From the book
Lysis
Plato · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Enemy
ἐχθρός
echthrosEchthros means hostile; an enemy; in the neuter, something hostile or inimical.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordEchthros means hostile; an enemy; in the neuter, something hostile or inimical.
- In LysisAt 213a–c ἐχθρός belongs to the puzzle of who receives the name friend or enemy when affection and hatred run in different directions.
- Reading contextThat change is part of the difficulty under examination and should not silently be translated away.
- A place to readThe Greek example means “And disease is an enemy.”
- English renderings
- Hostile; an enemy; in the neuter, something hostile or inimical
Meaning
Hostile; an enemy; in the neuter, something hostile or inimical.
Grammatical category: adjective; substantival adjective.
Use in the book
At 213a–c ἐχθρός belongs to the puzzle of who receives the name friend or enemy when affection and hatred run in different directions. The adjective does not itself settle whether hostility is felt, received, or mutual.
In the medical argument disease is called ἐχθρόν (219a), so “enemy” can designate an adverse thing rather than a hostile person. The phrase διὰ τὸ ἐχθρόν, “because of the enemy,” then describes a proposed cause of friendship. At 220e the wording changes to ἐχθροῦ ἕνεκα, “for the sake of an enemy.” That change is part of the difficulty under examination and should not silently be translated away.
Places to read
From the book
Centuries of Meditations
Thomas Traherne · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Enemy
enemy; enemies; enmity; hostile or estranged relation
An enemy is one who stands against another; enmity is the relation of hostility.
Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordAn enemy is one who stands against another; enmity is the relation of hostility.
- In TraherneMisapprehension has practical power: to think God hostile destroys the happiness that a true apprehension would allow.
- In this editionThe word can identify real hostility or a mistaken interpretation of a relationship.
- A place to beginApprehending God as one’s enemy prevents the right use and enjoyment of his gifts.
Meaning
An enemy is one who stands against another; enmity is the relation of hostility. Traherne also examines the suffering caused by believing someone to be an enemy, especially God.
Use in the book
Misapprehension has practical power: to think God hostile destroys the happiness that a true apprehension would allow. Adam’s postlapsarian bondage is described through precisely this fear of permanent divine hatred, answered by redeeming love. Human enemies remain more than mistakes of perception; the injured person needs principles strong enough for an actually hostile society. Accordingly, charity is pictured as medicine rather than mere acquiescence. The contrast with heavenly security shows how fully love would enjoy itself if no hostile interruption remained.
Places to read
- IV.15Apprehending God as one’s enemy prevents the right use and enjoyment of his gifts.
- IV.53Adam’s imagined permanent enmity with God is overcome through redemption.
- IV.20Living among injuries requires pity and love conceived as healing powers.
- V.10Divine care is imagined as preventing danger throughout the extent of God’s dominion.
- IV.7The conceit that little knowledge suffices can conceal sloth or enmity against God.
In this edition
The word can identify real hostility or a mistaken interpretation of a relationship. “Enmity against God” in IV.7 also names resistance concealed beneath intellectual laziness.