Understanding ἁγνῶς (hagnōs) Strong’s G55: The Biblical Purity that Transforms Motives and Ministry

ἁγνῶς – Pronunciation Guide: hag-noce’ (emphasis on second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G55: An adverb meaning “purely, sincerely, without ulterior motives.” It describes actions performed with moral purity, genuine intentions, and sacred devotion, particularly in matters of Christian service and ministry.

Word Study

• Part of Speech: Adverb
• Language Origin: Derived from ἁγνός (hagnos, G53), meaning “pure, holy, chaste”

Morphology

• ἁγνός (hagnos) – pure, holy
• ἁγνῶς (hagnōs) – purely, sincerely
• ἁγνότης (hagnotēs) – purity, sincerity

Word Origin & History

The word family traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *yag-, meaning “to worship, revere.” In classical Greek literature, it was particularly associated with religious purity and ritual cleanliness. Xenophon used it in his “Memorabilia” to describe actions done with pure motives, while Thucydides employed it when discussing matters of sacred duty.

The transition from ritual purity to moral purity began in Hellenistic Judaism, as evidenced in the Septuagint, where it took on deeper spiritual significance beyond mere ceremonial cleanliness.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἁγνῶς appears most notably in Philippians 1:17, where Paul contrasts those who preach the Messiah out of pure motives versus those who do so out of selfish ambition. The adverb emphasizes not just the action itself but the heart’s intention behind it.

Key Passages

• Philippians 1:16-17 – Contrasting pure versus impure motives in ministry
• 2 Corinthians 11:2 – Related adjective usage describing pure devotion to the Messiah

Cultural Insights

In ancient Greek temple worship, ἁγνῶς was associated with the ritual purification required before approaching the gods. This cultural background illuminates Paul’s use of the term to describe spiritual purity in Christian service, elevating it from external ritual to internal heart condition.

Theological Significance

The use of ἁγνῶς in the New Testament reveals God’s concern not just with outward actions but with the purity of heart behind them. It demonstrates that true spiritual service flows from genuine devotion to Him rather than self-promotion or ulterior motives.

This word connects powerfully to Jesus’ teaching about pure hearts in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:8), showing how internal purity manifests in external ministry.

Personal Application

When examining our service to God and others, ἁγνῶς challenges us to consider our motivations, not just our actions. It calls us to minister with pure hearts, seeking God’s glory rather than personal recognition or advantage.

Related Words

• ἁγνός (hagnos) – pure, holy – See G53
• ἁγνίζω (hagnizō) – to purify – See G48
• καθαρός (katharos) – clean, pure – See G2513

Did You Know?

• The word ἁγνῶς shares its root with the name “Agnes,” which became popular among early Christians as a symbol of purity.
• In ancient Greek athletic competitions, participants had to declare they had trained “hagnōs” – purely and legitimately.
• Modern Greek still uses “αγνός” (agnos) to describe pure, unadulterated substances.

Remember This

Pure motives in ministry mirror the pure heart of our Messiah.