Original Word: ἄσπονδος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: aspondos
Pronunciation: AH-spon-dos
Phonetic Spelling: (as'-pon-dos)
Definition: Irreconcilable, implacable
Meaning: implacable, not to be bound by truce.

implacable, irreconcilable

From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of spendo; literally, without libation (which usually accompanied a treaty), i.e. (by implication) truceless -- implacable, truce-breaker.

see GREEK a

see GREEK spendo

786 áspondos (an adjective which is the negation of spondē, "a libation-sacrifice" used for making treaties and covenants) – properly, unable to please (placate) someone; implacable.

Word Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and spondé (a libation)
Definition
without libation, i.e. without truce, hence admitting of no truce
NASB Translation
irreconcilable (1).

STRONGS NT 786: ἄσπονδος

ἄσπονδος, ἀσπονδον (σπονδή a libation, which, as a kind of sacrifice, accompanied the making of treaties and compacts; cf. Latinspondere); (from Thucydides down);

1. without a treaty or covenant; of things not mutually agreed upon, e. g. abstinence from hostilities, Thucydides 1, 37, etc.

2. that cannot be persuaded to enter into a covenant, implacable (in this sense from Aeschylus down; especially in the phrase ἄσπονδος πόλεμος, Dem. pro cor., p. 314, 16; Polybius 1, 65, 6; (Philo de sacrif. § 4); Cicero, ad Att. 9, 10, 5; (cf. Trench, § lii.)): joined with ἄστοργος, Romans 1:31 Rec.; 2 Timothy 3:3.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek prefix "α-" (a-, meaning "not" or "without") and "σπονδή" (spondē, meaning "a libation" or "a drink offering"). The term "σπονδή" is often associated with treaties or agreements, as libations were part of ancient covenant rituals.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἄσπονδος in the Strong's Hebrew Dictionary. However, concepts related to peace-breaking or irreconcilability can be found in Hebrew terms such as "מָרָה" (marah, Strong's 4784, meaning "to be rebellious") and "סָרַר" (sarar, Strong's 5637, meaning "to be stubborn" or "to be rebellious"). These terms similarly convey a sense of obstinacy and refusal to submit to peace or authority.

Usage: The word ἄσπονδος appears in the New Testament in contexts describing moral and social decay, particularly in the last days. It is used to characterize individuals who are unyielding and refuse to reconcile or make peace.

Context: The Greek term ἄσπονδος is found in the New Testament in 2 Timothy 3:3, where the Apostle Paul lists it among a series of negative traits that will be prevalent in the "last days." The passage reads: "unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good" (BSB). Here, ἄσπονδος is translated as "unforgiving" or "irreconcilable," highlighting a refusal to seek peace or resolution in conflicts.

In the cultural context of the Greco-Roman world, treaties and covenants were often sealed with libations, symbolizing a solemn agreement. To be ἄσπονδος, therefore, was to reject such agreements, indicating a person who is obstinate and unwilling to restore broken relationships. This characteristic is seen as a sign of moral decline and a departure from the values of community and reconciliation that are central to Christian teaching.

The use of ἄσπονδος in 2 Timothy underscores the challenges faced by early Christians in maintaining unity and peace within the community. It serves as a warning against the hardening of hearts and the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation as foundational Christian virtues.

ασπονδοι άσπονδοι ἄσπονδοι ασπόνδους aspondoi áspondoiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts