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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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