from Α (as a negative particle) and a derivative of σπένδω; literally, without libation (which usually accompanied a treaty), i.e. (by implication) truceless:--implacable, truce-breaker.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἄσπονδος (áspondos, `{{G786}}`) is a compound term derived from the privative alpha (Α, indicating negation) and a derivative of the verb σπένδω (spendō), which means "to pour a libation" or, by extension, "to make a treaty or covenant." Ancient treaties were often solemnized by the pouring of libations, a ritual act signifying a binding agreement. Thus, ἄσπονδος literally means "without libation," signifying the absence of a formal, binding agreement.
By implication, its semantic range extends to describe a state of being "truceless," "unreconciled," "implacable," or "unwilling to enter into a treaty." It denotes an unwillingness or inability to establish peace, reconciliation, or a binding agreement. This can manifest as an obstinate refusal to make peace, a disposition that breaks truces, or a fundamental inability to honor covenants, leading to perpetual hostility. The word points to an inherent lack of trust, a spirit of antagonism, and a profound disinclination towards harmony and resolution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἄσπονδος appears twice in the New Testament, both times in Pauline epistles, and consistently within lists of vices that characterize human depravity.
1. **[[Romans 1:31]]**: Here, ἄσπονδος is part of a comprehensive catalogue of sins that manifest when humanity suppresses the truth of God and worships creation rather than the Creator. The Apostle Paul writes of those given over to a debased mind: "ἀσυνέτους, ἀσυνθέτους, ἀστόργους, ἀνελεήμονας" (asynetous, asynthetous, astorgous, aneleēmonas), often translated as "senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless" or "without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful." The inclusion of ἄσπονδος in this list emphasizes a profound moral deterioration where even the most basic human capacity for peace-making, trust, and honoring agreements is lost. It speaks to an ingrained hostility and an unwillingness to find reconciliation, a stark contrast to the divine nature.
2. **[[2 Timothy 3:3]]**: In this passage, Paul warns Timothy about the moral decay that will characterize people in the "last days." Among the many negative traits listed, ἄσπονδος appears alongside "ἄστοργοι, ἀνήμεροι, ἀνίλεοι" (astorgoi, anēmeroi, anileoi), translated as "unloving, unforgiving, slanderous" or "without natural affection, fierce, without self-control." Here, ἄσπονδος is often rendered as "trucebreakers" or "implacable." Its presence indicates a pervasive societal breakdown where individuals are unwilling to maintain peace, honor agreements, or cease hostilities. This disposition contributes to the perilous times, as it precludes any stable social order built on trust and mutual respect.
In both contexts, ἄσπονδος describes a state of profound moral and spiritual corruption, highlighting a characteristic of fallen humanity that rejects peace and covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἄσπονδος is illuminated by its relationship to other terms and concepts:
* **σπένδω (spendō)**: The root verb, meaning "to pour a libation" or "to make a treaty/covenant." The negative prefix in ἄσπονδος directly negates this foundational act of covenant-making.
* **σπονδή (spondē)**: The noun form, referring to a "libation" or a "treaty." The absence of σπονδή is precisely what ἄσπονδος conveys.
* **ἀσύνθετος (asynthetos, `{{G802}}`)**: Found in [[Romans 1:31]], this word means "faithless" or "untrustworthy" (literally, "without agreement"). It shares a close semantic field with ἄσπονδος, both pointing to a failure in honoring commitments or agreements.
* **ἄστοργος (astorgos, `{{G794}}`)**: Meaning "without natural affection" or "unloving," appearing in both [[Romans 1:31]] and [[2 Timothy 3:3]]. This term describes a lack of familial or natural love, which, like implacability, contributes to social dissolution.
* **ἀνήμερος (anēmeros, `{{G434}}`)**: Meaning "savage" or "fierce," found in [[2 Timothy 3:3]]. This word emphasizes the brutal and untamed nature of those who are ἄσπονδος, unwilling to yield to peace.
* **Covenant (διαθήκη, diathēkē)**: The concept of covenant is central to biblical theology, highlighting God's faithful relationship with His people. ἄσπονδος stands in direct opposition to the spirit of covenant, representing its antithesis—a refusal to enter into or honor binding agreements.
* **Peace (εἰρήνη, eirēnē)**: The state of ἄσπονδος is fundamentally antithetical to peace. It describes a disposition that perpetuates strife and conflict, rejecting any possibility of reconciliation or cessation of hostilities.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἄσπονδος is profound, particularly in its portrayal of human depravity and its contrast with the character of God.
Firstly, ἄσπονδος describes a characteristic of fallen humanity that stands in stark opposition to the nature of God. God is consistently portrayed as a covenant-making and covenant-keeping God, faithful to His promises and always seeking reconciliation with humanity (e.g., His covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the New Covenant in Christ). The ἄσπονδος person, by contrast, is unwilling or unable to honor agreements, breaks truces, and seeks perpetual conflict. This highlights the depth of human sin: a state so corrupted that it rejects even the foundational principles of peace and trust necessary for communal flourishing.
Secondly, in [[Romans 1:31]], ἄσπονδος is presented as a consequence of humanity's willful rejection of God. When people suppress the truth and worship created things rather than the Creator, God gives them over to their depraved minds. This leads to a profound moral deterioration where even the basic capacity for trust, empathy, and peace is lost. The inability to be reconciled or to keep agreements is not merely a social failing but a spiritual one, indicative of a heart estranged from God.
Thirdly, in [[2 Timothy 3:3]], the term forecasts the moral landscape of the "last days." The prevalence of ἄσπονδος individuals signifies an era marked by pervasive godlessness, where society is increasingly fragmented, hostile, and unwilling to find common ground or maintain peace. This moral decay is a sign of the times, pointing to a world that has turned away from divine order and embraced chaos.
Ultimately, ἄσπονδος underscores the necessity of divine grace for true peace and reconciliation. Human fallenness, left to itself, leads to an "implacable" state, incapable of self-initiated peace or lasting harmony. Only through the reconciling work of Christ can humanity be brought into a covenant relationship with God and, subsequently, be empowered to live in peace with one another.
### Summary
The Greek word ἄσπονδος (áspondos, `{{G786}}`) literally means "without libation," signifying the absence of a binding treaty. By implication, it describes a person or disposition that is "truceless," "implacable," or a "truce-breaker"—unwilling or unable to make peace, honor agreements, or cease hostilities.
This term appears twice in the New Testament, both in Pauline vice lists:
* In [[Romans 1:31]], it characterizes humanity given over to a debased mind, highlighting a profound moral depravity that eschews peace and covenant.
* In [[2 Timothy 3:3]], it describes people in the "last days," indicating a pervasive societal breakdown marked by an unwillingness to maintain peace or honor agreements.
Theologically, ἄσπονδος stands in stark contrast to God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for reconciliation. It reveals a key characteristic of fallen humanity—a profound inability or unwillingness to engage in peace-making—and underscores the urgent need for divine intervention and grace to achieve true peace and reconciliation.
TRV