νομίμως

The word νομίμως (nomimōs) is a Greek adjective that means "lawfully". In the context of ancient Greek and biblical usage, "lawful" refers to a sense of adherence to rules, regulations, or established norms. This word emphasizes a sense of order and obedience to a higher authority, such as the Jewish or Roman laws that were prominent in the Mediterranean world at the time. The limited occurrences of this word in the Bible (only 2 times) suggest its relatively specialized or nuanced meaning. We can infer that when the writers of the Bible used this term, they were emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with established rules and norms. This may imply a sense of structure, accountability, and community that comes from following the law. The significance of νομίμως lies in its ability to highlight the relationship between individuals and the societal norms they inhabit. By using this word, the authors of the Bible may be underscoring the importance of living within the boundaries set by the law, whether these are Jewish or broader societal norms.