### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **physikós**, represented by `{{G5446}}`, is derived from the word for "nature" and means **"physical"** or, by implication, **instinctive** and **natural**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, where it describes what is in accordance with the established, inherent order of things.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G5446}}` is used to establish a baseline of created order. In the book of Romans, it describes the **natural** use that women and men abandoned when God gave them over to vile affections [[Romans 1:26-27]]. In contrast, the Apostle Peter uses it to characterize false teachers as **natural** brute beasts, highlighting their instinctual, unreasoning behavior that leads to their own destruction [[2 Peter 2:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning of `{{G5446}}`:
* `{{G5449}}` **phýsis** (nature): As the root of `physikós`, this word refers to native disposition or established usage. It is used to describe humanity's state before God, such as being "by **nature** the children of wrath" [[Ephesians 2:3]].
* `{{G249}}` **álogos** (brute): This word means irrational and is paired with `physikós` to describe false teachers who act like **brute** beasts, operating on instinct rather than divine knowledge [[Jude 1:10]].
* `{{G5540}}` **chrēsis** (use): This term refers to employment or, specifically in the context of Romans, sexual intercourse. It is this **use** that is described as "natural" and subsequently abandoned [[Romans 1:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5446}}` lies in its contrast between God's design and human corruption.
* **The Created Order:** The word helps define a divinely established "natural" order in human relations. Acting against this is presented as a consequence of turning away from God, as seen when people exchanged the **natural** use for what is against nature [[Romans 1:26]].
* **Instinct over Reason:** `Physikós` is used to describe those who operate on mere instinct, like **natural** brute beasts [[2 Peter 2:12]]. This state is characterized by ignorance and speaking evil of things not understood, leading to their own perishing.
* **A Consequence of Error:** The abandonment of what is "natural" is not presented as a simple choice but as a result of God giving people up to their error [[Romans 1:26-27]]. This links the deviation from the natural order to a preceding rejection of God's truth.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5446}}` **physikós** provides a crucial definition for what is "natural" according to a created design. It is used both to describe the proper order of things, such as the **natural** use between men and women [[Romans 1:26-27]], and to characterize the base, instinct-driven behavior of those who, like **natural** beasts, are headed for destruction [[2 Peter 2:12]]. The word serves as a stark reminder of the contrast between God's intended order and the corruption that follows when that order is abandoned.
TRV