Introduction:

In Biblical studies, understanding the Greek word εἰλικρίνεια (eilikríneia) is crucial for interpreting key passages that deal with moral integrity and purity of character. This word, which is often translated as “sincerity” or “purity,” holds significant importance in both the New Testament and in ancient Greek culture. It conveys not just the absence of deceit, but a quality of being pure, genuine, and free from corruption or hypocrisy. Recognizing the depth of εἰλικρίνεια enriches our understanding of the moral expectations outlined in the New Testament and provides insight into the values upheld in ancient Greek society.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: εἰλικρίνεια (eilikríneia) [ay-lee-KREE-nay-ah]
• Etymology: From the compound of εἵλη (hélē, “sunlight”) and κρίνω (krínō, “to judge”), suggesting something that can be judged or tested by sunlight, i.e., something pure or clear.
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine, first declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Sincerity
• Purity
• Genuineness or integrity of character

Similar Words:

• ἁπλότης (haplótēs) [hah-PLO-tes]: A noun meaning “simplicity” or “sincerity,” often used in a similar moral context to denote straightforwardness or singleness of purpose.
• ἀκακία (akakía) [ah-kah-KEE-ah]: Translated as “innocence” or “guilelessness,” emphasizing a state of being free from malice or deceit.
• καθαρότης (katharótēs) [kah-thah-RO-tes]: Meaning “purity” or “cleanness,” this word stresses the idea of being uncontaminated or untainted, both physically and morally.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• εἰλικρίνεια is a feminine noun of the first declension. It is used to describe a quality of character that is free from deceit or moral corruption.
• Noun Declension: As a first declension noun, εἰλικρίνεια follows a regular pattern of inflection.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG defines εἰλικρίνεια as “sincerity,” “purity,” or “uprightness.” The lexicon emphasizes its use in the New Testament to convey the idea of moral purity, particularly in the context of one’s relationship with God and others. It is often associated with a clear conscience and the absence of deceit.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights εἰλικρίνεια as referring to “purity of motive” or “sincerity.” Thayer’s notes that the word implies a character that has been tested and found to be genuine, much like how something might be examined in the light to ensure its purity.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses εἰλικρίνεια in terms of its significance in Christian ethics. Vine’s notes that this word is used to describe the moral quality expected of believers, particularly in how they conduct themselves in relationships with others and in their worship of God.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon traces εἰλικρίνεια back to its classical roots, where it was used to describe purity or sincerity, especially in moral contexts. LSJ points out that this word often carried the connotation of being free from deceit, hypocrisy, or corruption.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἰλικρίνεια as “sincerity” or “purity,” noting its importance in New Testament passages that stress the ethical conduct and inner purity of believers. Strong’s emphasizes that this word captures the essence of moral integrity and honesty.

Scripture References:

• 2 Corinthians 1:12: “For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity (εἰλικρίνεια), not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God.”
• Philippians 1:10: “So that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless (εἰλικρίνεια) for the day of Christ.”
• 1 Corinthians 5:8: “Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity (εἰλικρίνεια) and truth.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of εἰλικρίνεια (G1505: eilikríneia)

The Greek word εἰλικρίνεια (eilikríneia), meaning “sincerity” or “purity,” is a key term in understanding New Testament ethics and Christian moral teachings. This word conveys the idea of an inner purity that is free from deceit, hypocrisy, or moral corruption, reflecting a quality of character that is genuine and trustworthy. Its usage in the New Testament underscores the importance of living with integrity before God and others. In ancient Greek culture, εἰλικρίνεια was also a highly regarded virtue, seen as essential for both personal and civic life.

Did You Know?

The word εἰλικρίνεια (eilikríneia) is thought to be derived from the Greek words for “sunlight” and “judgment,” reflecting the idea that true sincerity and purity are those that can withstand close scrutiny, just as something tested in sunlight reveals its true nature. This etymology underscores the ancient Greek belief that moral integrity must be transparent and evident to all, much like how the light of the sun reveals everything it touches.