νομίμως

nomímōs

G3545 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

In a manner conforming to law or recognized norms; acting according to what is established by laws, custom, or authoritative rule. The adverb denotes the sense of doing something lawfully, according to the prescribed regulations or requirements; in certain contexts, specifically acting in accordance with established standards or rules, including legal ordinances or social expectations. Also used in qualifying whether an act is performed with proper authorization or legitimacy.

Semantic Range

legally, lawfully, in accordance with the law, legitimately, in a manner prescribed by custom or regulation, properly according to recognized standards

Root / Etymology

From the adjective νόμιμος ('legitimate, prescribed by law' from νόμος, 'law, custom, authoritative rule') with the adverbial ending -ως. The root νόμ- carries the sense of law, custom, established regulation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

First attested in Greek sources from the Hellenistic period. In classical and Hellenistic usage, νομίμως refers generally to acting in a manner prescribed by law or established custom, emphasizing legitimacy and conformity to recognized standards. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term describes actions that are performed in a manner consistent with the Mosaic law or other formally established rules, such as athletic competitions ('according to the rules'). English translations often use 'lawfully' or 'legitimately'; however, the nuance may include not only statutory law, but also broader ideas of accepted custom or precedent. Νομίμως can contrast with ἀθέσμως ('unlawfully, illegally') and other terms denoting irregular or unauthorized action. In literary, legal, and administrative contexts, it serves to distinguish actions done properly from those done in breach of protocol or regulation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb from a derivative of νόμος; legitimately (specially, agreeably to the rules of the lists):--lawfully.

Root Family

νομίμως (nomimōs) — law, custom, established rule

Root νομ- law, custom, established rule

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3545-01 νομίμως nomimos ADV lawfully lawfully lawfully 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3545-01 1 Timothy 1:8 νομίμως nomimos ADV lawfully lawfully lawfully
G3545-01 2 Timothy 2:5 νομίμως nomimos ADV lawfully lawfully lawfully