Strong's g572

Pronunciation Guide: hap-LOT-ays

Basic Definition

Strong’s G572: ἁπλότης (haplotēs) describes the quality of being single-minded, sincere, and pure in motive, particularly in the context of generous giving and devoted service to God. It conveys the idea of simplicity that stems from moral purity and the absence of hidden agendas or ulterior motives. The word embodies both the attitude and action of giving with pure-hearted liberality and serving with undivided devotion.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun
• Root Word: ἁπλοῦς (haplous) – “single, simple”
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Epistolary literature, particularly in Paul’s letters
• Literary Context: Teaching passages about Christian character and giving

ἁπλότης Morphology:

• ἁπλότης (nominative singular) – singleness, sincerity
• ἁπλότητος (genitive singular) – of singleness/sincerity
• ἁπλότητι (dative singular) – in/with singleness/sincerity
• ἁπλότητα (accusative singular) – singleness/sincerity (as direct object)

Origin & History

The word ἁπλότης has its roots in classical Greek literature where it initially described something that was “single” or “simple” in the physical sense, like a single layer of fabric. Plato used it in “Republic” to describe the simplicity of character that marked a truly virtuous person. In the Septuagint, though the exact form ἁπλότης is rare, related words from the same root appear in descriptions of righteous character, particularly in the Wisdom literature.

The transition from classical to Koine Greek saw the word develop stronger moral and ethical connotations. In the writings of Philo of Alexandria, ἁπλότης is frequently associated with virtue and moral purity, particularly in his commentary on Abraham’s character.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Single-minded devotion and purity of heart in service to God
• Generous giving without ulterior motives
• Moral simplicity and sincerity of character
• Undivided loyalty in faith and practice

ἁπλότης Translation Options:

• “Sincerity” – When emphasizing the quality of being genuine and without pretense
• “Liberality” – In contexts of generous giving without self-serving motives
• “Single-mindedness” – When focusing on undivided devotion to God
• “Simplicity” – In contexts emphasizing pure motives and straightforward character
• “Pure generosity” – When describing both the act and attitude of giving

Biblical Usage

The word ἁπλότης appears eight times in the New Testament, predominantly in Paul’s letters. Its first appearance in Romans 12:8 connects it with the spiritual gift of giving, suggesting that generous giving should be characterized by pure motives and sincere concern for others.

In the context of giving and stewardship, Paul uses ἁπλότης extensively in 2 Corinthians, where it describes both the attitude and action of generous giving. The word carries the dual emphasis of both the purity of motive and the liberality of the gift itself.

• “he who gives, with liberality [ἁπλότης]” Romans 12:8
• “in simplicity [ἁπλότης] and sincerity of God” 2 Corinthians 1:12
• “their abundance of joy and deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality [ἁπλότης]” 2 Corinthians 8:2
• “proving through the generosity [ἁπλότης] of this service” 2 Corinthians 9:13
• “in the simplicity [ἁπλότης] and purity of devotion to Christ” 2 Corinthians 11:3
• “Slaves, obey… in sincerity [ἁπλότης] of heart” Ephesians 6:5
• “Slaves, obey… in sincerity [ἁπλότης] of heart” Colossians 3:22

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of pure-hearted giving was deeply rooted in the Hebrew term תָּמִים (tamim), which described completeness and integrity. The Rabbis taught that the highest form of tzedakah (charitable giving) was done anonymously, where the giver and recipient never knew each other’s identity. This cultural background illuminates why Paul chose ἁπλότης to describe the kind of giving that pleased God – it wasn’t just about the amount given, but about the purity of heart behind the gift.

The word also carries echoes of the ancient Near Eastern concept of “single-eye” devotion to a master, which in Semitic thought represented undivided loyalty and pure intentions. This cultural metaphor would have resonated deeply with both Jewish and Gentile readers of Paul’s letters.

Theological Significance

The use of ἁπλότης in the New Testament reveals a profound theological truth about the character of God and His expectations for His people. Just as God gives freely and generously without ulterior motives (James 1:5), He calls His people to reflect this same quality in their giving and service.

This word particularly illuminates the connection between inner character and outer action in biblical theology. True generosity isn’t just about the external act but flows from a heart that is single-minded in its devotion to God. This reflects the Messiah’s teaching about the impossibility of serving two masters (Matthew 6:24) and the importance of pure motives in giving (Matthew 6:1-4).

The theological application of ἁπλότης suggests that true spiritual maturity is marked by a beautiful simplicity – an undivided heart that serves God without complexity or ulterior motives.

Personal Application

In our complex modern world, where mixed motives often characterize our actions, ἁπλότης challenges us to examine the purity of our intentions, particularly in our giving and service. It calls us to cultivate a heart that gives generously without calculating personal benefit or recognition.

This word invites us to practice what I call “simple devotion” – approaching God and serving others with pure motives, free from the need to impress or manipulate. When we give, whether of our time, talents, or resources, we’re called to do so with the same single-minded generosity that characterizes God’s giving to us.

Related Words

• ἁπλοῦς (haplous) – single, simple in nature, sound; particularly used of the “single” eye in Matthew 6:22. See G573
• εἰλικρίνεια (eilikrineia) – sincerity, purity of motive; emphasizes moral purity tested by light. See G1505
• ἀκεραιότης (akeraiotes) – purity, sincerity; literally “unmixed,” emphasizing moral integrity. See G185
• γνήσιος (gnesios) – genuine, sincere; emphasizes legitimate or authentic nature. See G1103

Did you Know?

• In modern Greek, ἁπλότης has evolved to describe simplicity in style or manner, particularly in artistic or literary contexts, showing how the word’s emphasis on “unadorned purity” has endured through the centuries.
• The concept of ἁπλότης in giving influenced early Christian practices of charity, where anonymous giving was highly valued as a sign of pure motives. Early church fathers like John Chrysostom frequently referenced this word when teaching about Christian generosity.
• The root word ἁπλοῦς is used in ancient medical texts to describe “simple” medicines – those containing only one ingredient – which provides a fascinating parallel to the idea of “unmixed” motives in Christian giving and service.

Remember This

ἁπλότης embodies the divine paradox that the most profound expressions of faith are often the simplest – pure-hearted generosity and single-minded devotion to God.