Pronunciation Guide: ah-DOH-los

Basic Definition

Strong’s G97: ἄδολος (adolos) describes that which is pure, genuine, and without deceit or guile. It literally means “not deceitful” or “without guile,” emphasizing complete sincerity and authenticity. The word conveys the quality of being unmixed, unadulterated, and free from any form of falsehood or corruption.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Compound word: From “α” (negative prefix) + “δόλος” (dolos, meaning deceit)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in ethical and moral contexts, particularly in teaching sections
• Literary Style: Common in exhortatory and descriptive passages

ἄδολος Morphology:

• ἄδολος (nominative singular) – pure, genuine
• ἀδόλου (genitive singular) – of pure/genuine
• ἀδόλῳ (dative singular) – in/with pure/genuine
• ἄδολον (accusative singular) – pure, genuine

Origin & History

The term ἄδολος has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it was often used to describe commercial transactions and relationships. In commercial contexts, it described merchandise that was pure and unadulterated, particularly when referring to wine, milk, or honey that hadn’t been diluted or tampered with.

In the works of Pindar (Olympian Odes), the word appears in describing genuine friendship and loyalty, emphasizing relationships free from ulterior motives. Thucydides employed the term in his History of the Peloponnesian War when discussing diplomatic relations and treaties made in good faith without hidden agenda.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Unmixed, unadulterated, pure in substance
• Genuine, sincere, without hidden motives
• Free from deceit or falsehood
• Guileless, straightforward
• Authentic, true to its nature

ἄδολος Translation Options:

• Pure – Best captures the sense of being unmixed or unadulterated
• Genuine – Emphasizes authenticity and sincerity
• Sincere – Highlights the absence of pretense or hidden motives
• Guileless – Directly translates the etymology but may be less accessible
• Unadulterated – Technical term that captures the original commercial usage

Biblical Usage of ἄδολος

In the New Testament, ἄδολος appears most notably in 1 Peter 2:2, where it describes the “pure spiritual milk” that believers should crave. The metaphor draws on the commercial understanding of unadulterated milk while elevating it to describe spiritual nourishment that is completely pure and beneficial for spiritual growth.

While the word appears only once in the New Testament, its concept is echoed throughout Scripture in passages that emphasize spiritual authenticity and pure devotion. The Septuagint uses ἄδολος in describing wisdom and truth, particularly in the Wisdom Literature.

• “Like newborn babies, long for the pure [ἄδολος] unadulterated spiritual milk” 1 Peter 2:2

Cultural Insights into ἄδολος

In the ancient Mediterranean world, food and drink adulteration was a common problem. Merchants would often dilute wine with water or add cheaper substances to olive oil to increase profits. Against this backdrop, ἄδολος became a powerful commercial term guaranteeing purity and authenticity. This commercial understanding would have resonated strongly with the first-century readers of Peter’s epistle, who would have immediately grasped both the literal and metaphorical implications of “pure spiritual milk.”

The concept also carried significant weight in Greek philosophical traditions, where it described the ideal state of wisdom and truth – completely unmixed with falsehood or deception. This philosophical usage likely influenced its application to spiritual matters in biblical contexts.

Theological Significance of ἄδολος

The use of ἄδολος in 1 Peter 2:2 reveals profound theological truth about the nature of God’s Word and spiritual nourishment. Just as a nursing infant requires pure, unadulterated milk for healthy growth, believers need pure spiritual truth untainted by human invention or corruption. This emphasizes God’s character as the source of all truth and purity.

The term also reflects the nature of genuine faith and spiritual maturity. True spirituality, according to Scripture, must be ἄδολος – free from pretense, manipulation, or hidden agendas. This aligns with Jesus’ teachings about worship in spirit and truth, emphasizing that our relationship with God must be characterized by complete sincerity and authenticity.

Personal Application

When we understand ἄδολος, it challenges us to examine the purity of our spiritual diet and the authenticity of our faith. Are we consuming pure spiritual nourishment, or have we allowed our spiritual diet to become diluted with worldly wisdom and human traditions? The word calls us to seek authentic, undiluted truth from God’s Word and to approach Him with genuine, guileless hearts.

The commercial background of ἄδολος reminds us that just as we would reject adulterated food products, we should be discerning about our spiritual nourishment, accepting only what is pure and true according to God’s Word.

Related to ἄδολος

• εἰλικρινής (eilikrinēs) [eye-lee-kree-NACE] – pure, sincere, tested by sunlight, emphasizes moral purity. See G1506
• ἁγνός (hagnos) [hag-NOSS] – pure, holy, emphasizes moral and ceremonial purity. See G53
• καθαρός (katharos) [kath-ar-OSS] – clean, pure, emphasizes physical and moral cleanliness. See G2513
• ἄκακος (akakos) [AH-kak-oss] – innocent, guileless, emphasizes moral innocence. See G172

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἄδολος was so important in ancient commerce that some Greek cities had official “testers” who would verify the purity of products, especially wine and milk, before they could be sold in the marketplace.
• In ancient Greek athletic competitions, athletes would have to declare themselves ἄδολος regarding their training and qualifications, affirming they had not used any deceptive practices to gain advantage.
• The word ἄδολος appears in ancient medical texts describing medicines that were pure and unadulterated, highlighting the critical importance of pharmaceutical purity in ancient medical practice.

Remember This

Pure spiritual nourishment, like pure milk for an infant, is essential for authentic spiritual growth – accept no substitutes or diluted versions of God’s truth.