ἔννομος

legal, obedient to the law

Definition

The adjective ἔννομος (ennomos) fundamentally means 'lawful' or 'within the law.' In its two New Testament occurrences, it carries two distinct but related senses. In Acts 19:39, it describes a matter that is 'legal' or 'duly constituted,' referring to a formal, official proceeding. In 1 Corinthians 9:21, Paul uses it to describe himself as being 'under the law' or 'obedient to the law' in his conduct toward those who are under the Mosaic Law, even though he himself is not under that law as a means of salvation.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in two different contexts. In Acts 19:39, it is used in a civic, secular context by the town clerk of Ephesus, referring to a 'lawful assembly.' In 1 Corinthians 9:21, it is used in a theological and missional context, where Paul describes his flexible approach to living 'under the law' (ἔννομος) for the sake of winning Jews, while being 'outside the law' for Gentiles. This demonstrates its application from formal legality to personal obedience.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐν (en, meaning 'in') and the noun νόμος (nomos, meaning 'law'). It is a compound adjective literally meaning 'in law.' Its formation directly indicates a state of being within the sphere or authority of a law.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant in 1 Corinthians 9:21, where it illustrates Paul's principle of contextualization and Christian freedom. He voluntarily places himself 'under the law' (ἔννομος) to relate to Jews, not for justification, but for evangelism. This highlights the distinction between being under the law's condemnation and choosing to obey its cultural and moral principles for the sake of love and mission, a key concept in understanding Christian liberty and obligation.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of being 'lawful' (ἔννομος) was crucial for civic order and social legitimacy. The use in Acts 19:39 reflects this, emphasizing proper, recognized legal procedure. For Jewish audiences, 'law' (nomos) primarily meant the Torah. Paul's use in 1 Corinthians engages this specific Jewish cultural understanding, showing his sensitivity to their framework while operating from a new covenant perspective.

νόμιμος (nomimos, G1774) — emphasizes what is conformable to law or proper; δίκαιος (dikaios, G1342) — broader term for 'righteous' or 'just,' often in a moral sense beyond strict legality.

Word Details

Scripture References