What does antinomian mean?
An antinomian is a person who maintains that moral law — particularly the Mosaic law — places no binding obligation on the Christian, who is justified by faith alone. The word also functions adjectivally, describing doctrines, writings, or conduct that reject or disregard established moral norms. The term arose in the context of Reformation-era theology: Martin Luther coined 'antinomian' during his disputes with Johann Agricola over whether repentance required preaching the law. It became especially charged in 17th-century England and New England, where figures such as Anne Hutchinson were condemned as antinomians, and the label carried serious social and legal consequences. Today the word appears chiefly in historical and theological scholarship, though it is occasionally extended to describe any wholesale rejection of conventional morality. Its connotations are generally negative when used by opponents, though some modern writers apply it neutrally or even approvingly to describe radical spiritual freedom.
A person who holds that the moral law is not binding on Christians, who are saved by faith alone.
"The synod convened to investigate reports of antinomians within the colony's churches."
Most often encountered in discussions of 17th-century religious history.
Relating to or characterized by the belief that moral law does not bind the believer; more broadly, rejecting or disregarding established moral norms.
"His antinomian streak made him notorious at the seminary."
The extended secular sense ('disregarding conventional morality') is common in literary criticism.
Regular plural; used when referring to multiple holders of the doctrine.
"The antinomians of the 1630s challenged the authority of the Massachusetts clergy."
In 17th-century Massachusetts, being branded an 'antinomian' could get you banished from the colony — as it did to Anne Hutchinson in 1638.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of antinomian
Antinomian derives from Greek roots: 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'nomos' meaning 'law'. The English word was formed in the 16th century, with Martin Luther widely credited for coining the German equivalent ('Antinomer') during his dispute with Johann Agricola over the role of the law in Christian life. The Greek root 'nomos' also gives us related English words such as autonomy, astronomy, economy, and antinomy, all of which preserve the sense of 'law' or 'ordering principle'. The word entered English usage in the early 17th century amid Protestant controversies over law and grace.
Related word forms
How antinomian is actually used
Primarily used in historical, theological, and academic contexts, especially regarding 17th-century Protestant debates (Luther, the Antinomian Controversy in Massachusetts). In secular usage it can describe anyone who rejects conventional morality, often with a pejorative connotation.
Easily confused with antinomian
Anomie refers to a societal condition of normlessness, while an antinomian is a person who specifically rejects moral law on theological grounds.