### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ástorgos**, represented by `{{G794}}`, describes a person who is **hard-hearted towards kindred**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in scripture. The term is formed from the negative particle "A" and a presumed root word meaning "to cherish affectionately," defining its meaning as the explicit absence of this natural family love, or being "without natural affection."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G794}}` is always found within a list of negative character traits that describe a departure from godly living. It is used in [[Romans 1:31]] to characterize those who have become "without understanding" and "covenantbreakers." Similarly, in [[2 Timothy 3:3]], it is part of a list of dangerous qualities, appearing alongside "trucebreakers," "false accusers," and "fierce." In both instances, being "without natural affection" is presented as a key indicator of a deeply corrupted state.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words found in the same verses help to contextualize the meaning of `{{G794}}`:
* `{{G786}}` **áspondos** (truce-breaker, implacable): This term, appearing in both contexts with `{{G794}}`, describes someone who is truceless and cannot be reconciled, highlighting a breakdown in social agreements ([[Romans 1:31]], [[2 Timothy 3:3]]).
* `{{G802}}` **asýnthetos** (covenant-breaker): Used in [[Romans 1:31]], this word points to being treacherous to compacts, reinforcing the theme of untrustworthiness.
* `{{G193}}` **akratḗs** (incontinent): Paired with `{{G794}}` in [[2 Timothy 3:3]], this word means powerless or without self-control, suggesting that the lack of natural affection is part of a broader inability to control one's impulses.
* `{{G415}}` **aneleḗmōn** (unmerciful): The state of being "without natural affection" in [[Romans 1:31]] is linked to being merciless, showing a coldness that extends beyond just family to a general lack of compassion.
* `{{G434}}` **anḗmeros** (fierce): In [[2 Timothy 3:3]], this word for savage behavior is listed, connecting the lack of familial love to a wild and dangerous nature.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G794}}` is significant in what its absence represents. It functions as a clear diagnostic for a state of severe spiritual and moral decay.
* **Corruption of Relationship:** Being "without natural affection" signifies the perversion of the most fundamental human bonds. Its inclusion with terms like "covenantbreakers" `{{G802}}` and "unmerciful" `{{G415}}` shows a character that is unreliable and cold at its very core [[Romans 1:31]].
* **Indicator of a Wicked Heart:** The word is associated with a mind that is "without understanding" `{{G801}}`, which by implication is wicked. This demonstrates that the decay of natural affection is tied to a darkened heart and foolish thinking.
* **A Destructive Trait:** The company it keeps in [[2 Timothy 3:3]], alongside being "fierce" `{{G434}}` and "despisers of those that are good" `{{G865}}`, marks it as a trait of those who are not only broken but actively hostile and dangerous to others.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G794}}` is a specific and powerful term that goes beyond a general lack of love to describe the chilling condition of being "hard-hearted towards kindred." Though used infrequently, its placement within lists of vices in Romans and 2 Timothy gives it immense weight. It serves as a stark marker for a character defined by betrayal, lack of self-control, and cruelty, illustrating how the breakdown of the family unit is a symptom of a deeper moral and spiritual corruption.
TRV