Understanding ἁπλῶς (haplōs) Strong’s G574: The Generous Heart of God that Gives Without Complexity or Hesitation

Pronunciation Guide: hap-LOCE (ἁ = ha as in happy, πλῶς = ploce as in close)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G574: ἁπλῶς (haplōs) describes giving or acting in a manner that is single-minded, simple, and straightforward, without ulterior motives or hidden conditions. It carries the sense of generosity that flows from a pure, uncomplicated heart. In the context of God’s giving, it represents His nature to give liberally and without reproach, reflecting His perfect character of unrestrained generosity.

Etymology and Morphology

• Adverb derived from ἁπλοῦς (haplous, “single, simple”)
• Root word: πλέκω (plekō, “to fold, weave”)
• Primary usage in teaching and epistle literature
• Alpha privative (ἁ-) combined with root suggests “unfolded, not complicated”
• Frequently appears in contexts of giving and moral character

ἁπλῶς Morphology:

• ἁπλῶς (adverbial form) – simply, sincerely
• ἁπλοῦς (adjective nominative) – single, simple
• ἁπλότης (noun form) – simplicity, sincerity
• ἁπλῇ (feminine dative) – in a simple way

Origin & History

The term ἁπλῶς has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it initially described physical objects that were “single” or “unfolded.” Xenophon uses it in his “Cyropaedia” (8.4.7) to describe straightforward speech without deception. In the Septuagint, the related adjective ἁπλοῦς appears in descriptions of righteous character, particularly in Proverbs where it describes the integrity of the upright (Proverbs 10:9).

The concept evolved in Hellenistic Judaism, as evidenced in the writings of Philo of Alexandria (“On Abraham” 1.20), where it came to represent moral simplicity and pure intentions, especially in the context of generosity and worship.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Single-minded generosity without ulterior motives
• Straightforward simplicity in action and intention
• Unconditional giving without complexity
• Pure-hearted liberality without reservation

ἁπλῶς Translation Options:

• “Generously” – Emphasizes the abundant nature of giving
• “Simply” – Highlights the uncomplicated nature of the action
• “Sincerely” – Focuses on the pure motivation
• “Liberally” – Stresses the unrestrained quantity
• “Without reservation” – Captures the complete absence of hesitation

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἁπλῶς appears most notably in James 1:5, where it describes God’s manner of giving wisdom to those who ask. This usage perfectly encapsulates the divine character of generous giving without reproach or hesitation. While the adverb appears only once in the New Testament, its related forms appear in significant contexts discussing Christian generosity and single-minded devotion.

The concept deeply resonates with Old Testament teachings about God’s generous character, particularly in passages where יהוה (Yahweh) is described as the generous provider who gives abundantly to His people.

Related forms of the word appear in these contexts:

• “If anyone asks for wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all simply [ἁπλῶς] and without reproach.” James 1:5
• “The eye is the lamp of the body; if therefore your eye is clear [ἁπλοῦς].” Matthew 6:22
• “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them… he who gives, with liberality [ἁπλότητι].” Romans 12:8

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of giving without complexity was deeply rooted in the practice of tzedakah (צדקה), which goes beyond mere charity to encompass righteous giving as a divine obligation. The idea of giving ἁπλῶς would have resonated strongly with Jewish readers familiar with Maimonides’ teaching about the highest form of giving being that which is done without expectation of recognition or return.

The term also carried significant weight in Greco-Roman society, where philosophical schools often praised the virtue of simplicity (ἁπλότης) in contrast to the complexity and duplicity often found in political and social relationships. This cultural context adds depth to James’s use of ἁπλῶς to describe God’s giving nature.

Theological Significance

The use of ἁπλῶς in James 1:5 reveals a profound truth about God’s character. It shows that His giving isn’t complicated by human merit, past failures, or future potential. This characteristic of God’s giving nature reflects His perfect love and grace, demonstrating that His generosity flows from His unchanging character rather than our worthiness.

This theological concept is particularly powerful when we consider that James uses this term to describe God’s giving of wisdom – something every believer needs but often feels unworthy to receive. The simplicity and generosity of God’s giving stands in stark contrast to human tendencies to give with conditions, expectations, or hidden agendas.

Personal Application

Understanding ἁπλῶς challenges believers to examine their own giving – both material and spiritual. Are we giving with pure motives and genuine simplicity, or do we complicate our giving with conditions and expectations? God’s example of giving ἁπλῶς invites us to give as He gives: freely, generously, and without reproach.

This word also offers profound encouragement for those hesitant to approach God for wisdom or help, reminding us that His giving is never complicated by our past failures or present struggles. He gives simply because it is His nature to give.

Related Words

• διδόναι (didonai) – “to give” – The act of giving, which when combined with ἁπλῶς, describes God’s generous nature. See G1325
• ἀφειδῶς (apheidōs) – “abundantly” – Describes lavish giving without sparing. See G862
• γενναίως (gennaiōs) – “nobly, generously” – Relates to giving with noble character. See G1133
• ἱλαρῶς (hilarōs) – “cheerfully” – Describes giving with joy and readiness. See G2431

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἁπλῶς in ancient Greek mathematics referred to a straight line – the simplest path between two points – which beautifully illustrates God’s straightforward manner of giving.
• Modern Greek still uses ἁπλῶς (now pronounced “aplos”) to mean “simply” or “merely,” though it has lost much of its rich connotation of generous giving.
• The alpha privative (ἁ-) at the beginning of ἁπλῶς suggests the removal of complexity, similar to how we use the prefix “un-” in English, making it literally mean “un-complicated.”

Remember This

ἁπλῶς reveals the heart of a God who gives without complexity – abundantly, freely, and without reproach – inviting us to both receive and give in the same manner.