### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **lḗthē**, represented by `{{G3024}}`, is a term for **forgetfulness**. It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant. It is derived from a root word meaning to forget and directly signifies the state of having forgotten something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G3024}}` is in [[2 Peter 1:9]], where it describes a negative spiritual condition. The text states that a person who lacks certain Christian virtues "is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath **forgotten** that he was purged from his old sins." In this context, the forgetfulness is not a simple lapse in memory but a profound failure to recall the foundational truth of one's own purification from sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the same verse give context to the meaning of **lḗthē**:
* `{{G5185}}` **typhlós** (opaque (as if smoky), i.e. (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally):--blind): This term is used to describe the state of the one who has forgotten, directly linking forgetfulness to spiritual **blindness** [[2 Peter 1:9]].
* `{{G3467}}` **myōpázō** (to shut the eyes, i.e. blink (see indistinctly):-- cannot see far off): This word works in tandem with blindness, indicating that the forgetful person has a limited spiritual perspective and **cannot see afar off** [[2 Peter 1:9]].
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía** (from ἁμαρτάνω; a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful)): This is the object of the forgetfulness—the individual has forgotten they were purged from their past **sins** [[2 Peter 1:9]].
* `{{G3819}}` **pálai** (probably another form for πάλιν (through the idea of retrocession); (adverbially) formerly, or (by relatively) sometime since; (elliptically as adjective) ancient:--any while, a great while ago, (of) old, in time past): This specifies the nature of the sins as being **old** or from a time past, emphasizing that a past event of purification has been forgotten [[2 Peter 1:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3024}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, where it highlights a critical spiritual danger.
* **Forgetting Redemption:** The word's primary theological function is to warn against forgetting the purification from one's past sins, a central element of salvation.
* **Cause of Spiritual Blindness:** In [[2 Peter 1:9]], this forgetfulness is presented as a direct cause or component of being spiritually "blind" and shortsighted.
* **A State of Deficiency:** The condition of forgetfulness is tied to one who "lacketh these things," implying that remembering one's redemption is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G3024}}` is extremely rare in scripture, its role in [[2 Peter 1:9]] is pivotal. **lḗthē** moves beyond simple forgetfulness to describe a spiritually perilous state. It serves as a stark warning that forgetting the foundational act of being purged from old sins leads directly to spiritual blindness and an inability to perceive spiritual truth.
TRV