Brief Overview of ἀφελότης (G858: aphelotēs)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: aphelotēs

Root Words: The Greek noun ἀφελότης (aphelotēs) comes from the root ἀφελής (aphelēs), meaning “simple” or “sincere,” derived from ἀφαιρέω (aphaireō), which means “to remove” or “to take away.” The term conveys a sense of simplicity or straightforwardness, with the idea of being free from duplicity or complexity.

Primary Meanings:

• Simplicity: The primary meaning of ἀφελότης is “simplicity,” indicating a straightforward or unembellished manner.
• Sincerity: The word can also mean “sincerity” or “openness,” reflecting an honest and genuine attitude free from deceit or pretense.
• Unpretentiousness: Additionally, ἀφελότης implies a lack of pretension or artificiality, often associated with humility and a plain approach.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀφελότης as “sincerity” or “simplicity,” particularly in a moral or ethical context. It describes an unpretentious attitude characterized by straightforwardness and a lack of duplicity. The lexicon highlights its use in expressing honest and genuine behavior.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Lexicon explains ἀφελότης as “simplicity” and “sincerity,” noting its emphasis on a lack of complexity or guile. Thayer’s associates the term with an open, genuine disposition that is free from deceit or pretense.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary underscores the idea of “simplicity” in ἀφελότης, emphasizing the moral purity and sincerity conveyed by the word. Vines relates it to an honest and straightforward nature, often connected to humility.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon offers a broader understanding of ἀφελότης, defining it as “plainness” or “simplicity” in speech or behavior. LSJ also acknowledges its use to describe sincerity and lack of duplicity in various contexts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀφελότης as “simplicity” or “plainness,” highlighting its association with a straightforward and honest demeanor. The concordance emphasizes the term’s use in contexts where genuineness and sincerity are valued.

Bible Verses:

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• 2 Corinthians 11:3 (KJV): “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity (ἀφελότης) that is in Christ.”
• Here, ἀφελότης refers to the straightforward and sincere devotion that believers should have towards Christ, free from deceit or distraction.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Plato: In The Republic, Plato uses ἀφελότης to describe the simplicity of the ideal philosopher’s life, emphasizing a life free from unnecessary complexities and pretensions, focused on truth and wisdom.
• Xenophon: Xenophon, in his work Memorabilia, employs ἀφελότης to characterize the simple and straightforward speech of Socrates, who is portrayed as unpretentious and genuine in his interactions with others.
• Philo of Alexandria: Philo uses ἀφελότης in his writings to convey the simplicity and sincerity expected in religious worship, advocating for a plain and genuine approach to one’s relationship with the divine.

4. Summary:

ἀφελότης (aphelotēs) is a Greek noun that signifies “simplicity,” “sincerity,” and “unpretentiousness.” It is derived from ἀφελής (simple or sincere), which itself comes from ἀφαιρέω (to remove), suggesting a removal of complexity or deceit. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s agree that the term primarily refers to a straightforward, genuine, and honest attitude, often connected with humility and moral integrity. In classical Greek literature, ἀφελότης is used to describe a plain and unembellished manner, whether in speech, behavior, or worship, reflecting a focus on truth and sincerity. The word encourages a simple and sincere approach to life, free from pretension and artifice.