Brief Overview of ῥυπαρός (Strong’s G4508: rhyparos)

Strong’s G4508: Derived from ῥύπος (filth), ῥυπαρός describes that which is physically dirty, morally unclean, or shabby in appearance. In James’ epistle, it specifically refers to wearing filthy clothing, metaphorically representing spiritual and moral impurity, highlighting social and spiritual distinctions within the early church community.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term ῥυπαρός carries both literal and metaphorical significance in New Testament usage. Primarily denoting physical filthiness or dirtiness, it extends beyond mere physical appearance to encompass moral and spiritual uncleanliness. In early church contexts, the word became particularly significant in discussions of spiritual purity and social equality within Christian communities. James employs this term to challenge discriminatory practices based on outward appearances, particularly regarding wealth and social status. The word’s usage in James 2:2 serves as a powerful critique of showing favoritism within the church, emphasizing that external appearances should not determine one’s worth or treatment in God’s assembly. This understanding remains deeply relevant today as churches continue to grapple with issues of discrimination and social prejudice.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥυπαρός, rhyparos, /hryoo-par-os’/
• Pronunciation Guide: “hryoo” (like ‘crew’ with an h), “par” (as in ‘par’ent), “os” (as in ‘dose’)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: ῥύπος (rhypos) – dirt, filth
• Suffix: -αρος (-aros) – adjectival ending indicating a quality or characteristic
• Combined meaning: characterized by filthiness or dirtiness

D – Defining Meanings

• Physical dirt or filthiness
• Shabby or soiled clothing
• Moral or spiritual uncleanliness
• Poor quality or worthless condition

For compound words:
While not a compound word, the adjectival suffix -αρος transforms the noun ῥύπος (filth) into an adjective describing the quality of being filthy.

Translation Options:

• “filthy” – best captures both physical and moral aspects
• “shabby” – appropriate for contexts describing appearance
• “squalid” – encompasses both physical condition and social status implications

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀκάθαρτος (akathartos) /ak-ath’-ar-tos/ – unclean, impure See G169 – differs in emphasizing ritual impurity
• μιαρός (miaros) /mee-ar-os/ – polluted, defiled See G3393 – focuses more on moral corruption
• σπιλόω (spiloō) /spil-o’-o/ – to stain, defile See G4695 – emphasizes the act of becoming dirty

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as an adjective:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: First/Second declension adjective

Examples of morphological changes:

• Masculine singular: ῥυπαρός
• Feminine singular: ῥυπαρά
• Neuter singular: ῥυπαρόν
• Masculine plural: ῥυπαροί

Cross-references:

• Related noun: ῥύπος (filth)
• Related verb: ῥυπαίνω (to make filthy)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG presents ῥυπαρός primarily as describing physical dirt and shabby clothing, while acknowledging its metaphorical extension to moral uncleanliness. Thayer’s emphasizes the word’s connection to moral impurity and its use in social contexts. LSJ provides evidence of the term’s usage in classical Greek literature, particularly in describing physical filth and poor condition. Vine’s expands on the metaphorical implications, especially in James’ usage. Strong’s connects it to the root word ῥύπος, while LEH provides Septuagint parallels. Moulton and Milligan offer papyrological evidence of its use in describing worn or shabby clothing in everyday contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in filthy clothes (James 2:2)

Additional References:
Revelation 22:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ῥυπαρός powerfully illustrates how external appearances often mask deeper spiritual realities. James uses this term to challenge the church’s tendency to judge based on outward appearance, reminding us that in Christ, such distinctions should not determine our treatment of others. This word proclaims the good news that King Jesus looks not at the outward appearance but at the heart, and through His cleansing work, we are made clean regardless of our social status or external condition.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word ῥυπαρός appears in ancient medical texts describing infected wounds, showing its technical usage beyond mere dirtiness.
2. In early Christian baptismal liturgies, the removal of ῥυπαρός (filthy) garments symbolized putting off the old nature.
3. The term influenced early Christian artwork depicting the contrast between worldly and spiritual states.

Strong’s G4508: Derived from ῥύπος (filth), ῥυπαρός describes that which is physically dirty, morally unclean, or shabby in appearance. In James’ epistle, it specifically refers to wearing filthy clothing, metaphorically representing spiritual and moral impurity, highlighting social and spiritual distinctions within the early church community.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: filthy, unclean, moral impurity, physical dirt, poverty, social status, discrimination, James epistle, spiritual cleansing, baptism symbolism​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​