Brief Overview of ἄσπιλος (G784: aspilos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: aspilos

Root Words: The term ἄσπιλος (aspilos) is derived from the prefix α- (a-), meaning “without,” and σπίλος (spilos), meaning “spot” or “blemish.”

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Primary Meanings:

• Unblemished: Free from physical or moral blemishes.
• Pure: Clean or undefiled, often used in a metaphorical sense to describe moral or ethical purity.
• Innocent: Not tainted by sin or wrongdoing, often used in a moral or ethical context.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes ἄσπιλος as “unblemished” or “pure,” highlighting its use to denote something that is free from moral or physical defects. The term is used in both literal and metaphorical senses, emphasizing purity and integrity.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἄσπιλος as “without spot” or “pure,” emphasizing its use to describe moral purity or innocence.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἄσπιλος means “without spot” or “blemish,” particularly in moral and ethical contexts, indicating purity and integrity.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἄσπιλος as “spotless” or “pure,” used to describe something free from physical or moral stains.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἄσπιλος as “without spot” or “blemish,” focusing on its connotation of purity and moral integrity.

Bible Verses:

• 1 Peter 1:19 (KJV): “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
• Without spot translates from ἄσπιλος, emphasizing the purity of Christ as a sacrifice.
• Philippians 2:15 (KJV): “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”
• Without rebuke translates from ἄσπιλος, indicating moral purity.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Plato’s Laws: The term ἄσπιλος is used to describe moral purity and integrity within the context of legal and ethical discussions.
• Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics: In discussions of virtue and ethics, ἄσπιλος is employed to denote the purity of character and the absence of moral flaws.
• Homer’s Iliad: The term appears in descriptions of characters or objects considered to be pure or unblemished, reflecting high moral or physical standards.

4. Summary:

ἄσπιλος (G784: aspilos) signifies “unblemished” or “pure,” and is used to describe both physical and moral purity. Its application ranges from literal cleanliness to metaphorical purity, emphasizing the absence of spots, stains, or moral flaws. This term is significant in biblical texts, highlighting the purity of Christ and the ethical aspirations for believers. Its use in classic Greek literature underscores its role in discussions of virtue and integrity, reflecting its importance in conveying moral and physical purity.