ἁπλοῦς
haploûs
G573 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Simple, single, without folds or duplicity; primarily denotes that which is not divided or compounded, thus 'single' in the sense of undivided or sincere. In ethical and metaphorical use, refers to sincerity, purity of motive, or generosity (free from ulterior motive or self-interest). In particular, used of the 'eye' in the sense of being clear, healthy, or focused (undivided in purpose).
Semantic Range
simple as opposed to complex, undivided, sincere, pure in motive, healthy (of the eye), generous, without duplicity
Root / Etymology
From the alpha privative (ἀ-) indicating negation and the base of πλέκω (plekō, 'to weave' or 'to twine'), thus meaning 'not woven together,' i.e. 'simple,' 'single.' The underlying idea is of something not interwoven, not plaited, consequently unadulterated or sincere. The formation is straightforward, with ἁπλοῦς as the adjective form.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, ἁπλοῦς often denotes something simple as opposed to complex or double (e.g., ἁπλοῦς λόγος, 'a simple statement'). By Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term acquires ethical connotations: 'sincere,' 'guileless,' indicating an integrity or purity of intent (contrasting with δόλιος, 'deceitful'). In the New Testament (notably Matthew 6:22; Luke 11:34), ἁπλοῦς describes the 'eye' as being 'healthy' or 'unclouded,' metaphorically indicating moral clarity and undivided devotion — a contrast to the 'evil' (πονηρός) or envious/disordered eye. The semantic field also connects with ethical generosity (see its substantive form ἁπλότης), reflecting freedom from selfish calculation. Traditional English translations of 'single' often fail to express this complex ethical-moral nuance, which encompasses simplicity of focus, sincerity, and wholesomeness.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from Α (as a particle of union) and the base of πλέκω; properly, folded together, i.e. single (figuratively, clear):--single.
Root Family
ἁπλοῦς (haplous) — simple, single, undivided
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G573-01 |
ἁπλοῦς | aplous | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
healthy | undivided | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G573-01 |
Matthew 6:22 | ἁπλοῦς | aplous | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
undivided | |
G573-01 |
Luke 11:34 | ἁπλοῦς | aplous | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
healthy | undivided |