Lexical Summary phusikos: natural, creatures of instinct Original Word: φυσικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance natural. From phusis; "physical", i.e. (by implication) instinctive -- natural. Compare psuchikos. see GREEK phusis see GREEK psuchikos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5446 physikós (an adjective, derived from 5449 /phýsis, "nature") – natural, describing the behavior of an unregenerate person, i.e. a nature lacking divine transformation (salvation). See 5449 (physis). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phusis Definition natural, according to nature NASB Translation creatures of instinct (1), natural (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5446: φυσικόςφυσικός, φυσικη, φυσικον (φύσις), natural; i. e., a. produced by nature, inborn (very often so from Xenophon, (mem. 3, 9, 1) down). b. agreeable to nature (Dionysius Halicarnassus, Plutarch, others): opposed to παρά φύσιν, Romans 1:26,(27). c. governed by (the instincts of) nature: ζῷα γεγεννημένα φυσικά, 2 Peter 2:12 (R. V. born mere animals). Strong’s Greek 5446, physikos, describes what accords with the created order—what functions “by nature” or “by instinct.” In Scripture the term stands at two poles: (1) morally neutral instinctual behavior, and (2) the divinely established pattern for human sexuality. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Romans 1:26-27 – Twice Paul speaks of “natural relations” (physiken chresin) when setting the male-female union over against same-sex acts. Romans 1:26-27 and the Created Order “For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. Likewise, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another”. a. Created design. Paul’s use of physikos anchors sexual ethics in Genesis 1-2, where male and female are joined for fruitfulness and fellowship. b. Moral deviation. “Unnatural” implies a conscious departure from what God built into humanity, not merely an alternative orientation. c. Judicial consequence. God “gave them over,” revealing His wrath by allowing sin to bear its own destructive fruit. 2 Peter 2:12 and Instinctual Living “These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed”. a. Contrast with Spirit-led conduct. Instead of living according to divine revelation, the false teachers operate on sheer appetite. b. Eschatological warning. Living only by instinct invites judgment, for humans are accountable creatures, not mere animals. Theological Themes 1. Natural Law. Physikos supports the biblical teaching that moral norms are woven into creation itself (Romans 2:14-15). Historical Reception • Early Church. Writers such as Clement of Alexandria and John Chrysostom read Romans 1 as evidence that same-sex practice violates creation. Ministry Implications 1. Sexual Ethics. Physikos undergirds pastoral counsel affirming marriage between one man and one woman. Compassion is extended to all, yet genuine love calls people back to God’s design. Related Terms • Phusis (Strong’s 5449) – “nature” itself; physikos describes what belongs to that nature. Summary Physikos presents a concise biblical witness: God created an ordered world whose moral contours are discernible. Whether warning against animal-like false teachers or defining holy sexuality, the New Testament employs this word to call believers from instinct to obedience, from distortion to design, and from rebellion to redeemed living under the lordship of Christ. Englishman's Concordance Romans 1:26 Adj-AFSGRK: μετήλλαξαν τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν εἰς NAS: exchanged the natural function KJV: women did change the natural use into INT: changed the natural use into Romans 1:27 Adj-AFS 2 Peter 2:12 Adj-NNP Strong's Greek 5446 |
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