From the root meaning 'beside the law', this verb denotes acting contrary to established legal or moral order. Classical usage included illegal political acts, crimes, and public outrages. In Acts 23:3, Paul accuses the high priest Ananias of acting contrary to the law by ordering him struck while under examination. The participial form captures someone engaged in lawless behavior—a charge with sharp irony when directed at the guardian of Torah who commands an illegal assault.