Understanding ἁπλοῦς (haplous) Strong’s G573: The Profound Biblical Truth of Single-Minded Devotion to God

Pronunciation Guide: hap-LOOSE

Basic Definition

Strong’s G573: ἁπλοῦς (haplous) describes something that is single, simple, or uncomplicated in nature. In biblical usage, it particularly refers to singleness of purpose, especially in relation to spiritual perception and devotion to God. The word carries connotations of sincerity, clarity, and undivided loyalty.

Etymology and Morphology

• Adjective derived from the Greek prefix ἁ- (ha-) and the root πλέκω (plekō, “to fold”)
• Primary usage in teaching passages and wisdom literature
• Found in both literal (physical) and metaphorical (spiritual) contexts
• Common in Hellenistic moral philosophy

ἁπλοῦς Morphology:

• ἁπλοῦς (nominative singular masculine) – single/clear
• ἁπλῆ (nominative singular feminine) – single/clear
• ἁπλοῦν (nominative/accusative singular neuter) – single/clear
• ἁπλοῖ (nominative plural masculine) – single/clear ones

Origin & History

The word ἁπλοῦς has its roots in classical Greek, where it initially described physical objects that were “unfolded” or “single-layered.” Plato uses it in “Republic” (Book 2, 361B) to describe a person of simple, straightforward character. In the Septuagint, it appears in Proverbs 11:25, translating the Hebrew word תָּם (tam), meaning “complete, perfect, or simple.”

In the works of Philo of Alexandria, particularly in “On the Special Laws,” the term takes on a more sophisticated philosophical meaning, describing the unity of divine nature and the importance of undivided devotion to God. This philosophical development bridges the classical usage with its New Testament theological significance.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Single-minded focus or purpose
• Moral simplicity and sincerity
• Clear, unclouded perception
• Undivided loyalty

ἁπλοῦς Translation Options:

• “Single” – Emphasizes the undivided nature of something
• “Clear” – Highlights the aspect of unobstructed vision or perception
• “Sound” – Captures the sense of healthy functioning
• “Sincere” – Reflects the moral and spiritual implications
• “Undivided” – Stresses complete devotion or commitment

Biblical Usage

The most significant use of ἁπλοῦς appears in Matthew 6:22, where Yeshua (Jesus) teaches about spiritual perception: “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is ἁπλοῦς sound, your whole body will be full of light.” This metaphorical usage connects physical sight with spiritual understanding and moral clarity.

In the broader context of Matthew 6:19-24, ἁπλοῦς stands in contrast to various forms of spiritual double-mindedness, particularly concerning materialism and divided loyalties between God and wealth.

• “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is [ἁπλοῦς] sound, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22
• “But if your eye is [πονηρός] bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” Matthew 6:23

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish thought, the concept of the “good eye” (עין טובה, ayin tovah) versus the “evil eye” (עין רעה, ayin ra’ah) was well-established. The “good eye” represented generosity, spiritual perception, and proper moral orientation, while the “evil eye” symbolized stinginess and moral corruption. Yeshua’s use of ἁπλοῦς in Matthew 6:22 draws on this cultural understanding while deepening its spiritual significance.

The metaphor of light and darkness was particularly powerful in the ancient world, where artificial lighting was limited. The ability to see clearly was not taken for granted, making the spiritual analogy of clear versus clouded vision especially meaningful to the original audience.

Theological Significance

The use of ἁπλοῦς in Matthew’s Gospel reveals a profound truth about spiritual perception and devotion to God. Just as physical sight requires properly functioning eyes, spiritual understanding requires an undivided heart. This connects to the Hebrew concept of לֵב שָׁלֵם (lev shalem), a complete or perfect heart, which King David speaks of in 1 Chronicles 28:9.

This word points to the fundamental nature of true discipleship – an undivided devotion to God that affects every aspect of life. It challenges the human tendency toward spiritual double-mindedness and emphasizes that clear spiritual vision comes only through single-minded commitment to God.

Personal Application

In our modern world of endless distractions and competing loyalties, ἁπλοῦς calls us to examine our spiritual vision. Are we trying to serve two masters? Is our perception of God’s truth clouded by materialism, worldly concerns, or divided loyalties? The word challenges us to cultivate spiritual single-mindedness through regular prayer, Scripture study, and intentional focus on God’s kingdom priorities.

This word reminds us that spiritual clarity isn’t just about knowledge – it’s about whole-hearted devotion to God that transforms our entire being, just as light fills a room when our eyes are functioning properly.

Related Words

• διψυχος (dipsuchos) [DIP-soo-khos] – double-minded, unstable; represents the opposite of ἁπλοῦς in spiritual context See G1374
• καθαρός (katharos) [kath-ar-OS] – clean, pure; similar concept of moral purity but focuses on cleanliness rather than singleness See G2513
• ἀκέραιος (akeraios) [ak-ER-ah-yos] – pure, innocent; shares the concept of moral simplicity See G185
• εἰλικρινής (eilikrinēs) [i-lik-ree-NACE] – sincere, pure; emphasizes genuineness rather than singleness See G1506

Did you Know?

• The English word “hapless” comes from the same root as ἁπλοῦς, though it developed a negative connotation of being unfortunate or unlucky, quite different from its original meaning of simplicity.
• In modern Greek, ἁπλός (the modern form of ἁπλοῦς) is still commonly used to mean “simple” or “plain,” and appears in compound words like απλοποίηση (simplification).
• The concept of the “evil eye” that stands in contrast to the ἁπλοῦς eye in Matthew 6:22 remains a significant cultural phenomenon in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern societies today.

Remember This

ἁπλοῦς reminds us that true spiritual vision comes only through undivided devotion to God – when our spiritual eyes are clear, our whole being is filled with divine light.