θεοστυγής
theostygḗs
G2319 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Impious; hateful toward deity. Used primarily of persons or attitudes characterized by being detestable in the view of the divine, or marked by enmity against the divine will. The base sense is deeply irreligious, regarding that which is abhorred by a deity or which manifests hostility or aversion to the divine.
Semantic Range
hateful to deity, impious, abominable to God, hostile to divine order, hater of God, odiously irreligious
Root / Etymology
Compound from θεός ('god, deity') and the stem στυγ- (from στυγνός, 'hateful, abominable, detested'). The word literally means 'hateful to God' or 'god-abhorred.' Derived by combination of terms meaning ‘god’ and ‘to hate intensely, abhor.’
Historical & Contextual Notes
θεοστυγής is a rare term, appearing in post-classical and Koine Greek, including in some Hellenistic Jewish and early Christian writings. In the NT, it appears in passages listing vices that are abhorrent from the perspective of divine or religious values (Rom 1:30). The term is not common in classical Greek literature but is understandable from its components. English translations commonly render with 'hater of God' or 'despiser of deity,' but this does not always capture the nuance of irreligiosity or being odious to the divine—i.e., not merely hating God, but also being hateful or offensive to the divine order or will. In LXX or related Greek Jewish literature, the term designates especially acts or persons that are abominable or profanely irreligious. Later patristic usage may extend the meaning to broader hostility toward piety. The word should not be confused with general 'hatred,' as it defines a specific stance vis-à-vis the divine, not merely social or interpersonal hate.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from θεός and the base of στυγνητός; hateful to God, i.e. impious:--hater of God.
Root Family
θεοστυγ- (theostygḗs) — god, to hate intensely, abhor
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2319-01 |
θεοστυγεῖς | theostugeis | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
haters of God | god-abhorred ones | haters of Elohim | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2319-01 |
Romans 1:30 | θεοστυγεῖς | theostugeis | ADJ.S ACC M PL |
haters of God | god-abhorred ones | haters of Elohim |