ἀκέραιος
akéraios
G185 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Unmixed, pure; in extended usage, free from admixture with evil or corruption, thus innocent or blameless in character. In some contexts, stresses integrity or moral uprightness, especially as expressed through transparent conduct or straightforwardness. The sense of 'simple' relates not to naivety, but to freedom from deceit or duplicity.
Semantic Range
unmixed, undiluted, pure (of substances); pure, uncorrupted, innocent, blameless (of persons or character); straightforward, without admixture of evil or deceit
Root / Etymology
From the privative prefix ἀ- (a-, ‘not’) + a derivative of κεράννυμι (‘to mix’), hence literally ‘not mixed, unmixed’.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἀκέραιος primarily referred to physical objects that were intact, undamaged, or pure—such as gold that had not been alloyed or materials that retained their native composition. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, its usage expanded to ethical contexts, describing a person whose motives or actions were unalloyed—morally pure, honest, or blameless—without corruption or duplicity. In the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 10:16; Philippians 2:15), ἀκέραιος describes a quality of innocence, integrity, or sincerity in character and conduct, often paired with wisdom or prudence. It does not denote naivety or ignorance, but an absence of malice or guile. Standard English translations such as 'innocent,' 'blameless,' or 'harmless' partially capture the term’s range but can understate the sense of moral integrity and wholeness conveyed in Greek usage. The term contrasts with δόλιος (‘crafty, deceitful’) and πονηρός (‘evil’), highlighting a quality of being uncorrupted. In the Septuagint, it is rare, reflecting similar concepts of purity and moral uprightness when used.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Α (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of κεράννυμι; unmixed, i.e. (figuratively) innocent:--harmless, simple.
Root Family
ἀκέραιος (akéraios) — unmixed, pure, uncorrupted, whole, blameless
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G185-01 |
ἀκέραιοι | akeraioi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
innocent | the uncorrupted | the innocent ones | 2 |
G185-02 |
ἀκεραίους | akeraious | ADJ.P ACC M PL |
innocent | unmixed, uncorrupted ones | innocent | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G185-01 |
Matthew 10:16 | ἀκέραιοι | akeraioi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
innocent | the uncorrupted | the innocent ones |
G185-02 |
Romans 16:19 | ἀκεραίους | akeraious | ADJ.P ACC M PL |
innocent | unmixed, uncorrupted ones | innocent |
G185-01 |
Philippians 2:15 | ἀκέραιοι | akeraioi | ADJ.A NOM M PL |
innocent | the uncorrupted | the uncorrupted |