### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun εἰλικρίνεια (eilikríneia, `{{G1505}}`) denotes a profound sense of purity, clearness, and unadulterated genuineness. Its etymological root is often traced to εἰλικρινής (eilikrinēs, `{{G1506}}`), an adjective thought to derive from two possible origins. One popular theory suggests a compound of *heilē* (the sun's ray) and *krinō* (to judge or discern), implying something "judged by sunlight" and thus found to be pure, unmixed, and transparent. Another proposed etymology links it to *ei* (in), *liknon* (a winnowing fan), and *krinō* (to separate), suggesting a substance "separated by winnowing" and thereby purified from chaff or impurities.
Regardless of the precise etymology, the core semantic range of εἰλικρίνεια consistently points to an absence of mixture, deceit, or pretense. It signifies an inner state of integrity, where motives are pure, intentions are clear, and actions are free from hidden agendas or duplicity. It moves beyond mere outward appearance to describe an intrinsic moral and spiritual purity, often translated as "sincerity."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εἰλικρίνεια (eilikríneia, `{{G1505}}`) appears three times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles, each instance illuminating a crucial aspect of its meaning:
* **[[1 Corinthians 5:8]]**: Paul exhorts the Corinthian believers, "Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." Here, εἰλικρίνεια is juxtaposed with "malice" (κακίας, `{{G2549}}`) and "wickedness" (πονηρίας, `{{G4189}}`), and paired with "truth" (ἀληθείᾳ, `{{G225}}`). In the context of the Passover and the Lord's Supper, it signifies the moral purity and genuine integrity required for Christian living. It calls for an authentic, unadulterated walk with God, free from any hidden sin or pretense, reflecting the purity of Christ.
* **[[2 Corinthians 1:12]]**: Paul defends his conduct and ministry: "For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that in holiness and godly sincerity, not by fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you." Here, εἰλικρίνεια is qualified by "godly" (θεοῦ), emphasizing its divine origin and nature. It is linked with "holiness" (ἁγιότητι, `{{G42}}`) and contrasted with "fleshly wisdom" (σαρκικῇ σοφίᾳ). Paul asserts that his ministry was characterized by transparency, integrity, and pure motives, not human cunning or self-interest, but empowered by God's grace. This speaks to the authenticity and divine authorization of his apostolic work.
* **[[2 Corinthians 2:17]]**: Paul further clarifies his ministerial practice: "For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ." In this verse, Paul explicitly contrasts his ministry with those who "peddle" (καπηλεύοντες, `{{G2585}}`) or corrupt the word of God for personal gain. His ministry, by contrast, is marked by εἰλικρίνεια, meaning it is pure, unmixed with selfish motives, and delivered with genuine faithfulness as one commissioned directly by God and speaking in His presence. It underscores the unblemished integrity required for proclaiming divine truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of εἰλικρίνεια is enriched by its relationship to several other Greek terms and theological ideas:
* **εἰλικρινής (eilikrinēs, `{{G1506}}`)**: The adjectival form of εἰλικρίνεια, meaning "pure," "sincere," or "unadulterated." It describes the quality of being genuine.
* **καθαρός (katharos, `{{G2513}}`)**: "Clean," "pure." While often used for ritual or physical purity, it also extends to moral purity, much like εἰλικρίνεια.
* **ἁγνός (hagnos, `{{G53}}`)**: "Pure," "holy," "chaste." This term often emphasizes moral purity, freedom from defilement, or innocence.
* **ἀπλότης (aplotēs, `{{G572}}`)**: "Simplicity," "singleness of heart," "generosity." It denotes a lack of duplicity or hidden motives, aligning closely with the idea of sincerity.
* **ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`)**: "Truth." Frequently paired with εἰλικρίνεια (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 5:8]]), truth implies genuineness and reality, which naturally complements sincerity.
* **ἀδόλος (adolos, `{{G96}}`)**: "Undiluted," "unadulterated," "guileless." This term, though not directly related by root, captures the essence of purity and freedom from deceit.
* **δίκαιος (dikaios, `{{G1342}}`)** / **δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, `{{G1343}}`)**: "Righteous" / "righteousness." Sincerity is a foundational aspect of true righteousness, as right conduct flows from pure motives.
Conversely, the meaning of εἰλικρίνεια is clarified by its antonyms:
* **δόλος (dolos, `{{G1388}}`)**: "Deceit," "guile," "trickery."
* **ὑπόκρισις (hypokrisis, `{{G5272}}`)**: "Hypocrisy," "pretense," "acting a part."
* **κακία (kakia, `{{G2549}}`)** and **πονηρία (ponēria, `{{G4189}}`)**: "Malice" and "wickedness," as seen in [[1 Corinthians 5:8]], representing the antithesis of a sincere and pure heart.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εἰλικρίνεια (sincerity) is profound, touching upon the nature of God, the character of the believer, and the integrity of Christian ministry.
Firstly, sincerity reflects a divine attribute. God Himself is utterly pure, truthful, and without deceit. Therefore, when believers are called to εἰλικρίνεια, they are called to embody a quality that mirrors the very character of God. It is a divine standard for human conduct and motive.
Secondly, εἰλικρίνεια is essential for authentic faith and spiritual living. It moves beyond outward religious observance to demand an inner purity of heart and motive before God. True faith is not a performance or a superficial adherence to rules but a genuine, unadulterated commitment springing from a pure conscience. The call to live with "unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" ([[1 Corinthians 5:8]]) underscores that the Christian life is to be lived with moral purity and transparency, free from the "leaven" of hidden sin or malice.
Thirdly, for those in ministry, εἰλικρίνεια is an indispensable quality. Paul's repeated emphasis on his "godly sincerity" in 2 Corinthians highlights that the proclamation of God's Word must be free from any personal gain, manipulation, or human cunning. Ministers are not "peddlers" of the word but faithful stewards who speak "as commissioned by God, in the sight of God" ([[2 Corinthians 2:17]]). This ensures the integrity of the message and the credibility of the messenger, fostering trust and demonstrating the divine origin of the gospel.
Finally, εἰλικρίνεια fosters a genuine relationship with God. God "searches the heart" ([[Jeremiah 17:10]]) and knows our deepest motives. Approaching Him with sincerity means coming without pretense, with a pure heart, which is foundational for true worship and communion.
### Summary
The Greek word εἰλικρίνεια (eilikríneia, `{{G1505}}`) encapsulates the concept of unadulterated purity, clearness, and genuineness. Derived from a root suggesting "judged by sunlight" or "purified by winnowing," it signifies an absence of mixture, deceit, or hidden motives. In its New Testament occurrences, particularly in Paul's letters, εἰλικρίνεια is presented as a vital characteristic for both Christian living and ministry. It calls believers to live with moral purity and truth, free from malice and wickedness ([[1 Corinthians 5:8]]). Furthermore, it defines the integrity of apostolic ministry, emphasizing that the proclamation of God's Word must stem from "godly sincerity" and not from human cunning or selfish gain ([[2 Corinthians 1:12]]; [[2 Corinthians 2:17]]). Theologically, εἰλικρίνεια reflects God's own pure character and is essential for authentic faith, ethical conduct, and credible witness, fostering a genuine and transparent relationship with the Divine.
TRV