ἁπλῶς
haplōs
G574 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
in a simple or sincere manner; straightforwardly, without ulterior motive. The adverb ἁπλῶς communicates acting with purity of motive and without duplicity, often describing generosity or openness. In some contexts, especially in the New Testament, it can specifically refer to giving freely or generously, with no reservation or selfish intent.
Semantic Range
simply, sincerely, straightforwardly, openly, without duplicity, generously, bountifully, with pure motives
Root / Etymology
From the adjective ἁπλοῦς ('simple, single, undivided'). The adverbial form ἁπλῶς carries the sense of being or acting in a 'single' (i.e., undivided or uncomplicated) way. The underlying root is ἁπλ- ('single, simple').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἁπλῶς denotes simplicity, sincerity, or straightforwardness, as in acting without hidden motives. During the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the nuance broadens to include acting openly, sincerely, or generously—contrasting with duplicity or double-dealing. In the Septuagint and the New Testament (e.g., James 1:5), the adverb often refers to giving without hesitation or partiality ('liberally' in some English translations). English translations sometimes flatten this range by rendering it simply as 'generously' or 'liberally,' but the core idea is acting from sincerity and lack of self-interest. Related words: ἁπλότης (sincerity, simplicity) and ἁπλοῦς (single, simple, sincere). Contrasts with δίψυχος ('double-minded') or ἀκαρδία ('insincerity'). The adverb does not inherently imply material generosity, but in contexts of giving or asking, it can acquire that sense through the extension of 'single-mindedness' to 'whole-heartedness.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from ἁπλοῦς (in the objective sense of ἁπλότης); bountifully; --liberally.
Root Family
ἁπλῶς (haplōs) — simple, single, sincere
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G574-01 |
ἁπλῶς | aplos | ADV |
it will be given | sincerely | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G574-01 |
James 1:5 | ἁπλῶς | aplos | ADV |
it will be given | sincerely |