### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **átopos**, represented by `{{G824}}`, literally means "out of place." Figuratively, it describes something as **improper, injurious, wicked, amiss, harm, or unreasonable**. It is a rare term, appearing only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, yet each usage provides a distinct context for what is considered out of the proper order.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical applications, `{{G824}}` is used to describe moral, physical, and spiritual states. On the cross, one of the criminals declares that he and the other are punished **justly** `{{G1346}}`, but that Jesus has done "nothing **amiss**" [[Luke 23:41]], highlighting Christ's sinlessness. In Acts, when Paul survives a viper bite, the onlookers are amazed when they see "no **harm**" `{{G824}}` come to him, leading them to believe he is a **god** `{{G2316}}` [[Acts 28:6]]. Paul also uses the term when he asks for prayer to be delivered from "**unreasonable** and wicked men," noting that not all people have **faith** `{{G4102}}` [[2 Thessalonians 3:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G824}}` by providing direct context or contrast:
* `{{G4190}}` **ponērós** (wicked): Paired with **átopos** in [[2 Thessalonians 3:2]], this word means "hurtful, i.e. evil." It reinforces the idea that what is "out of place" is also morally corrupt and actively malicious.
* `{{G1346}}` **dikaíōs** (justly): Meaning "equitably," this word is used in [[Luke 23:41]] to create a stark contrast. The criminals' punishment is just, whereas Jesus' actions have nothing **amiss** `{{G824}}` or improper about them.
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith): Defined as "persuasion" or "reliance upon Christ," the absence of this quality is given as the reason for the existence of **unreasonable** `{{G824}}` men, linking improper behavior to a lack of faith [[2 Thessalonians 3:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G824}}` is seen in its ability to define what falls outside of divine and natural order.
* **Christ's Perfection:** The word is used to affirm the sinlessness of Jesus. His life had nothing "out of place" or **amiss**, setting him apart from the justly condemned criminals beside him [[Luke 23:41]].
* **Spiritual Opposition:** The term characterizes those who oppose the gospel. These "**unreasonable**" men are not merely disagreeable but are acting contrary to divine order because they lack **faith** `{{G4102}}` [[2 Thessalonians 3:2]].
* **Perception of the Supernatural:** The absence of expected **harm** `{{G824}}` in [[Acts 28:6]] demonstrates how defying the natural order can cause people to misinterpret God's power, attributing divinity to a man rather than recognizing the work of a higher power.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G824}}` is a specific term that, while used infrequently, powerfully communicates the concept of being "out of place." It is used to describe the moral impropriety of wicked men, the physical danger of harm, and, by its absence, the flawless nature of Christ. Through its distinct applications, **átopos** helps delineate the line between divine perfection, human sinfulness, and the expected order of the world.
TRV