Pronunciation Guide: ah-KAH-thar-tos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G169: ἀκάθαρτος (akathartos) describes something that is unclean, impure, or defiled in both a ceremonial and moral sense. The term carries strong connotations of spiritual contamination that makes one unfit for divine service or worship. In the New Testament context, it often refers to evil spirits and moral impurity that stands in opposition to God’s holiness.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Words: Compound of ἀ- (a-) negative prefix + καθαρός (katharos, “clean”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative sections, teaching passages, and spiritual warfare contexts

ἀκάθαρτος Morphology:

• ἀκάθαρτος (nominative masculine/feminine singular) – unclean
• ἀκάθαρτον (nominative/accusative neuter singular) – unclean thing
• ἀκαθάρτου (genitive singular) – of uncleanness
• ἀκαθάρτῳ (dative singular) – to/with uncleanness
• ἀκάθαρτοι (nominative masculine plural) – unclean ones

Origin & History

The concept of ritual and moral uncleanness was deeply embedded in ancient Greek culture, where ἀκάθαρτος was used to describe both physical and spiritual contamination. In classical Greek literature, Plato used the term in “Laws” to describe souls tainted by wickedness, while Sophocles employed it in “Oedipus Rex” to denote ritual impurity that required purification.

The Septuagint translators chose ἀκάθαρτος to render the Hebrew טָמֵא (tameh), establishing its significance in Jewish religious thought. This translation choice effectively bridged Greek and Hebrew concepts of ceremonial and moral impurity, particularly in Levitical law.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Ritually unclean or defiled according to Jewish law
• Morally impure or corrupted
• Spiritually contaminated by evil
• Ceremonially unfit for divine worship

ἀκάθαρτος Translation Options:

• “Unclean” – Best captures both ritual and moral aspects
• “Impure” – Emphasizes the moral dimension
• “Defiled” – Stresses the ceremonial violation
• “Contaminated” – Useful for contexts involving spiritual corruption

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἀκάθαρτος in Matthew 10:1 establishes its connection to spiritual warfare, where Jesus gives His disciples authority over unclean spirits. This usage sets a precedent for understanding the term’s relationship to demonic forces throughout the New Testament.

In the Gospels and Acts, ἀκάθαρτος frequently modifies πνεῦμα (spirit), highlighting the spiritual battle between God’s kingdom and demonic forces. The Apostle Paul expands its usage to include moral impurity in his epistles, particularly in discussions of holy living.

Significant passages include:

• Matthew 10:1 – “authority over unclean spirits”
• Mark 1:23 – “a man with an unclean spirit”
• Acts 10:14 – “anything common or unclean“
• 2 Corinthians 6:17 – “touch no unclean thing”
• Ephesians 5:5 – “no unclean person”

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of uncleanness was not merely spiritual but affected every aspect of daily life. The elaborate system of ritual purity laws created a constant awareness of the distinction between clean and unclean, holy and profane. This understanding illuminates why Jesus’s willingness to touch those deemed ἀκάθαρτος was so revolutionary – He demonstrated that His holiness was more powerful than any form of uncleanness.

The term’s use in both ritual and moral contexts reflects the Hebrew worldview that did not sharply separate physical and spiritual reality. This holistic understanding helps explain why ritual washing was seen as having both physical and spiritual significance.

Theological Significance

The concept of ἀκάθαρτος reveals crucial aspects of God’s character and His redemptive plan. His absolute holiness requires separation from all impurity, yet His love moves Him to provide cleansing for His people. This tension finds its resolution in the Messiah Jesus, who touches the unclean without becoming defiled Himself, demonstrating divine power over all forms of impurity.

The transformation from ἀκάθαρτος to clean through the Messiah’s work parallels the broader narrative of redemption. It points to the ultimate purification promised in Revelation 21:27, where nothing unclean will enter the New Jerusalem, highlighting God’s final victory over all forms of corruption.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀκάθαρτος challenges believers to examine areas of their lives that may be spiritually contaminated while remembering that God’s grace provides cleansing through the Messiah Jesus. This word study reminds us that holiness isn’t merely about external compliance but involves internal transformation through the Holy Spirit’s work.

The power dynamic displayed in the New Testament’s use of ἀκάθαρτος encourages believers that through the Messiah, they have authority over spiritual forces of darkness and access to divine cleansing from all forms of impurity.

Related Words

• καθαρός (katharos) – clean, pure, undefiled. Pronunciation: kath-ar-OS. Direct antonym of ἀκάθαρτος showing the positive state of purity. See G2513
• μολύνω (molynō) – to defile, stain, contaminate. Pronunciation: mol-OO-no. Emphasizes the action of becoming impure. See G3435
• ἅγιος (hagios) – holy, set apart. Pronunciation: HAH-gee-os. Represents the opposite state of being from ἀκάθαρτος. See G40
• βέβηλος (bebēlos) – profane, unholy. Pronunciation: BEB-ay-los. Similar concept but focused on violation of sacred things. See G952

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀκάθαρτος was so significant in ancient Jewish culture that special mikvaot (ritual baths) have been discovered throughout Israel, including around the Temple Mount, showing the importance of cleansing from impurity.
• The term ἀκάθαρτος appears in modern Greek medical terminology, where it refers to septic or non-sterile conditions, maintaining its ancient connection to the concept of contamination.
• The ritual purity laws associated with ἀκάθαρτος influenced early Christian baptismal practices, which were seen as both a spiritual and physical cleansing, reflecting the holistic understanding of purity in biblical times.

Remember This

ἀκάθαρτος reminds us that while spiritual impurity separates us from God, His power through the Messiah Jesus provides complete cleansing and restoration to those who trust in Him.