ἀφελότης
aphelótēs
G858 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Absence of ulterior motives, guilelessness, or pretense; straightforwardness, sincerity; in moral or communal context, refers to a simple, frank, or honest quality. The primary sense is of genuineness or openness, lacking duplicity or complexity in attitude or action. May carry the nuance of single-mindedness or open-heartedness depending on immediate context.
Semantic Range
simplicity, straightforwardness, honesty, guilelessness, openness, moral sincerity, singleness of purpose or intent
Root / Etymology
Derived from ἁπλοῦς (haplous, 'single, simple') rather than a transparent negative particle plus 'stone' as suggested by older etymologies; properly built on the root ἁπλ-, which conveys the sense of simplicity or singleness. The form ἀφελότης may also be influenced by ἁφαιρέω ('to take away'), but the prevailing consensus links it with the semantic field of ἁπλότης ('simplicity, sincerity').
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested rarely in Koine Greek, with closest parallels and semantic overlap to ἁπλότης, which is common in the New Testament (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:2, 9:11, 13: simplicity, generosity, sincerity). ἀφελότης describes the state or quality of being free from duplicity, misleading intent, or artificial complexity—akin to what later English versions render as 'singleness of heart' or 'sincerity.' The term is not limited to naivety but stresses moral straightforwardness and frankness. Rooted in the moral vocabulary of Hellenistic and Jewish moral thought, where simplicity and openness are virtues contrasted against cunning or falseness. The Strong’s etymological note regarding 'stone' is inaccurate (no evidence links the morphology to the Greek for 'stone' or indicates a negative particle in composition). Modern lexicons now connect the term with 'single(-minded), upright, sincere.' Rare in both the Septuagint and extra-biblical Greek; meaning essentially synonymous with ἁπλότης in New Testament usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of Α (as a negative particle) and (in the sense of a stone as stubbing the foot); smoothness, i.e. (figuratively) simplicity:--singleness.
Root Family
ἀφελότης (aphelotēs) — simplicity, sincerity, straightforwardness, singleness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G858-01 |
ἀφελότητι | apheloteti | N DAT F SG |
singleness | in sincere simplicity | in sincere simplicity | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G858-01 |
Acts 2:46 | ἀφελότητι | apheloteti | N DAT F SG |
singleness | in sincere simplicity | in sincere simplicity |