Understanding ἀναμάρτητος (anamartētos) Strong’s G361: The Sinless State That Only Jesus Perfectly Embodied

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-mar-TAY-tos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G361: ἀναμάρτητος is a powerful compound adjective meaning “without sin, sinless, faultless.” It describes a state of complete moral purity and freedom from sin, whether in nature or action. This rare word appears only once in the New Testament, carrying profound theological weight in its context.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound adjective formed from ἀν- (negative prefix) + ἁμαρτία (hamartia, “sin”)
• Used primarily in teaching and narrative contexts
• Classical Greek origin
• Appears in philosophical and ethical discussions
• Common in early Christian writings about the nature of Jesus

ἀναμάρτητος Morphology:

• ἀναμάρτητος (nominative singular masculine/feminine) – sinless one
• ἀναμάρτητον (accusative singular masculine/feminine) – sinless one (as object)
• ἀναμαρτήτῳ (dative singular) – to/for the sinless one
• ἀναμαρτήτου (genitive singular) – of the sinless one

Origin & History

The term ἀναμάρτητος emerged in classical Greek literature, particularly in philosophical works discussing ethical perfection and moral character. Plato used it in “The Republic” when exploring the concept of the perfectly just person. In the Hellenistic period, it gained prominence in discussions about moral excellence and divine nature.

The Septuagint translators, while familiar with the term, did not employ it in their translation of the Hebrew Bible, perhaps due to its strong philosophical connotations in Greek culture. However, early church fathers like Clement of Alexandria and Origen frequently used ἀναμάρτητος in their discussions of Jesus’s unique sinless nature, making it a crucial term in early Christological debates.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete freedom from sin or moral fault
• Inability to commit sin due to perfect nature
• State of moral and ethical perfection
• Absence of capability to sin

ἀναμάρτητος Translation Options:

• “Sinless” – Emphasizes the complete absence of sin
• “Without fault” – Highlights moral perfection in character
• “Blameless” – Focuses on the judicial aspect of being free from accusation
• “Morally perfect” – Captures the comprehensive nature of the term

Biblical Usage

The sole New Testament occurrence of ἀναμάρτητος appears in John 8:7, where Jesus confronts the accusers of a woman caught in adultery. His statement, “Let him who is without sin (ἀναμάρτητος) among you be the first to throw a stone at her,” creates a powerful moment of self-reflection and conviction.

This strategic use of ἀναμάρτητος serves multiple purposes. First, it establishes an impossible standard for the accusers, as no human except Jesus could claim this state. Second, it subtly points to His own unique sinless nature, as He alone could have cast the first stone.

Though appearing only once in the New Testament, the concept it represents is affirmed throughout Scripture:

• “Let him who is without sin [ἀναμάρτητος] among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7
• “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15
• “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish legal tradition, the concept of being “without sin” was particularly relevant in the context of bearing witness and passing judgment. The Sanhedrin had specific requirements for witnesses in capital cases, including moral character requirements. The use of ἀναμάρτητος in John 8:7 would have resonated deeply with this judicial background.

Furthermore, in rabbinic literature, there was a concept of זכות (zechut) or merit, where certain individuals were considered especially righteous. However, even the most revered figures like Moses and Abraham were never considered ἀναμάρτητος in the absolute sense, making this term’s application to Jesus particularly significant in Jewish-Christian dialogue.

Theological Significance

The concept of ἀναμάρτητος is central to understanding the unique nature of Jesus as both fully God and fully man. It affirms His qualification as the perfect sacrifice for sin, as only one who was truly without sin could bear the sins of others. This connects powerfully with the Old Testament requirement for unblemished sacrificial animals, seeing Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of this type.

The term also highlights the vast gulf between human moral capacity and divine perfection, emphasizing our complete dependence on God’s grace for salvation. It serves as a reminder that our righteousness comes not from our own perfection but through faith in the One who alone is truly ἀναμάρτητος.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀναμάρτητος should lead us to both humility and hope. Humility because we recognize our own inability to achieve sinless perfection, and hope because we serve a Savior who did achieve it on our behalf. This reality should transform how we view both our own struggles with sin and our treatment of others who struggle.

When we are tempted to judge others harshly, we should remember the scene in John 8 and consider that only the truly ἀναμάρτητος One chose mercy over condemnation. This balance of truth and grace should characterize our own interactions with fellow believers and with those outside the faith.

Related Words

• ἁμαρτία (hamartia) – sin, missing the mark – Foundational root word showing what ἀναμάρτητος negates See G266
• ἄμωμος (amomos) – without blemish, morally unblameable – Similar concept but focused on sacrificial perfection See G299
• τέλειος (teleios) – perfect, complete – Related to moral completion and maturity See G5046
• ἄμεμπτος (amemptos) – blameless, without fault – Similar but less absolute than ἀναμάρτητος See G273

Did you Know?

• Early Christian writers used ἀναμάρτητος exclusively for Jesus and theoretical philosophical discussions, never applying it to any other historical figure, including Mary or the apostles.
• The word appears in modern Greek legal documents to describe a “clean record” or “spotless reputation,” though this usage is much weaker than its biblical significance.
• The concept of sinlessness expressed by ἀναμάρτητος was so important in early Christian theology that it became a key point in the Councils of Nicaea and Chalcedon when defining the nature of Jesus.

Remember This

ἀναμάρτητος represents the unique sinless perfection that only Jesus possessed, reminding us that our hope lies not in achieving perfection ourselves but in trusting in the One who was truly without sin.