), Strong's number `{{G2319}}`, is a compound word derived from θεός (theos, `{{G2316}}`, meaning "God") and a root related to στυγέω (stygeō), which signifies "to hate" or "to abhor." The morphology of the word indicates an active sense, meaning "one who hates God" or "a hater of God." While some compound adjectives ending in -ης can denote a passive sense (e.g., "hated by God"), the context of its sole New Testament occurrence and the predominant usage of similar compounds strongly supports the active meaning. It describes a disposition of active animosity and antagonism towards the Divine Being. This is more than mere indifference or ignorance; it signifies a deep-seated, volitional opposition to God and His nature. The term encapsulates a profound state of impiety and spiritual rebellion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word θεοστυγής appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Romans 1:30]]. This occurrence is found within Paul's extended indictment of humanity's sinfulness, particularly the Gentile world, which has suppressed the truth of God and exchanged it for idolatry and depravity. In [[Romans 1:29-31]], Paul lists a litany of vices that characterize those whom God has "given over to a depraved mind." The list includes "gossips, slanders, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful."
Within this comprehensive catalogue of moral and spiritual corruption, "haters of God" stands as a foundational and particularly egregious sin. It is not merely one vice among many but points to the underlying spiritual rebellion that fuels many of the other behaviors listed. The active hatred of God is a direct affront to the Creator and Sustainer, revealing a heart that is not only disobedient but actively hostile to the source of all goodness and truth. Its placement in this list underscores the depth of spiritual alienation and the ultimate root of human depravity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary component of θεοστυγής is θεός (`{{G2316}}`), which is the very object of the hatred described. This highlights the direct and personal nature of the animosity. The root στυγ- is related to στυγητός (`{{G4767}}`), meaning "detestable" or "hateful," which can apply to things that are abhorrent. However, in θεοστυγής, the active sense is paramount.
Conceptually, θεοστυγής stands in stark contrast to terms denoting godliness or devotion, such as εὐσέβεια (`{{G2150}}`, godliness/piety) or φιλόθεος (lover of God, though this specific compound is not in the NT, the concept of loving God is central). It is closely allied with other terms describing profound ungodliness and spiritual opposition found in Romans 1, such as ἀσεβεῖς (`{{G765}}`, ungodly) and ἀδικία (`{{G93}}`, unrighteousness). The "hater of God" embodies the ultimate expression of ἔχθρα (`{{G2189}}`, enmity) towards God, a state described elsewhere as characteristic of the "flesh" or the unregenerate mind ([[Romans 8:7]]). This active hatred is a manifestation of the human heart's rebellion against its Creator, a rebellion that leads to widespread moral decay.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of θεοστυγής carries immense theological weight. It reveals the profound depth of human depravity and the ultimate spiritual state of those who reject God. It is not merely an absence of faith or a passive ignorance, but an active, willful animosity towards the Divine. This term underscores that sin is not just a breaking of rules, but a fundamental rebellion against the Person of God.
For Paul, the "hater of God" represents the culmination of humanity's suppression of truth ([[Romans 1:18]]) and the exchange of God's glory for idolatry ([[Romans 1:23]]). This active hatred is a spiritual malignancy that permeates and defines the unregenerate heart, leading to the catalogue of vices listed in [[Romans 1:29-31]]. It underscores the biblical teaching that the "natural man" is not neutral towards God, but hostile ([[Romans 8:7]]).
The existence of θεοστυγής as a descriptor highlights the absolute necessity of divine intervention for salvation. If humanity is characterized by active hatred of God, then reconciliation is impossible without God's gracious initiative to transform the heart. It points to the radical nature of regeneration, where a heart once filled with enmity is made new and drawn to love God.
### Summary
θεοστυγής (`{{G2319}}`) is a potent Greek term meaning "a hater of God," emphasizing an active and volitional animosity towards the Divine. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Romans 1:30]] places it centrally within Paul's description of humanity's profound spiritual depravity. As a foundational vice, it signifies the ultimate rebellion against the Creator, underpinning a host of other ungodly behaviors. Theologically, it underscores the depth of human sinfulness, revealing a heart not merely ignorant but actively hostile towards God, thereby highlighting the indispensable need for divine grace and spiritual transformation for reconciliation.
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