Brief Overview of ἀκάθαρτος (G169)

The Greek word ἀκάθαρτος (akáthartos) means “unclean” or “impure.” It is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is ceremonially or morally defiled. The term can refer to both physical dirtiness and spiritual or moral corruption, highlighting a state of impurity in various contexts.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G169 ἀκάθαρτος (akáthartos): Strong’s defines this term as “unclean” or “impure.” It is used to describe a state of defilement or impurity, encompassing both physical and moral aspects. In the New Testament, it often refers to ceremonial or moral uncleanness. For instance, in Matthew 10:1, it describes unclean spirits, indicating spiritual or demonic impurity.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, ἀκάθαρτος means “unclean” or “impure,” focusing on ceremonial and moral impurity. Thayer’s explains that the term is used to describe a condition of being defiled or corrupted, applicable to both physical and spiritual contexts. It denotes something that is not clean in a ritualistic or ethical sense, including entities like unclean spirits or morally corrupt behaviors.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• BDB does not specifically cover ἀκάθαρτος, but similar studies of related terms indicate that it means “unclean” or “impure.” The term reflects a state of being defiled, covering physical, ceremonial, and moral impurity. It suggests a broad application of uncleanness, including aspects of ritual and ethical defilement.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀκάθαρτος as “unclean” or “impure.” It describes the term’s use to denote something or someone that is ceremonially or morally defiled. The lexicon notes its application in various contexts to signify a state of impurity, whether physical or spiritual, indicating a comprehensive view of uncleanness.

In summary, ἀκάθαρτος refers to the state of being “unclean” or “impure,” applicable to both physical and moral contexts. The term describes defilement in ceremonial or spiritual terms, encompassing various forms of impurity.