Lexical Summary paranomia: Lawlessness, transgression, violation of law Original Word: παρανομία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance transgression, iniquity. From the same as paranomeo; transgression: iniquity. see GREEK paranomeo HELPS Word-studies 3892 paranomía – properly, what is in direct contradiction to what is lawful; (literally, "beside the law"); law-breaking, violation of divine justice. 3892 /paranomía ("transgression") emphasizes the deliberate defiance with sinning against the Lord (used only in 2 Pet 2:16). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as paranomeó Definition lawbreaking NASB Translation transgression (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3892: παρανομίαπαρανομία, παρανομίας, ἡ (παράνομος (from παρά (which see IV. 2) and νόμος)), breach of law, transgression, wickedness: 2 Peter 2:16. (Thucydides, Plato, Demosthenes, others; the Sept..) Topical Lexicon Overview Paranomía refers to deliberate behavior that runs counter to the revealed will of God. Whereas hamartía (sin) may describe any failure to meet God’s standard, paranomía underscores the knowing, willful aspect of that failure—the stepping outside established divine boundaries. It thus exposes a heart disposition that rejects God’s righteous rule. Occurrence in the New Testament The word appears once, in 2 Peter 2:16. The apostle highlights Balaam, “who loved the wages of wickedness” (2 Peter 2:15), and notes that he “received a rebuke for his transgression from the donkey that spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness” (2 Peter 2:16). Peter deliberately selects paranomía to portray a prophet who clearly understood God’s standards yet chose to violate them for personal gain. Literary and Historical Background In classical Greek literature the cognate paranomos often described citizens who opposed established civic laws. When the Septuagint translators rendered Hebrew terms for “rebellion” or “lawlessness,” they sometimes chose paranomía to capture Israel’s covenant breaches (for example, Psalm 68:21; Proverbs 10:29 LXX). Peter’s Jewish readers would therefore hear echoes of covenant infidelity when the term surfaces in his letter. Theological Significance 1. Rebellion against divine authority: Paranomía exposes not merely isolated acts but a posture of resistance. As 1 John 3:4 teaches, “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness, for sin is lawlessness.” Connection to the Balaam Narrative Numbers 22–24 recounts Balaam’s attempts to curse Israel for Moabite gold. Each stage highlights increasing moral compromise: Peter cites this episode to illustrate how determined lawbreakers invite divine humiliation. The donkey’s speech overturns human expectation, demonstrating that God can use the lowliest means to expose spiritual blindness. Contrast with Lawfulness in Christ Believers are called to the opposite trajectory: “to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (Titus 2:12). Whereas paranomía manifests independence from God, life in the Spirit produces willing submission (Romans 8:4). The gospel does not abolish moral obligation; it empowers obedience that flows from a renewed heart (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10). Pastoral and Practical Applications • Guard the motive: Ministry that seeks profit or applause drifts toward Balaam’s path. Related Biblical Themes and References Numbers 22 – 24; Deuteronomy 23:3-5; Joshua 13:22; Nehemiah 13:2; Micah 6:5; Jude 1:11; Revelation 2:14. Broader teaching on lawlessness: Psalm 119:53; Proverbs 29:18; Matthew 7:23; Matthew 24:12; Romans 6:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8; 1 John 3:4. Conclusion Paranomía exposes calculated defiance against God, vividly illustrated by Balaam’s mercenary prophecy. Scripture’s solitary use of the term serves as a sober reminder that even those who speak for God can succumb to law-breaking motives. The antidote lies in humble submission to the Lordship of Christ, walking in the Spirit, and embracing every merciful rebuke that turns the heart back to obedience. Forms and Transliterations παρανομία παρανομίαι παρανομίαν παρανομιας παρανομίας παράνομοι παρανόμοις παράνομον παράνομος παρανόμου παρανόμους παρανόμω παρανόμων παρανόμως παραξιφίδι παράπαν παραπετάσματα paranomias paranomíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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