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ἁγνεία

hagneía

G47 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A state or quality of being pure, primarily in a physical or moral sense. In particular contexts, especially in moral or ethical discussions, the term emphasizes freedom from moral corruption or sexual immorality (chastity), but can also denote general purity of intention, conduct, or religious activity. In extended use, refers to a kind of ritual or personal wholesomeness, especially in contrast to defilement or impurity.

Semantic Range

purity (in general), chastity (sexual purity), ritual purity, moral blamelessness, innocence of motive or conduct

Root / Etymology

Derived from ἁγνός (hagnós), meaning 'pure, holy, undefiled.' The suffix -εία (-eía) forms an abstract noun indicating the state or quality of 'being pure.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἁγνεία originally denoted a general condition of purity or cleanness, both ritual (linked to religious ceremonies or worship) and moral (blameless conduct). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, this meaning continued but took on more moral nuances, particularly in philosophical and ethically-focused texts. In Second Temple and New Testament contexts, ἁγνεία often focused on sexual purity or chastity, especially in writings addressing ethical behavior for religious communities (e.g., instructions to young women or church leaders). However, it could also indicate a broader sense of personal integrity or freedom from any form of pollution—ritual, moral, or social. English translations tend to render the word as 'purity' or 'chastity,' but this can obscure the word's broader reference to ritual and holistic purity in some Greek sources.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἁγνός; cleanliness (the quality), i.e. (specially) chastity:--purity.

Root Family

ἁγνεία (hagneia) — purity, chastity, holiness, undefiledness

Root ἁγν- pure, holy, undefiled

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G47-01 ἁγνίᾳ agnia N DAT F SG purity in purity purity 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G47-01 1 Timothy 4:12 ἁγνίᾳ agnia N DAT F SG purity in purity purity
G47-01 1 Timothy 5:2 ἁγνίᾳ agnia N DAT F SG purity in purity purity
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