Topical Encyclopedia
The term "lawless" in the Bible refers to individuals or actions that are in defiance of God's laws and commandments. It is often associated with sin, rebellion, and a rejection of divine authority. The concept of lawlessness is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the moral and spiritual decay that results from turning away from God's established order.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, lawlessness is frequently linked to the failure to adhere to the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites as a covenantal guide for righteous living. The Hebrew word often translated as "lawless" is "pasha," which conveys the idea of transgression or rebellion. For example, in
Isaiah 1:4, the prophet laments, "Woe to a sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel; they are utterly estranged."
The lawlessness of Israel often led to divine judgment, as seen in the Babylonian exile, which was a direct consequence of the nation's persistent disobedience and idolatry. The prophets repeatedly called the people to repentance, urging them to return to the covenant and live according to God's statutes.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Greek word "anomia" is commonly used to describe lawlessness. It signifies a state of being without law or in violation of the law. Jesus Himself warned against lawlessness in His teachings. In
Matthew 7:23, He declares, "Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’" This passage underscores the seriousness of lawlessness as a barrier to entering the kingdom of heaven.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of lawlessness, particularly in relation to the end times. In
2 Thessalonians 2:7, he writes, "For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way." Here, Paul speaks of a future period characterized by increased rebellion against God, culminating in the rise of the "man of lawlessness," often interpreted as the Antichrist.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsLawlessness is not merely a legal or societal issue but a profound spiritual problem. It reflects a heart that is hardened against God and His righteous standards. In 1
John 3:4, the apostle states, "Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness." This verse equates sin with lawlessness, emphasizing that any deviation from God's will is an act of rebellion.
The Bible calls believers to live in contrast to lawlessness by adhering to God's commandments and walking in the Spirit.
Romans 6:19 encourages Christians to present themselves as "slaves to righteousness leading to holiness," highlighting the transformative power of grace that enables believers to overcome lawlessness.
Eschatological SignificanceThe theme of lawlessness is also significant in eschatological discussions. Jesus, in His Olivet Discourse, warns that "because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold" (
Matthew 24:12). This prediction points to a future time when lawlessness will increase, testing the faith and endurance of believers.
Ultimately, the Bible assures that lawlessness will be judged and eradicated. In
Matthew 13:41, Jesus promises that "The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness." This final judgment will restore divine order and righteousness, fulfilling God's redemptive plan for creation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Contrary to, or unauthorized by, law; illegal; as, a lawless claim.
2. (a.) Not subject to, or restrained by, the law of morality or of society; as, lawless men or behavior.
3. (a.) Not subject to the laws of nature; uncontrolled.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
LAWLESSlo'-les (anomos): While occurring but once in the King James Version (1 Timothy 1:9), is translated in various ways, e.g. "without law" (1 Corinthians 9:21); "unlawful" (2 Peter 2:8 the King James Version); "lawless" (1 Timothy 1:9); "transgressor" (Mark 15:28Luke 22:37); "wicked" (Acts 2:23 the King James Version;2 Thessalonians 2:8 the King James Version). When Paul claims to be "without law," he has reference to those things in the ceremonial law which might well be passed over, and not to the moral law. Paul was by no means an antinomian. Those are "lawless" who break the law of the Decalogue; hence, those who disobey the commandment, "Honor thy father and thy mother," are lawless (1 Timothy 1:9). The civil law is also the law of God. Those breaking it are lawless, hence, called "transgressors." Those who are unjust in their dealings are also "lawless"; for this reason the hands of Pilate and those who with him unjustly condemned Jesus are called "wicked (unlawful) hands" (Acts 2:23 the King James Version). The most notable example of lawlessness is the Antichrist, that "wicked (lawless) one" (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
William Evans
Greek
459. anomos --lawless, without law...lawless, without law. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: anomos Phonetic
Spelling: (an'-om-os) Short Definition:
lawless, sinful, illegal Definition
...113. athesmos --lawless
...lawless. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: athesmos Phonetic Spelling:
(ath'-es-mos) Short Definition:lawless Definition:lawless, unrestrained...
111. athemitos --lawless
...lawless. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: athemitos Phonetic Spelling:
(ath-em'-ee-tos) Short Definition: illegal, unlawful Definition: illegal...
458. anomia -- lawlessness
... Word Origin from anomos Definition lawlessness NASB Word Usagelawless deed (1),
lawless deeds (2), lawlessness (12). iniquity, transgression, unrighteousness....
766. aselgeia -- licentiousness, wantonness
... 766 (from "brutal") -- properly, which and indulges inlawless insolence (wanton
caprice). [This is likewise the meaning of 766 in classical Greek (, 110).]....
Library
TheLawless One
... Names And Titles of the Antichrist 3. TheLawless One.... The Lord Jesus was
the Righteous One; the Man of Sin will be theLawless One....
TheLawless Conduct and Covetousness of Licinius.
... The Life of the blessed emperor constantine, by eusebius pamphilus. Book I.
Chapter LV."TheLawless Conduct and Covetousness of Licinius....
And at First, Indeed, that Deceitful andLawless One...
... Piece XXV. And at first, indeed, that deceitful andlawless one? And at
first, indeed, that deceitful andlawless one, with crafty...
But what Life Wouldst Thou Lead? and by what Laws Wouldst Thou...
... For none are so miserable as thelawless and disobedient. But what life wouldst
thou lead?... For none are so miserable as thelawless and disobedient....
If the Members Rise, must they Discharge the Same Functions as Now...
... And we see men also keeping themselves virgins, some from the first, and some from
a certain time; so that by their means, marriage, madelawless through lust...
2 Thessalonians ii. 9-Jun
... And then shall be revealed thelawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with
the breath of His mouth, and bring to nought by the manifestation of His coming...
Rom. I. 26, 27
... earth and small [1224] stones, and others being possessed by excessive thirst often
long even for mire, thus these also ran into this ebullition oflawless love...
Home-Government.
... of reciprocated affection,"the parent unhonored, the father and mother despised
and cursed, and the child untrained, uncared for,lawless, and unfit for the...
The Historical and Spiritual Causes of the Death of Christ
... "Him, being by the determined will and foreknowledge of God given up, through the
hand oflawless men, ye affixed to a cross and slew.""Acts 2:23. St....
1 Timothy i. 7-May
... man. "But for thelawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners."
He calls the Jews "lawless and disobedient" too. "The...
Thesaurus
Lawless (16 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Contrary to, or unauthorized by, law; illegal;
as, a
lawless claim.
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
LAWLESS.
...Godless (31 Occurrences)
... Acts 2:23 this one, by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, being given
out, having taken bylawless hands, having crucified -- ye did slay; (See...
Appearing (20 Occurrences)
... 2 Thessalonians 2:8 and then thelawless one shall be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus
shall consume with the breath of his mouth, and shall annul by the...
Slay (189 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Acts 2:23 him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and
foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand oflawless men did crucify and slay: (ASV YLT)....
Antichrist (4 Occurrences)
... So long as Claudius lived, the Antichrist manifestation of this "lawless one" was
restrained; when, however, the aged emperor should pass away, or God's time...
Man (26072 Occurrences)
... been a great apostasy and the revelation of "the man of sin" (or "of lawlessness";
compare 2:8), named also "the son of perdition" (2:3). This "lawless one" (2...
Lawlessness (13 Occurrences)
Sin (782 Occurrences)
... been a great apostasy and the revelation of "the man of sin" (or "of lawlessness";
compare 2:8), named also "the son of perdition" (2:3). This "lawless one" (2...
Ones (687 Occurrences)
... the sky. (WEB). Mark 15:28 and the Writing was fulfilled that is saying,
'And withlawless ones he was numbered.' (WBS). Luke 1:17...
Deeds (309 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness.
I will remember their sins andlawless deeds no more." (WEB)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about lawlessness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that sin is lawlessness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the mystery of iniquity? | GotQuestions.orgLawless: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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