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G434 · Greek · New Testament
ἀνήμερος
Anemeros
Adjective
Fierce / Savage / Untamed

Definition

The Greek adjective anemeros (ἀνήμερος) means fierce, savage, or untamed — the opposite of hemeros (gentle, tame). It appears once in the New Testament (2 Timothy 3:3), in Paul's list of characteristics of people "in the last days" who have a form of godliness but deny its power.

Usage & Theological Significance

Anemeros appears in one of Paul's most sobering vice lists, describing the spiritual condition of humanity apart from genuine transformation in Christ. The list in 2 Timothy 3:1–5 catalogs the moral decay of the last days: lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderous — and fierce. This is not describing pagans outside the church but people with "a form of godliness" — religious externalism without real power. Anemeros — untamed, brutal ferocity — is a sign that the Spirit's fruit of gentleness is absent. The Spirit-filled life is marked by praotes (meekness/gentleness, Galatians 5:23); the flesh produces savagery.

Key Bible Verses

2 Timothy 3:3 ...without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good.
2 Timothy 3:1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
2 Timothy 3:5 ...having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Titus 3:3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

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