ἀνόμως

without law

Definition

The adverb ἀνόμως means 'without law' or 'lawlessly,' describing actions performed apart from or in violation of established law. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Romans 2:12, it specifically refers to Gentiles who sin 'without the law' (ἀνόμως ἥμαρτον), meaning apart from the specific revelation of the Mosaic Law. This contrasts with those who sin 'under the law' (ἐν νόμῳ), referring to Jews. The word carries the sense of being outside the legal framework, not merely breaking it, though it can imply lawless behavior in broader Greek usage.

Biblical Usage

ἀνόμως is used only once in the New Testament, in Romans 2:12. It appears in Paul's theological argument about sin and judgment, specifically to categorize Gentiles who lack the revealed Mosaic Law. The context contrasts two groups: those who sin 'without law' (ἀνόμως) and those who sin 'in the law' (ἐν νόμῳ). This single usage is highly specific to Paul's discourse on the universal scope of sin and divine judgment.

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative prefix ἀν- (meaning 'not' or 'without') combined with the root νόμος (nomos, G3551), meaning 'law.' Thus, it literally means 'without law.' The root 'omōs' in the provided data is a corruption; the correct root is νόμος. It is the adverbial form of the adjective ἄνομος (anomos, G459), meaning 'lawless.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant in Paul's argument in Romans. It establishes a crucial category: people who are outside the specific, covenantal revelation of God's law (the Mosaic Law). Paul uses it to argue that all humanity, whether under the law (Jews) or without the law (Gentiles), is accountable to God and guilty of sin (Romans 2:12-16). Understanding ἀνόμως enriches the reading of Romans by clarifying that God's judgment is based on the light received, not merely on possession of the written law.

In the first-century Jewish context, 'law' (νόμος) primarily referred to the Torah. To be 'without law' (ἀνόμως) was a Jewish way of categorizing Gentiles, who did not live under the Mosaic covenant. This carried a cultural and religious distinction, not merely a legal one. The modern concept of 'law' is often more secular and broad, whereas the biblical context is deeply tied to divine revelation and covenant identity.

ἄνομος (anomos, G459) — An adjective meaning 'lawless,' describing a person or thing characterized by being without law. παράνομος (paranomos, G3891) — Means 'transgressing the law,' emphasizing active violation rather than mere absence.

Word Details

Scripture References