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ἁπλότης

haplótēs

G572 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Fundamental meaning: singleness (of condition or character), simplicity. By extension, refers to sincerity (being genuine, without duplicity or hidden motive) and, in some contexts, generosity or openhandedness in giving. The sense can shift from a general transparency or purity of intent or behavior to a specific attitude of liberality, depending on the context.

Semantic Range

singleness, simplicity, sincerity, absence of duplicity, uprightness of intention, liberality, generosity, openhandedness

Root / Etymology

From ἁπλοῦς (haplous), meaning 'single, simple, undivided.' Formed with the abstract noun suffix -της, denoting quality or condition. The root conveys the idea of unity, absence of folds or duplicity.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἁπλότης carried the sense of simplicity or singleness, characterizing straightforwardness and absence of duplicity, as in Plato (Rep. 4.441c). The Septuagint frequently uses this term for the Hebrew נָקִי (naqiy, clean, innocent) or תָּם (tam, blameless, upright), highlighting a quality of integrity or moral purity. In New Testament usage, especially in Pauline letters (e.g., 2 Corinthians 8:2; 9:11,13), ἁπλότης refers to sincerity of motive (Colossians 3:22, Ephesians 6:5) as well as generosity in giving, suggesting a single-minded, uncalculating liberality. English translations often render it as 'generosity,' 'liberality,' or 'sincerity,' but 'simplicity' or 'singleness of heart' may better capture its underlying nuance. Notably, ἁπλότης contrasts with πονηρία (wickedness, duplicity); it implies an internal unity of purpose or behavior unmarked by pretense. Over time, its association with open-handed giving gained prominence within Hellenistic Jewish and early Christian ethical discourse.

Translation Consistency

primary "singleness" 6 occurrences

Literal meaning and typical use: ἁπλότης primarily denotes ‘singleness’ or ‘simplicity’ of character — transparency, absence of duplicity — and this sense is the most central across uses. ‘Singleness’ also permits readings of simplicity/sincerity and can extend to openhandedness in context. It therefore best preserves the core semantic range while remaining consistent and faithful to the lemma’s root.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"generosity" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἁπλοῦς; singleness, i.e. (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal):--bountifulness, liberal(-ity), simplicity, singleness.

Root Family

ἁπλότης (haplotēs) — singleness, simplicity, sincerity, undividedness, generosity

Root ἁπλ- to be single, to be simple, to be undivided

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G572-02 ἁπλότητι aploteti N DAT F SG generosity in singleness in singleness 4
G572-03 ἁπλότητος aplotetos N GEN F SG of generosity of singleness of singleness 2
G572-01 ἁπλότητα aploteta N ACC F SG generosity undivided sincerity generosity 1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G572-02 Romans 12:8 ἁπλότητι aploteti N DAT F SG generosity in singleness in singleness
G572-03 2 Corinthians 8:2 ἁπλότητος aplotetos N GEN F SG of generosity of singleness of singleness
G572-01 2 Corinthians 9:11 ἁπλότητα aploteta N ACC F SG generosity undivided sincerity generosity
G572-02 2 Corinthians 9:13 ἁπλότητι aploteti N DAT F SG generosity in singleness in singleness
G572-03 2 Corinthians 11:3 ἁπλότητος aplotetos N GEN F SG simplicity of singleness singleness
G572-02 Ephesians 6:5 ἁπλότητι aploteti N DAT F SG sincerity in singleness in singleness
G572-02 Colossians 3:22 ἁπλότητι aploteti N DAT F SG sincerity in singleness in singleness
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