χαλεπός (G5467) — harsh, fierce, dangerous¶
Part of the 2 Timothy 3:1–5 Vice List study
Contents¶
- Overview
- Etymology and Semantic Range
- OT / LXX Background
- NT Distribution
- Theological Note
- NT Occurrences
- LXX Occurrences (Canonical)
Overview¶
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Strong's | G5467 |
| Greek | χαλεπός |
| Transliteration | chalepos |
| Gloss | harsh, fierce, dangerous |
| 2 Tim 3 verse | 3:1 |
| KJV rendering | "perilous" |
| NT occurrences | 2 (2 books) |
| LXX occurrences (canonical) | 1 |
Etymology and Semantic Range¶
Origin uncertain; used in classical Greek of difficult terrain, dangerous situations, and harsh persons.
The only two NT uses are 2 Tim 3:1 and Matt 8:28 (the Gadarene demoniacs, described as "exceeding fierce"). The pairing with violent demoniacs illuminates what Paul intends: the last-days moral climate will be as dangerous and untameable as men possessed.
OT / LXX Background¶
The LXX uses χαλεπός 11× across 5 books, rendering terms for fierce enemies, harsh burdens (Exo 1:14 of Egyptian slavery), and dangerous beasts (Deu 32:24).
| Reference | LXX form |
|---|---|
| Isa 18:2 | χαλεπόν |
NT Distribution¶
Theological Note¶
The term frames the entire list: Paul is not merely describing moral failure but warning of a period of social danger — people who are actively harmful.
NT Occurrences¶
| Reference | Greek form | KJV text |
|---|---|---|
| Mat 8:28 | χαλεποὶ | And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with de… |
| 2Ti 3:1 | χαλεποί. | This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. |