from a derivative of νόθος; sluggish, i.e. (literally) lazy, or (figuratively) stupid:--dull, slothful.
Transliteration:nōthrós
Pronunciation:no-thros'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term νωθρός (nōthrós), Strong's `{{G3576}}`, carries the primary meaning of "sluggish," "lazy," "dull," or "stupid." Its etymological root traces to a derivative of νόθος (nóthos), which signifies "illegitimate" or "spurious." This underlying sense of lacking genuine quality or proper origin subtly informs νωθρός, suggesting a deficiency in vigor, sharpness, or authentic engagement. The word can denote physical inertia or slothfulness in a literal sense, but its New Testament usage predominantly leans towards a figurative application, describing a mental or spiritual state of dullness, apathy, or slowness to comprehend and respond. It implies a lack of alertness and an unreadiness to receive or act upon truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term νωθρός appears twice in the New Testament, both times within the Epistle to the Hebrews, where it consistently points to a spiritual or intellectual sluggishness rather than mere physical laziness.
In [[Hebrews 5:11]], the author states, "Concerning this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing." Here, νωθρός is applied to the audience's "hearing" (ἀκοῇ), indicating a profound spiritual or intellectual insensitivity. The difficulty in explaining deeper truths is attributed not to the complexity of the message itself, but to the recipients' diminished capacity to grasp it. This dullness prevents them from progressing beyond elementary doctrines, necessitating a return to "milk" rather than "solid food" appropriate for mature believers. It suggests a culpable state of spiritual stagnation.
Similarly, in [[Hebrews 6:12]], the author exhorts, "so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Here, νωθρός functions as a warning against spiritual apathy and a lack of perseverance. The contrast is drawn with those who, through active faith and patient endurance, attain the divine promises. This usage underscores the active choice involved in spiritual growth or decline; to be νωθρός is to fail to exert the necessary diligence and steadfastness required for the Christian walk. In both contexts, the word highlights a dangerous state of spiritual inertia that impedes growth, understanding, and the inheritance of God's blessings.
### Related Words & Concepts
νωθρός stands in semantic proximity to other Greek terms denoting idleness or slowness, yet maintains its unique emphasis on spiritual or intellectual dullness. Related words include:
* ἀργός (argos, `{{G692}}`): Meaning "idle," "inactive," or "unprofitable," often used for physical or vocational laziness (e.g., [[Matthew 12:36]]). While νωθρός can imply idleness, its focus is more on the internal state of dullness that leads to inaction.
* ὀκνηρός (okneros, `{{G3692}}`): Meaning "hesitant," "lazy," or "slothful," often describing one who shrinks from effort (e.g., [[Matthew 25:26]], the "lazy" servant).
* ῥᾳθυμία (rhythmia, not in NT): A classical Greek term for carelessness, indifference, or negligence.
Conversely, νωθρός stands in stark contrast to concepts of spiritual diligence, alertness, and perseverance:
* σπουδή (spoudē, `{{G4710}}`): "Diligence," "earnestness," "haste" (e.g., [[Romans 12:8]], [[2 Peter 1:5]]).
* ὑπομονή (hypomonē, `{{G5281}}`): "Patience," "endurance," "steadfastness" (e.g., [[Romans 5:3]], [[Hebrews 10:36]]).
* ἐγρηγορέω (egregoreō, `{{G1127}}`): "To be watchful," "alert," "awake" (e.g., [[Matthew 24:42]], [[1 Peter 5:8]]).
The biblical use of νωθρός implicitly calls for the cultivation of these virtues as antidotes to spiritual stagnation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of νωθρός lies in its potent warning against spiritual apathy and arrested development within the Christian life. It underscores the divine expectation for believers to actively engage with God's truth and to press forward in faith. The "dullness of hearing" described in [[Hebrews 5:11]] is not merely a passive state but a moral failure, impeding the reception of deeper revelatory truths and hindering spiritual maturity. This suggests that spiritual growth is not automatic but requires intentional effort, diligence, and responsiveness to divine instruction.
Furthermore, the injunction in [[Hebrews 6:12]] to "not be sluggish" highlights the necessity of perseverance in faith and endurance in the face of challenges. To be νωθρός is to risk falling short of inheriting God's promises, a theme central to the book of Hebrews. It implies that spiritual laziness can lead to a failure to appropriate the full blessings of salvation and to fulfill one's calling. The term thus serves as a powerful call to vigilance, active obedience, and a sustained pursuit of Christ-likeness, emphasizing that spiritual vitality is a dynamic process demanding constant engagement and growth.
### Summary
νωθρός (nōthrós, `{{G3576}}`) describes a state of spiritual sluggishness, dullness, or apathy. In its two New Testament occurrences in the Epistle to the Hebrews, it consistently denotes an intellectual or spiritual insensitivity that hinders understanding of deeper truths ([[Hebrews 5:11]]) and impedes perseverance in faith ([[Hebrews 6:12]]). Far from being a neutral condition, νωθρός represents a culpable lack of diligence and responsiveness, standing in stark contrast to the expected Christian virtues of earnestness, steadfastness, and active pursuit of spiritual maturity. The word serves as a profound warning against spiritual stagnation, urging believers to cultivate an alert mind and a diligent spirit to fully grasp God's word and inherit His promises.
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