Pronunciation Guide: ah-KAH-kos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G172: ἄκακος (akakos) describes someone who is innocent, guileless, and free from evil – literally meaning “without evil” or “not bad.” This word paints a picture of moral purity and simplicity of heart, without duplicity or hidden motives. It represents the beautiful quality of being free from malice and deceit.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Words: Compound of ἀ- (a-) “without” + κακός (kakos) “evil”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in wisdom literature and ethical teachings
• Literary Style: Used in character descriptions and moral exhortations

ἄκακος Morphology:

• ἄκακος (nominative singular masculine/feminine) – innocent, guileless
• ἄκακον (accusative singular masculine/feminine) – innocent, guileless
• ἀκάκου (genitive singular) – of the innocent/guileless
• ἀκάκῳ (dative singular) – to/for the innocent/guileless

Origin & History

The term ἄκακος has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it was used to describe individuals of exceptional moral character. In Plato’s “Republic,” the word appears in discussions of the ideal citizen, emphasizing the importance of moral purity in leadership.

Xenophon employed ἄκακος in his “Memorabilia” when describing Socrates’ disciples who possessed uncorrupted character and pure motivations. The word carried connotations of both moral innocence and practical wisdom – a combination highly valued in ancient Greek ethical thought.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Morally pure and innocent, free from evil intent or malice
• Simple and sincere, without guile or deception
• Naïve or unsuspecting in a positive sense, untainted by worldly corruption

ἄκακος Translation Options:

• “Innocent” – Emphasizes the moral purity aspect
• “Guileless” – Highlights the absence of deception
• “Simple-hearted” – Captures the quality of moral simplicity without negative connotations
• “Without malice” – Literal translation that preserves the compound nature of the word

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἄκακος appears in contexts emphasizing the importance of maintaining moral purity while navigating a corrupt world. Paul’s usage in Romans 16:18 serves as a warning to protect those who are ἄκακος from those who would take advantage of their pure hearts.

The word carries echoes of Jesus’ beatitude “Blessed are the pure in heart” (Matthew 5:8), though using different Greek terminology. The concept aligns with the biblical ideal of wisdom combined with innocence, as expressed in Matthew 10:16.

• “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the innocent [ἄκακος].” Romans 16:18
• “For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled [ἄκακος], separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;” Hebrews 7:26

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, ἄκακος carried a particularly powerful connotation in commercial contexts. Merchants who were known as ἄκακος were highly trusted, as they were recognized for conducting business with complete transparency and honesty – a rare quality in ancient marketplaces where haggling and clever dealing were the norm.

The cultural value placed on this trait is evidenced by its appearance on ancient Greek tombstones, where being remembered as ἄκακος was considered one of the highest compliments that could be paid to the deceased, indicating a life lived with integrity and moral purity.

Theological Significance

The use of ἄκακος in Hebrews 7:26 to describe the Messiah Jesus as our High Priest reveals the perfect balance of wisdom and innocence that characterizes His nature. This portrayal emphasizes that true moral purity is not naïveté but rather a chosen state of remaining untainted by evil while fully understanding it.

This concept provides a profound insight into God’s character and His desire for His people. The fact that He values and protects those who are ἄκακος demonstrates His special care for the pure in heart and His opposition to those who would exploit such innocence for their own gain.

Personal Application

In our modern world, where cynicism is often mistaken for wisdom and manipulation is frequently rewarded, the call to be ἄκακος presents a radical counter-cultural challenge. It invites us to cultivate a heart that remains pure and undefiled while navigating complex moral situations with God-given wisdom.

This quality of being ἄκακος should be particularly evident in our interactions within the body of Christ, where transparency and sincere love should characterize our relationships, free from manipulation or hidden agendas.

Related Words

• ἁπλοῦς (haplous) – Simple, single-minded, “ap-LOOS” – Emphasizes singleness of purpose and undivided loyalty – See G573
• καθαρός (katharos) – Clean, pure, “kath-ar-OS” – Focuses on ritual and moral purity – See G2513
• ἀθῷος (athōos) – Innocent, guiltless, “ah-THO-os” – Emphasizes freedom from guilt or liability – See G121
• εἰλικρινής (eilikrinēs) – Sincere, pure, “ay-lee-kree-NACE” – Stresses moral sincerity and genuineness – See G1506

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἄκακος was so valued in ancient Greek society that it was often used as a personal name, with parents hoping their children would embody this quality of pure-hearted wisdom.
• In early Christian communities, new converts were sometimes referred to as ἄκακος, not as a criticism of their naïveté but as a celebration of their newly purified hearts and minds in Christ.
• Modern Greek still uses ἄκακος in everyday speech to describe someone who is harmless or innocent, though it has taken on more of a connotation of naïveté than its ancient biblical usage.

Remember This

ἄκακος represents the divine paradox of being pure as doves yet wise as serpents – a state of chosen innocence that reflects the very character of Christ our High Priest.