### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ἀνόμως (anómōs) is derived from the adjective ἄνομος (anomos, `{{G458}}`) and the alpha privative ἀ- combined with νόμος (nomos, `{{G3551}}`), meaning "law." Consequently, ἀνόμως fundamentally signifies "without law," "lawlessly," or "not subject to law." Its core semantic range encompasses a state or manner of existence where a specific legal code, particularly the Mosaic Law, is absent or not applicable. It does not necessarily imply active transgression of a known law, but rather the condition of not being under its jurisdiction or having access to its explicit revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀνόμως appears primarily in the New Testament within the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans, specifically in [[Romans 2:12]]. This singular, yet highly significant, occurrence is foundational to Paul's argument concerning divine judgment and the universality of sin.
In [[Romans 2:12]], Paul states: "For as many as have sinned ἀνόμως (anómōs) will also perish ἀνόμως (anómōs), and as many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law." Here, ἀνόμως refers to the Gentiles, those who did not possess the Mosaic Law. Paul distinguishes between two categories of humanity: those "without law" (Gentiles) and those "under the law" (Jews).
The context of Romans 2 is Paul's demonstration that all humanity—both Jew and Gentile—is accountable to God and stands condemned by their sin. For the Gentiles, their sin is not a transgression of the written Mosaic code, which they did not receive. Instead, their sin is a violation of the inherent moral knowledge God has inscribed on their hearts, often referred to as conscience ([[Romans 2:14-15]]). Therefore, they sinned "without law" in the sense that they did not have the explicit, revealed Law of Moses. Their perishing will also be "without law," meaning their judgment will not be based on the specific statutes of the Mosaic Law, but on the basis of their response to the moral light they did possess. This underscores the impartiality and justice of God's judgment, as He holds all people accountable according to the light and truth available to them.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀνόμως is enriched by examining its lexical family and associated theological concepts:
* **νόμος (nomos, `{{G3551}}`):** The foundational word for "law," most frequently referring to the Mosaic Law or, more broadly, a principle or custom. ἀνόμως describes the state of being outside the purview of this νόμος.
* **ἄνομος (anomos, `{{G458}}`):** The adjective form, meaning "lawless" or "without law." It can describe individuals who are not under the Law, or those who disregard it.
* **ἀνομία (anomia, `{{G458}}`):** The noun form, meaning "lawlessness" or "iniquity." This term often carries a stronger connotation of active rebellion against divine law or a state of moral depravity, as seen in passages like [[1 John 3:4]] ("sin is ἀνομία"). While ἀνόμως describes a *condition* of not having a specific law, ἀνομία describes the *act* or *state* of being lawless or committing lawless deeds.
* **Conscience (συνείδησις, syneidēsis, `{{G4893}}`):** Paul's argument in [[Romans 2:14-15]] posits that Gentiles, though ἀνόμως regarding the Mosaic Law, possess an internal "law" of conscience, which serves as a witness to God's moral demands.
* **Gentiles (ἔθνη, ethnē, `{{G1484}}`):** The primary group identified as ἀνόμως in Paul's theological framework, representing those outside the covenant of the Mosaic Law.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀνόμως is profound, particularly within Pauline theology:
* **Universality of Sin and Judgment:** The term highlights Paul's crucial point that sin is a universal human condition. Whether one is "under the law" or "without law" (ἀνόμως), all humanity has sinned and fallen short of God's glory ([[Romans 3:23]]). This establishes the foundational need for salvation through Christ for all people.
* **Nature of Gentile Accountability:** ἀνόμως clarifies that Gentiles, despite not possessing the explicit Mosaic Law, are nonetheless accountable to God. Their judgment is based not on their transgression of a law they never received, but on their failure to live up to the moral light and truth revealed through creation and, critically, through their own conscience. This refutes any notion that ignorance of the Law absolves one of sin.
* **Divine Justice and Impartiality:** God's judgment is revealed as perfectly just and impartial. He judges both Jew and Gentile according to the standard appropriate to their revelation. Those ἀνόμως are not excused, but judged according to the "law written on their hearts." This demonstrates God's consistent standard of righteousness across all humanity.
* **Preparation for Grace:** By demonstrating that all humanity, whether ἀνόμως or under the Law, is equally guilty before God, Paul meticulously lays the groundwork for the necessity and universality of God's grace, freely offered through faith in Jesus Christ, which transcends all human distinctions and legal categories.
### Summary
ἀνόμως (anómōs) is a significant Greek adverb meaning "without law" or "lawlessly," specifically denoting the condition of not being subject to the Mosaic Law. Its singular yet pivotal occurrence in [[Romans 2:12]] is central to Paul's argument for the universal accountability of humanity before God. It distinguishes the basis of divine judgment for Gentiles (who are ἀνόμως) from that of Jews (who are "under the law"), emphasizing that while Gentiles lack the explicit Mosaic code, they are still culpable for their sin based on their conscience and innate moral understanding. This term underscores the comprehensive nature of sin, the impartiality of God's judgment, and ultimately, the universal need for the redemptive grace found in Jesus Christ.
TRV