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νωθρός

nōthrós

G3576 predicate adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Having a slow or unresponsive character, lacking promptness or energy in action or thought; primarily describes one who is sluggish or inactive, both in physical activity and mental responsiveness. In extended contexts, used metaphorically for a lack of diligence, attentiveness, or spiritual zeal, implying not just physical slowness but also a deficiency in motivation, responsiveness, or perception.

Semantic Range

slow-moving, sluggish (physically), lacking energy, inactive, inattentive, mentally unresponsive or dull, lacking zeal or motivation, languid (spiritually or morally)

Root / Etymology

Formed from a derivative of νόθος (nothos, meaning 'illegitimate' or 'spurious'), likely from a root suggesting something lacking force or purity; here indicating something that is not as it should be, i.e., not vigorous or not eager. Etymology points to 'not genuine' or 'deficient' in quality, which in context came to describe a deficient response or slow action.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, νωθρός was used for physical sluggishness, describing persons or animals that were slow, indolent, or not energetic. In Hellenistic and Koine contexts (including the Septuagint and New Testament, e.g., Hebrews 5:11 and 6:12), it expands to describe a person who is inactive, inattentive, or slow to respond, especially in mental, moral, or spiritual arenas. The word does not strictly denote stupidity, but rather a lack of motivation, alertness, or response, whether physically, intellectually, or spiritually. English translations often use 'slothful,' 'dull,' or 'lazy,' but these do not always capture the nuance of failing to act or respond as expected, which is central to its New Testament usage. The figurative meaning is emphasized in exhortative contexts where attentiveness or zeal is required. Contrasts with words like σπουδαῖος ('eager, diligent').

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a derivative of νόθος; sluggish, i.e. (literally) lazy, or (figuratively) stupid:--dull, slothful.

Root Family

νωθρός (nōthros) — slow, sluggish, inactive, unresponsive, lacking zeal

Root νωθρ- to be slow, to be inactive, to lack responsiveness

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3576-01 νωθροὶ nothroi ADJ.P NOM M PL dull sluggish ones sluggish 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3576-01 Hebrews 5:11 νωθροὶ nothroi ADJ.P NOM M PL dull sluggish ones sluggish
G3576-01 Hebrews 6:12 νωθροὶ nothroi ADJ.P NOM M PL sluggish sluggish ones sluggish ones
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