Definition and Meaning:
Enmities refer to deep-seated hostilities or animosities between individuals or groups. In the biblical context, enmity often signifies a state of opposition or conflict, both in human relationships and in the spiritual realm. The term is used to describe the discord that arises from sin and the resulting separation from God.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 3:15 :
"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel."
This verse is part of the curse pronounced upon the serpent after the Fall of Man. It introduces the concept of enmity as a divinely instituted conflict between the serpent (often interpreted as Satan) and humanity, ultimately pointing to the redemptive work of Christ.

2. Ephesians 2:14-16 :
"For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility."
Here, enmity is described as the division between Jews and Gentiles, which Christ abolished through His sacrificial death, creating unity and peace.

3. Galatians 5:19-21 :
"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
Enmity is listed among the works of the flesh, highlighting its sinful nature and the destructive impact it has on human relationships and spiritual well-being.

Theological Significance:

· Original Sin and Enmity:
The introduction of enmity in Genesis 3:15 is foundational for understanding the spiritual battle between good and evil. It signifies the ongoing struggle between the seed of the woman, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, and the forces of darkness.

· Reconciliation through Christ:
The New Testament emphasizes that enmity, whether between individuals or between humanity and God, is overcome through Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection provide the means for reconciliation, breaking down barriers and establishing peace.

· Moral and Ethical Implications:
Enmity is considered a manifestation of the sinful nature. Believers are called to live by the Spirit, which produces love, joy, peace, and other virtues that counteract enmity. Christians are encouraged to pursue reconciliation and unity, reflecting the peace of Christ in their relationships.

Practical Application:

· Personal Relationships:
Christians are urged to resolve conflicts and seek forgiveness, following the example of Christ who reconciled humanity to God. Enmity should be replaced with love and understanding, fostering harmonious relationships.

· Community and Church Life:
Within the body of Christ, enmity should be addressed through prayer, dialogue, and mutual respect. The church is called to be a model of unity and peace, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.

· Spiritual Warfare:
Believers are reminded of the spiritual dimension of enmity, engaging in spiritual warfare through prayer, the Word of God, and the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:10-18. Recognizing the ultimate victory in Christ, Christians are empowered to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy.(n.) Plural of Enmity.2189b. echthra -- enmity
... Word Origin from echthros Definition enmity NASB Word Usage enemies (1), enmities
(1), enmity (2), hostile (1), hostility (1). 2189a, 2189b. echthra. 2190 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2189b.htm - 5k

2 Thessalonians ii. 9-Jun
... and speaks covertly and darkly. For he did not wish to bring upon himself
superfluous enmities, and useless dangers. For if he had ...
/.../homily iv 2 thessalonians ii.htm

He Describes the Praiseworthy Habits of his Mother; Her Kindness ...
... she had heard on both sides most bitter things, such as swelling and undigested
discord is wont to give vent to, when the crudities of enmities are breathed ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter ix he describes the praiseworthy.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xvii. 3, "If Thy Brother Sin ...
... Let us not retain enmities in our heart against another. For the retaining
of enmities more than anything corrupts this heart of ours. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxiv on the words.htm

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
... slanders. Hence are sown pricking thorns, quarrels arise, the torches of
enmities are kindled, the peace of hearts is extinguished. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xiv how the silent.htm

Ephesians iv. 25-27
... him, we have relaxed our enmity against him, and are giving the signal for turning
against each other; for never has the devil such place as in our enmities. ...
/.../homily xiv ephesians iv 25-27.htm

Psalm LV.
... way of godliness. 5. Whence then doth this man pray, set among evil men,
with whose enmities he was being exercised? Why saith he ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lv.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... worldly-minded Rulers, they have often employed it, or at least the semblance of
it, for the purpose of involving their subjects in enmities, dissensions and ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

Preface to the Benedictine Edition.
... same place. But he concludes the address by admonishing that they should
abstain from slander, from enmities, and from oaths. The ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/preface to the benedictine edition.htm

What are Consequences of Backsliding in Heart.
... everything that would search them out. 4. A backslider in heart will be
filled with his own enmities. He will chafe in almost every ...
/.../finney/the backslider in heart/iv what are consequences of.htm

Liturgy of St. Dionysius, Bishop of the Athenians .
... Thy Holy Spirit, us Thy servants, who bow before Thee; free us from all servile
passions of sin, from envy, treachery, deceit, hatred, enmities, and from him ...
/.../letters of dionysius the areopagite/liturgy of st dionysius bishop.htm

Enmities (1 Occurrence)
...Enmities (1 Occurrence). Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife,
jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, (ASV NAS). ...
/e/enmities.htm - 6k

Enmity (23 Occurrences)

/e/enmity.htm - 15k

Wraths (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wraths (1 Occurrence). Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery,
enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, (ASV YLT) ...
/w/wraths.htm - 6k

Enmish'pat (1 Occurrence)
Enmish'pat. En-mishpat, Enmish'pat. Enmities . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). En-mishpat, Enmish'pat. Enmities . Reference Bible.
/e/enmish'pat.htm - 6k

Parties (13 Occurrences)
... Apostles. (WEY). Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies,
wraths, factions, divisions, parties, (ASV). 1 Peter ...
/p/parties.htm - 10k

What is the flesh? | GotQuestions.org

Enmities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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