Lexical Summary phusikós: instinct Original Word: φυσικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance naturally. Adverb from phusikos; "physically", i.e. (by implication) instinctively -- naturally. see GREEK phusikos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5447 physikṓs (an adverb) – properly, naturally, i.e. acting by mere instinct (used only in Jude 1:10). See 5449 (physis). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from phusikos Definition naturally, by nature NASB Translation instinct (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5447: φυσικῶςφυσικῶς, adverb, in a natural manner, by nature, under the guidance of nature: by the aid of the bodily senses, Jude 1:10. ((Aristotle, Philo, others.)) Topical Lexicon Definition and Core Idea The term rendered “naturally” in Jude 1:10 describes behavior arising from unregenerate instinct rather than from reason enlightened by God’s Word or the renewing influence of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the sphere of fallen nature—automatic, self-serving impulses that characterize those untouched by grace. Biblical Context: Jude’s Warning Jude 1:10 employs the adverb to expose false teachers who “blaspheme anything they do not understand, and what they do understand by instinct, like irrational animals—by these things they are destroyed”. Jude sets their instinct-driven conduct in sharp contrast to the faith “once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 1:3). Their reliance on mere appetite reveals why their influence is destructive: it is rooted in the same self-willed rebellion that marked the angels who abandoned their proper domain (Jude 1:6) and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah who pursued “sexual immorality and perversion” (Jude 1:7). Contrast Between Natural Instinct and Spiritual Discernment New Testament writers repeatedly distinguish life governed by fallen nature from life governed by the Spirit: Though these passages use different Greek expressions, they illuminate Jude’s single occurrence by portraying the same moral fault line—instinct versus revelation. Relation to the Fallen Nature After the fall, humanity’s natural impulses became disordered. What was created “very good” (Genesis 1:31) now bears the corruption traced to Adam (Romans 5:12). Consequently, instinct alone cannot be trusted. Unless restrained by common grace or transformed by saving grace, it gravitates toward self-exaltation, sensual indulgence, and contempt for divine authority, precisely the traits Jude condemns. Historical and Cultural Background In the first-century Greco-Roman milieu, appeals to “nature” could be positive or negative. Stoic philosophers praised living according to nature, yet Scripture insists that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and is fully revealed in Christ (Colossians 2:3). Jude therefore challenges a cultural assumption: what feels natural is not necessarily what honors God. Theological Implications 1. Anthropology: Humanity apart from Christ is not morally neutral; instinctive drives are bent toward rebellion (Ephesians 2:3). Practical Ministry Application • Preaching and Teaching: Underscore that sincerity or “following one’s heart” is not a safe guide; only Scripture, illuminated by the Spirit, guards from deception. Related Scriptures Genesis 6:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:19; Romans 1:24–28; Romans 8:5–9; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Galatians 5:19–25; Ephesians 2:1–3; 2 Peter 2:12–14; Jude 1:8–19. Forms and Transliterations φυσικως φυσικώς φυσικῶς phusikos phusikōs physikos physikôs physikōs physikō̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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