What does 'enmity' mean in the Bible?

The concept of "enmity" in the Bible is rich and multi-faceted, touching upon themes of conflict, separation, and reconciliation. To understand this term fully, we must explore its usage in various contexts within the Scriptures, as well as its theological implications.

The word "enmity" appears several times in the Bible, often signifying a state of hostility or opposition. One of the most significant occurrences is found in Genesis 3:15, where God speaks to the serpent after the fall of Adam and Eve:

"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."

Here, "enmity" is introduced as a divine decree of ongoing conflict between the serpent (often understood as Satan) and humanity. This passage is frequently interpreted as the protoevangelium, or the first gospel, hinting at the ultimate victory of Christ over Satan. The enmity described is not merely a personal animosity but represents the cosmic struggle between good and evil, between God's redemptive plan and the forces of sin and death.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul expands on the theme of enmity in his letters, particularly in Ephesians 2:14-16:

"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."

In this passage, Paul discusses the enmity between Jews and Gentiles, which Christ has abolished through His sacrificial death. The "dividing wall of hostility" refers to the ceremonial laws and ordinances that once separated these groups. Christ's work on the cross reconciles not only individuals to God but also different groups to each other, creating unity and peace where there was once division and enmity.

The concept of enmity also appears in Romans 8:7, where Paul writes:

"For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot."

Here, enmity is depicted as the natural state of the human mind apart from God's transforming grace. This hostility is not just a passive indifference but an active opposition to God's will and His righteous standards. The term "flesh" refers to the sinful nature that every human being inherits due to the fall. This enmity can only be overcome through the work of the Holy Spirit, who renews and transforms the believer's mind to align with God's purposes.

Another significant aspect of enmity in the Bible is its relational dimension. James 4:4 states:

"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."

James uses the term "enmity" to describe the incompatibility between loving the world and loving God. The "world" here represents a system of values and behaviors that are opposed to God's kingdom. To befriend the world is to adopt its priorities and values, which inevitably leads to a state of enmity with God. This enmity is not just a matter of external behavior but reflects a deeper allegiance and loyalty that is fundamentally at odds with a commitment to God.

Theologically, the concept of enmity underscores the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Sin creates a barrier between humanity and God, a state of hostility that cannot be resolved through human effort alone. This is why the gospel message is so profound: it announces that God has taken the initiative to reconcile humanity to Himself through Jesus Christ. As Paul writes in Colossians 1:19-22:

"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him."

Through Christ's sacrificial death, the enmity between God and humanity is addressed and resolved. This reconciliation is not just a legal transaction but a transformative relationship that changes the believer's status and nature.

In Christian literature, the theme of enmity and reconciliation is explored in works like "The Cross of Christ" by John Stott, who writes about the profound implications of Christ's atoning work. Stott emphasizes that the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and justice, addressing the enmity caused by sin and offering a way for humanity to be restored to a right relationship with God.

In conclusion, "enmity" in the Bible is a term that encapsulates the profound conflict between good and evil, between God's holiness and human sinfulness, and between different groups of people. It highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for divine intervention to bring about reconciliation. Through Jesus Christ, this enmity is overcome, and peace is established, offering hope and transformation to all who believe.