434. anémeros
Lexical Summary
anémeros: Untamed, savage, fierce

Original Word: ἀνήμερος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: anémeros
Pronunciation: ah-NAY-mer-os
Phonetic Spelling: (an-ay'-mer-os)
KJV: fierce
NASB: brutal
Word Origin: [from G1 (α - Alpha) (as a negative particle) and hemeros "tame, gentle"]

1. savage

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
fierce, savage.

From a (as a negative particle) and hemeros (lame); savage -- fierce.

see GREEK a

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and hémeros (tame)
Definition
not tame
NASB Translation
brutal (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 434: ἀνήμερος

ἀνήμερος, ἀνημερον (alpha privative and ἥμερος), not tame, savage, fierce: 2 Timothy 3:8. (In Greek writings from (Anacreon () 1, 7) Aeschylus down.)

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).
2. Antithesis of the Image of God: Humanity was created to cultivate and guard creation (Genesis 2:15). Savage behavior distorts this vocation, turning stewardship into predation.
3. Sign of Divine Judgment Permitted: When brutality rises unchecked, it often accompanies divine hand-over (Psalm 81:12). The brutality of the Assyrians or the mob violence described in Acts 7:57-58 illustrate the principle historically.

Contrast with Christlike Character

• Brutality ↔ Gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23)
• Brutality ↔ Meekness (Matthew 11:29)
• Brutality ↔ Love of good (Titus 1:8)

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).
2. Correction: Where brutality surfaces—domestic abuse, bullying, coercive authority—church discipline (Matthew 18:15-17) and restorative counsel are imperative.
3. Modeling: Elders are to be “not violent but gentle” (1 Timothy 3:3). Exemplary gentleness can subdue harshness in others.

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).
• Evangelistic Opportunity: The contrast between brutality and Gospel gentleness accentuates the attractiveness of Christ’s yoke.
• Eschatological Awareness: Paul’s list serves as a prophetic pulse check; the prevalence of savagery alerts the church to stay vigilant, holy, and hopeful for the Lord’s appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).

Applications in Personal Sanctification

• Examine speech patterns; verbal aggression often precedes physical brutality (James 3:6).
• Cultivate the Spirit’s fruit through regular Scripture intake and prayer.
• Practice tangible acts of kindness toward the weak—elderly, unborn, refugee—to counter society’s harshness with redeemed humanity.

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 anḗmeroi
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
2 Timothy 3:3 Adj-NMP
GRK: διάβολοι ἀκρατεῖς ἀνήμεροι ἀφιλάγαθοι
NAS: without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
KJV: incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
INT: slanderers without self-control savage not lovers of good

Strong's Greek 434
1 Occurrence


ἀνήμεροι — 1 Occ.

433
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