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ἐχθρός

echthrós

G2190 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Primarily, an enemy or adversary—one who is hostile or opposed to another. The term can denote both personal and collective hostility, ranging from general enmity to specific opposition, whether in attitude, action, or relationship. In extended contexts, it can describe those who are opposed, hostile, or estranged, whether on personal, national, or cosmic levels. Usage as an adjective (rare) refers to being hostile or inimical.

Semantic Range

enemy, foe, adversary; one who is hostile or opposed; (as adjective) hostile, inimical; opposed party (personal, communal, cosmic); supernatural adversary

Root / Etymology

From the adjective ἐχθρός, based on the root ἐχθ- related to hatred or enmity. It is cognate with ἔχθρα (enmity, hostility) and ultimately formed from the adjective ἐχθρός, meaning 'hateful, hostile'. The exact origin of ἐχθ- is uncertain but is ancient and attested in classical Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐχθρός referred broadly to any opponent, adversary, or one regarded as an enemy, both in personal conflicts and broader communal or political disputes. It stood in contrast to φίλος (friend) and was used of personal, political, or military opposition. In the Septuagint, ἐχθρός commonly renders Hebrew אֹיֵב (oyev, enemy), encompassing both human and supernatural adversaries. In Koine and the New Testament, the term can hold a personal, collective, or religious nuance. Notably, references to 'enemies' in ethical teachings (e.g., 'love your enemies') do not identify specific national or political entities but focus on interpersonal hostility. Used also symbolically (e.g., as a designation for supernatural opposition, such as Satan or evil powers). English translations often render ἐχθρός as 'enemy' or 'foe,' but the range may include any type of opposition, whether active or passive.

Translation Consistency

primary "enemy" 17 occurrences

ἐχθρός is most often used as a substantive meaning a person or party who is hostile or opposed. "Enemy" is the natural, common English noun that covers personal, collective, and supernatural opposition and works well for both noun and adjectival uses, so it gives a consistent, idiomatic rendering across all forms.

Alternatives (15 occurrences):
"hostile enemies" (13x) "enemies" (2x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a primary (to hate); hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially Satan):--enemy, foe.

Root Family

ἐχθρός (echthros) — to hate, to be hostile, to hold enmity; enemy, adversary

Root ἐχθ- to hate, to be hostile, to hold enmity

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2190-06 ἐχθροὺς echthrous ADJ.S ACC M PL enemies hostile adversaries hostile enemies 13
G2190-04 ἐχθρὸς echthros ADJ.S NOM M SG enemy hostile adversary enemy 7
G2190-02 ἐχθροὶ echthroi ADJ.S NOM M PL enemies hostile ones enemy ones 6
G2190-03 ἐχθρόν echthron ADJ.S ACC M SG enemy enemy enemy 4
G2190-05 ἐχθροῦ echthrou ADJ.S GEN M SG enemy of an enemy enemy 1
G2190-01 ἐχθρὲ echthre ADJ.S VOC M SG enemy O enemy enemy 1

Occurrences in Scripture

32 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2190-03 Matthew 5:43 ἐχθρόν echthron ADJ.S ACC M SG enemy enemy enemy
G2190-06 Matthew 5:44 ἐχθροὺς echthrous ADJ.S ACC M PL enemies hostile adversaries hostile enemies
G2190-02 Matthew 10:36 ἐχθροὶ echthroi ADJ.S NOM M PL enemies hostile ones enemy ones
G2190-04 Matthew 13:25 ἐχθρὸς echthros ADJ.S NOM M SG enemy hostile adversary enemy
G2190-04 Matthew 13:28 ἐχθρὸς echthros ADJ.A NOM M SG enemy hostile adversary enemy
G2190-04 Matthew 13:39 ἐχθρὸς echthros ADJ.S NOM M SG enemy hostile adversary enemy
G2190-06 Matthew 22:44 ἐχθρούς echthrous ADJ.S ACC M PL enemies hostile adversaries hostile enemies
G2190-06 Mark 12:36 ἐχθρούς echthrous ADJ.S ACC M PL enemies hostile adversaries hostile enemies
G2190-03 Luke 1:71 ἐχθρῶν echthron ADJ.S GEN M PL enemies enemy enemies
G2190-03 Luke 1:74 ἐχθρῶν echthron ADJ.S GEN M PL enemies enemy enemies
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