Brief Overview of ἄκακος (G172)

The Greek word ἄκακος (ákakos) means “harmless” or “innocent.” It is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is free from malice, evil, or wrongdoing. The term conveys a sense of being morally pure or blameless, lacking any intent to harm or cause trouble.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G172 ἄκακος (ákakos): Strong’s defines this term as “harmless” or “innocent.” It describes a state of being free from evil or malice. The term is used to characterize individuals or actions that are pure, without any harmful intent or moral wrongdoing. It emphasizes a sense of moral purity and the absence of malevolent intent.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, ἄκακος means “harmless” or “innocent,” with a focus on moral purity and freedom from malice. Thayer’s explains that the term is used to describe someone who is without ill-will or evil intentions. It is often used in a moral or ethical context to denote a lack of harmful intent or moral corruption.

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

• BDB does not specifically cover ἄκακος, but related studies suggest that the term means “harmless” or “innocent.” It conveys a sense of moral blamelessness and freedom from harmful intent. The term is associated with purity and lack of evil, applicable in ethical and moral contexts.

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

• The LSJ Lexicon defines ἄκακος as “harmless” or “innocent.” It describes the term’s use to denote someone or something that is free from malice or evil. The lexicon notes that the term emphasizes a lack of moral corruption or harmful intent, conveying a sense of innocence and purity.

In summary, ἄκακος refers to the quality of being “harmless” or “innocent,” indicating a state of moral purity and freedom from malice or evil intentions. The term characterizes individuals or actions that are blameless and devoid of harmful intent.