### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἁγνός (hagnós, `{{G53}}`) is derived from the same root as ἅγιος (hagios, `{{G40}}`), meaning "holy" or "set apart." This etymological connection is crucial, as it suggests that purity (hagnós) is an intrinsic quality of that which is consecrated or dedicated to God. The base definition encompasses a spectrum of meanings, moving from a literal sense of "clean" to more profound figurative applications.
Primarily, hagnós signifies a state of being free from defilement, whether physical, moral, or spiritual. Its semantic range includes:
* **Physical Cleanliness:** Though less common in the New Testament, it can denote literal cleanliness.
* **Moral Purity/Innocence:** Free from moral blemish, guilt, or corruption; blameless, uncorrupted. This is a prominent usage, indicating an upright character.
* **Sexual Purity/Chastity:** Undefiled in thought, word, and deed concerning sexual matters; virginal, modest.
* **Ritual Purity:** Clean and fit for sacred use or worship, though this sense is more often conveyed by καθαρός (katharos, `{{G2513}}`).
* **Sincerity/Integrity:** Unmixed, unadulterated, pure in motive or intention, without duplicity.
Thus, hagnós describes an unblemished state, emphasizing not merely the absence of impurity, but often an active cultivation of integrity and devotion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hagnós appears eight times in the New Testament, revealing its diverse applications:
* **2 Corinthians 7:11:** Paul commends the Corinthians, stating they "proved yourselves to be pure (hagnós) in this matter." Here, hagnós refers to their innocence and blamelessness concerning the specific offense mentioned in previous chapters, demonstrating their sincerity in repentance and obedience.
* **2 Corinthians 11:2:** Paul expresses his jealousy for the Corinthians, having "betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure (hagnós) virgin to Christ." This is a powerful metaphor for spiritual chastity and undivided loyalty to Christ, free from the defilement of false teachings or worldly entanglements. It speaks to an unblemished, singular devotion.
* **Philippians 4:8:** In a list of virtues, Paul exhorts believers to dwell on "whatever is pure (hagnós)." This calls for purity in thought, mind, and intention, reflecting a sanctified intellect that is free from corrupting influences and focused on what is morally excellent.
* **1 Timothy 5:22:** Paul instructs Timothy to "keep yourself pure (hagnós)." In the context of church leadership and the laying on of hands, this likely refers to moral purity, particularly avoiding complicity in others' sins, including sexual misconduct or hasty appointments. It underscores the need for blameless conduct in ministry.
* **Titus 2:5:** Women are exhorted to be "pure (hagnós), working at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands." Here, hagnós primarily denotes moral and sexual chastity, contributing to a household that reflects Christian virtues and avoids reproach.
* **James 3:17:** The "wisdom from above is first pure (hagnós)." This describes wisdom that is unmixed with earthly, sensual, or demonic motives. It is sincere, unadulterated, and free from selfish ambition or envy, leading to peace and righteousness.
* **1 Peter 3:2:** Wives are encouraged to win their husbands "when they see your respectful and pure (hagnós) conduct." This refers to a lifestyle characterized by moral integrity, chastity, and reverence, which serves as a powerful witness.
* **1 John 3:3:** "Everyone who has this hope in him purifies (ἁγνίζω - hagnizō, `{{G52}}`, the verb form) himself, just as He is pure (hagnós)." This verse explicitly links the believer's pursuit of purity to the very nature of Christ. hagnós here describes Christ's absolute moral perfection, which serves as the standard for believers.
Across these contexts, hagnós consistently points to an unblemished quality, whether of character, conduct, or devotion, often with a strong emphasis on moral and spiritual integrity.
### Related Words & Concepts
Hagnós stands in close relation to several other key biblical terms and concepts, enriching its meaning:
* **ἅγιος (hagios, `{{G40}}`):** "Holy" or "set apart." As noted, hagnós shares a root with hagios. While hagios emphasizes separation *to* God and consecration, hagnós describes the *state* of purity that enables or results from such separation. Holiness inherently demands purity.
* **καθαρός (katharos, `{{G2513}}`):** "Clean," "pure." This term often refers to ritual or physical cleanliness (e.g., clean animals, clean vessels). While there is overlap, hagnós generally carries a deeper moral or spiritual connotation, emphasizing internal integrity and freedom from defilement in a more profound sense than mere ceremonial cleanliness. Katharos can be about external conformity; hagnós is more about internal essence.
* **ἀμίαντος (amiantos, `{{G283}}`):** "Undefiled," "unpolluted." This word emphasizes the *absence* of defilement or stain, often in situations where defilement could occur (e.g., Hebrews 7:26 describing Christ as "holy, innocent, undefiled"). Hagnós describes the positive state of being pure, while amiantos highlights the resistance to corruption.
* **ἁγνίζω (hagnizō, `{{G52}}`):** The verb form, meaning "to purify oneself" or "to make pure." This verb demonstrates the active pursuit and maintenance of the state of hagnós (e.g., John 11:55, Acts 21:24, 1 John 3:3). It underscores that purity is not merely a passive state but often requires intentional effort.
* **Concepts:** The concept of hagnós is closely tied to **sanctification** (the process of being made holy), **blamelessness**, **chastity**, **sincerity**, and **integrity**. It represents an unadulterated quality of character that is pleasing to God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hagnós is profound and multi-layered:
* **Divine Standard and Imitation:** God, and supremely Christ, is hagnós (1 John 3:3). This establishes divine purity as the ultimate standard for humanity. Believers are called to reflect this purity in their own lives, becoming "pure as He is pure."
* **Prerequisite for Holiness and Relationship with God:** True holiness (hagios) is inseparable from purity (hagnós). One cannot be genuinely set apart for God without being free from the defilement of sin. This purity is essential for intimacy with God, as "blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" ([[Matthew 5:8]]).
* **Ethical and Moral Imperative:** Hagnós calls believers to a high standard of ethical living, encompassing purity in thought (Philippians 4:8), word, and deed. It is not merely about avoiding outward sin but cultivating an internal state of blamelessness and integrity.
* **Purity in Relationships and Ministry:** The concept extends to relational dynamics, particularly in marriage (2 Corinthians 11:2; Titus 2:5) and in the conduct of church leaders (1 Timothy 5:22). Purity in these spheres safeguards the integrity of the Christian witness and the body of Christ.
* **Sincere Wisdom and Motive:** Hagnós describes the unadulterated nature of divine wisdom (James 3:17), which is free from selfish ambition and earthly corruption. This highlights the importance of pure motives in all spiritual endeavors.
* **Hope and Transformation:** The hope of Christ's return serves as a powerful motivation for believers to actively purify themselves (1 John 3:3). This pursuit of purity is a transformative process, aligning the believer's character with that of Christ in anticipation of His glorious appearing.
### Summary
Hagnós (`{{G53}}`) is a rich Greek term signifying a state of being clean, innocent, modest, and pure. Derived from the same root as "holy," it describes the unblemished quality essential for that which is set apart for God. Its semantic range extends from physical cleanliness to profound moral, sexual, and spiritual integrity. Biblical occurrences demonstrate its application to blameless conduct, undivided devotion to Christ, purity of thought, ethical leadership, and sincere wisdom. Theologically, hagnós establishes Christ's perfect purity as the divine standard for believers, emphasizing that true holiness requires an active pursuit of freedom from defilement in all aspects of life. It underscores the call to an unadulterated character, reflecting God's nature and preparing believers for His presence.
TRV