ἁγνόςhagnós
properly, clean, i.e. (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect
Greek (New Testament) · G53
Meanings
1. free from ceremonial defilement, in a condition prepared for worship.
2. holy, sacred, venerable (2 Maccabees 13:8).
3. As in OT (classical Greek), pure, chaste, undefiled, guiltless
(a) of persons: 2 Corinthians 7:11, 2 Corinthians 11:12, 1 Timothy 5:22, Titus 2:5, 1 John 3:3
(b) of things: Philippians 4:8, James 3:17, 1 Peter 3:2.
Synonyms
εἰλικρινής (see that word), pure, primarily as winnowed, purged, first found in ethical sense in NT (sincere). On the equivalence of ἁ. and καθαρός (see that word), see DCG, ii, 459a though Westc. (Epp. Jo., 101) notes a distinction between them.
Same root
- ἅγιοςhágios · G40sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
- ἁγνότηςhagnótēs · G54cleanness (the state), i.e. (figuratively) blamelessness
- ἁγνῶςhagnōs · G55purely, i.e. honestly
- ἁγνείαhagneía · G47cleanliness (the quality), i.e. (specially) chastity
- ἁγνίζωhagnízō · G48to make clean, i.e. (figuratively) sanctify (ceremonially or morally)
Where it appears
Appears 8 times in the Bible.
- 2 Corinthians 7:11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.
- 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ.
- Philippians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
- 1 Timothy 5:22 Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
- Titus 2:5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.
- James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
Source: G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), public domain.