Lexical Summary akeraios: Innocent, pure, unmixed, blameless Original Word: ἀκέραιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pure, innocentFrom a (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of kerannumi; unmixed, i.e. (figuratively) innocent -- harmless, simple. see GREEK a see GREEK kerannumi HELPS Word-studies 185 akéraios (an adjective, derived from 1 /A "not" and 2767 /keránnymi, "mingled") – properly, not mixed (mingled); not a destructive mixture because not tainted by sinful motives (ambitions); pure (unmingled). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and kerannumi Definition unmixed, pure NASB Translation innocent (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 185: ἀκέραιοςἀκέραιος, (κεράννυμι); a. unmixed, pure, as wine, metals, b. of the mind, without admixture of evil, free from guile, innocent, simple: Matthew 10:16; Romans 16:19; Philippians 2:15; (and frequent in secular writings). (Cf. Ellicott on Philippians, the passage cited; Trench, § lvi.; Tittmann 1:27f.) Topical Lexicon Concept Overview Strong’s Greek 185, akeraios, depicts moral purity, integrity, and unmixed innocence. The term evokes the image of something kept whole—free from the corrupting alloys of deceit, compromise, or evil intent. Within Scripture it consistently calls God’s people to an untainted character that mirrors His own holiness. New Testament Usage Matthew 10:16, Philippians 2:15, and Romans 16:19 supply the word’s only three New Testament appearances, yet together they sketch a full portrait: Old Testament and Intertestamental Echoes Although akeraios is Greek, its ethical thrust resonates with Hebrew concepts of tamim (“blameless,” Genesis 17:1) and naqiy (“innocent,” Psalm 19:13). Wisdom literature frequently extols the “upright of heart,” foreshadowing the New Testament call to remain unalloyed amid corruption (Proverbs 2:21, Psalm 15:2). Second-Temple Judaism amplified this theme, urging covenant faithfulness that separates God’s people from pagan immorality. Christ’s Discipleship Paradigm Matthew positions innocence within missionary instruction. Disciples, empowered by the Spirit, proclaim the kingdom without resorting to worldly manipulation. Purity is not naiveté; rather, it functions alongside serpentine shrewdness, reflecting Christ’s own combination of guileless sincerity and penetrating insight (John 1:47; Mark 12:15). Pauline Pastoral Emphasis In Philippians 2 Paul contends for unity through Christ-like humility, culminating in a corporate witness marked by innocence. Such moral clarity enables the church to “hold forth the word of life” (Philippians 2:16) in credibility. Romans 16:19 situates innocence as the antithesis of the deceit propagated by false teachers (Romans 16:17–18). The apostle therefore frames purity as both personal virtue and doctrinal safeguard. Ethical and Ministry Implications 1. Personal Integrity: Leaders and laity alike must cultivate hearts undivided by hidden sin, ensuring transparent motives in service, finance, and relationships. Historical Interpretation Early church fathers saw akeraios as vital for martyrs who faced coercion to compromise. Medieval commentators linked it to the Beatitudes’ “pure in heart.” During Reformation debates, the word undergirded calls for scriptural simplicity against ecclesiastical corruption. Evangelical revivals later emphasized personal holiness as the engine of societal reform. Contemporary Application Modern disciples navigate digital landscapes, consumerism, and ideological polarization. The call to remain “innocent about what is evil” urges cautious media engagement, ethical business practice, and uncompromised doctrine. Churches that prize transparency, child protection, and financial accountability embody akeraios and restore trust in Christian testimony. Related Biblical Themes Purity of heart (Matthew 5:8); Blamelessness (1 Thessalonians 3:13); Sincerity (2 Corinthians 2:17); Holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16). Forms and Transliterations ακεραιοι ακέραιοι ἀκέραιοι ακεραιους ακεραίους ἀκεραίους ακηδίας ακηδιάσαι ακηδιάση ακιδωτόν ακίνητοι ακίνητος ακίσιν άκλητος ηκηδίασεν akeraioi akéraioi akeraious akeraíousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 10:16 Adj-NMPGRK: ὄφεις καὶ ἀκέραιοι ὡς αἱ NAS: as serpents and innocent as doves. KJV: serpents, and harmless as doves. INT: serpents and innocent as the Romans 16:19 Adj-AMP Philippians 2:15 Adj-NMP Strong's Greek 185 |