ἁγνός – Pronunciation Guide: hag-nos’ (emphasis on second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G53: Pure, clean, chaste, holy. Describes moral purity and ceremonial cleanness, often with connotations of being set apart for divine purposes. Carries the idea of being morally undefiled and spiritually pure in both thought and action.

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Word Study

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Language Origin: From the same root as ἅγιος (hagios), related to sacred purity
• Etymology: Derived from ἅζομαι (hazomai), meaning “to venerate” or “stand in awe”

Morphology:

• ἁγνός – pure, holy (masculine nominative singular)
• ἁγνή – pure, holy (feminine nominative singular)
• ἁγνόν – pure, holy (neuter nominative singular)

Word Origin & History

The term ἁγνός has deep roots in ancient Greek religious and cultural contexts. In classical Greek literature, it was frequently used in connection with temple worship and religious ceremonies. Notably, Plato employed this word in “The Republic” when discussing the purification of the soul, while Sophocles used it in reference to sacred places and rituals.

The transition from classical to biblical Greek saw the word retain its religious significance while developing stronger moral connotations. This evolution reflects the broader Jewish and early Christian emphasis on internal purity rather than merely external ceremonial cleanness.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἁγνός appears in contexts emphasizing both moral purity and spiritual devotion. It particularly features in passages discussing Christian conduct and character development, often paired with other virtues that should mark believers’ lives.

Key Passages:

• Philippians 4:8 – Listed among the virtues Christians should contemplate
• 1 Timothy 5:22 – Used in the context of maintaining personal purity
• 1 Peter 3:2 – Describing the pure conduct of wives

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek culture, ἁγνός was closely associated with temple worship, where priests and worshippers needed to maintain ritual purity. This cultural background illuminates why early Christians would have readily understood this term’s application to spiritual and moral purity in their new faith context.

The concept of ἁγνός was also linked to the practice of ritual washing before entering sacred spaces, a practice that would have resonated with both Jewish converts familiar with Temple practices and Gentile believers accustomed to pagan temple protocols.

Theological Significance

The use of ἁγνός in the New Testament reflects God’s call for His people to live lives of intentional purity. Unlike ritual purity alone, this purity encompasses thoughts, motivations, and actions, pointing to the transformative power of the Gospel.

This word beautifully connects to the character of God Himself, who is perfectly pure and calls His children to reflect His nature. It reminds us that true purity is not merely about avoiding wrong but actively pursuing righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Personal Application

When we understand ἁγνός, we’re challenged to examine our lives beyond external behaviors to our inner thought life and motivations. This word calls us to cultivate purity in our private moments, digital interactions, and personal relationships.

Consider implementing regular “purity checks” in various life areas: media consumption, business practices, relationships, and private thoughts. The goal isn’t perfectionism but progressive transformation through God’s grace.

Related Words

• ἁγιάζω (hagiazo) – to make holy, sanctify – See G37
• καθαρός (katharos) – clean, pure – See G2513
• ἁγιωσύνη (hagiosyne) – holiness – See G42

Did you Know?

• The word ἁγνός shares its root with the name Agnes, which became popular among early Christians as a virtue name
• In ancient Greek mystery religions, ἁγνός was used to describe the state required before initiates could participate in sacred rites
• Modern Greek still uses ἁγνός to describe pure, unadulterated substances, particularly in food labeling

Remember This

“True purity isn’t just about what we avoid, but about Who we’re becoming – reflecting the character of our pure and holy God.”