### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anḗmeros**, represented by `{{G434}}`, is defined as **savage** or **fierce**. Its etymology comes from Α (as a negative particle) and a word for lame. It is an exceptionally rare term in scripture, appearing just **1 time** in **1 unique verse**. Its meaning is derived almost entirely from the single context in which it is found.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G434}}` is in [[2 Timothy 3:3]], where it is part of a list of negative traits. The verse describes people as being "Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, **fierce**, despisers of those that are good." In this context, **fierce** contributes to a portrait of individuals who are wild, untamed, and aggressive in their character and actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{G434}}` is sharpened by the cluster of words it appears with in [[2 Timothy 3:3]]. These related terms collectively describe a severe state of moral and social degradation:
* `{{G794}}` **ástorgos** (without natural affection): From the [REFERENCE LEGEND], this means "hard-hearted towards kindred," pointing to a breakdown in core family relationships. It appears in both [[Romans 1:31]] and [[2 Timothy 3:3]].
* `{{G786}}` **áspondos** (truce-breaker): This word means "implacable" or "truceless," signifying an unwillingness to make or keep peace with others [[2 Timothy 3:3]].
* `{{G1228}}` **diábolos** (false accuser): Defined as a "traducer" or "slanderer," this term is also used for the devil, highlighting a nature given to malicious speech ([[2 Timothy 3:3]], [[Ephesians 6:11]]).
* `{{G193}}` **akratḗs** (incontinent): This describes someone "without self-control," pointing to an inability to restrain personal impulses and passions [[2 Timothy 3:3]].
* `{{G865}}` **aphilágathos** (despiser of those that are good): This term means "hostile to virtue," indicating a character that actively opposes and rejects what is good [[2 Timothy 3:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G434}}` comes entirely from its inclusion in this specific list. It is not an isolated attribute but part of a larger diagnosis of character failure.
* **Absence of Control:** As a descriptor for "fierce," `{{G434}}` sits alongside "incontinent" `{{G193}}`, illustrating a person who is not only without self-control but also aggressively untamed.
* **Hostility to Peace:** Its placement next to "trucebreakers" `{{G786}}` and "without natural affection" `{{G794}}` shows that this fierceness manifests as a destructive force in social and familial relationships.
* **Alignment with Malice:** The term is associated with "false accusers" `{{G1228}}` and "despisers of those that are good" `{{G865}}`, suggesting that this savage nature is directed against truth, goodness, and righteous people.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G434}}` **anḗmeros** is a potent but narrowly used word for **fierce** or **savage**. Its singular appearance in [[2 Timothy 3:3]] gives it a specific and weighty meaning. It does not stand alone but serves as a key component in a list that illustrates a profound breakdown of character, marked by a lack of self-control, a rejection of peace, and hostility toward goodness.
TRV