"enmity, discord, feud, Lk. 23:12; Gal. 5:20; alienation, Eph. 2:14, 16; a principle or state of enmity, Rom. 8:7; Jas. 4:4*"
Definition and meaning
enmity, discord, feud, Lk. 23:12; Gal. 5:20; alienation, Eph. 2:14, 16; a principle or state of enmity, Rom. 8:7; Jas. 4:4*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἔχθρα
Historical context
Luke wrote as a historian addressing a Greek audience. He carefully interviewed eyewitnesses and arranged events in order. The social and economic realities he describes — Roman taxation, Jewish religious hierarchy, the marginalization of women and the poor — are consistent with first-century Judea under Roman administration.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of echthra (G2189) across the King James Bible.
And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G2189 (echthra) is a Greek word that means: enmity, discord, feud, Lk. 23:12; Gal. 5:20; alienation, Eph. 2:14, 16; a principle or state of enmity, Rom. 8:7; Jas. 4:4* It appears 6 times in the King James Bible.
The word echthra (G2189) appears 6 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2189 is echthra, a Greek word defined as: enmity, discord, feud, Lk. 23:12; Gal. 5:20; alienation, Eph. 2:14, 16; a principle or state of enmity, Rom. 8:7; Jas. 4:4*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
echthra is a Greek word found in the New Testament.