Lexical Summary anémeros: Untamed, savage, fierce Original Word: ἀνήμερος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fierce, savage.From a (as a negative particle) and hemeros (lame); savage -- fierce. see GREEK a NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and hémeros (tame) Definition not tame NASB Translation brutal (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 434: ἀνήμεροςἀνήμερος, ἀνημερον (alpha privative and ἥμερος), not tame, savage, fierce: 2 Timothy 3:8. (In Greek writings from (Anacreon ( Topical Lexicon Root Meaning and Cultural Background The word rendered “brutal” in 2 Timothy 3:3 (ἀνήμεροι) evokes the picture of an untamed animal—creatures lacking domestication, restraint, or the civilizing influence of human care. Classical writers applied it to beasts that could not be trained and to soldiers famed for ruthless violence. Paul borrows the term to describe human behavior that has shed God-given moral restraints, suggesting a heart left to its own wild impulses. Biblical Usage Overview The singular New Testament occurrence appears in Paul’s final epistle: “People will be … unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good” (2 Timothy 3:3). In the surrounding context (2 Timothy 3:1-5) the apostle lists vices that will characterize the “last days.” Brutality thus stands among the clearest markers of societal decay: when men become savage, the era has reached a moral winter. Theological Significance 1. Evidence of Depravity: Brutality reveals the depth of human fallenness when the restraining influence of God’s truth is resisted (Romans 1:28-31). Contrast with Christlike Character • Brutality ↔ Gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23) Jesus, the ultimate Shepherd, displays power under perfect control, healing a severed ear (Luke 22:51) and welcoming children (Mark 10:14). His followers are called to the same temperate spirit (Philippians 4:5). Pastoral and Discipleship Implications 1. Discernment: Leaders must recognize savage traits in culture and within fellowship, guarding the flock from “savage wolves” (Acts 20:29). Lessons for the Church Today • Cultural Engagement: An increasingly brutal society needs believers who demonstrate the alternative kingdom ethic of peace (Romans 12:18-21). Applications in Personal Sanctification • Examine speech patterns; verbal aggression often precedes physical brutality (James 3:6). Strong’s 434 calls believers to be tamed by grace, reflecting the meekness of the Lamb rather than the savagery of a fallen world. Forms and Transliterations ανημεροι ανήμεροι ἀνήμεροι anemeroi anēmeroi anḗmeroiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |