### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **akatharsía**, represented by `{{G167}}`, denotes **impurity**. The term is derived from ἀκάθαρτος and describes impurity in both a physical and moral sense, often translated as uncleanness. It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting its significance as a state contrary to God's character.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G167}}` is consistently presented as a characteristic of a life separated from God. It is frequently included in lists of sins that believers are commanded to avoid. For example, it is identified as one of the manifest "works of the flesh" alongside **adultery** and **fornication** [[Galatians 5:19]]. Believers are instructed to "mortify" their earthly members, which includes **uncleanness** [[Colossians 3:5]], and it is not to be so much as named among saints [[Ephesians 5:3]]. The term is also used to describe an internal state of defilement, as when Jesus compares hypocrites to tombs that are beautiful outwardly but inside are full of **dead** men's bones and all **uncleanness** [[Matthew 23:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of `{{G167}}` by showing what it is associated with and what it opposes:
* `{{G4202}}` **porneía** (fornication): Defined as "harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry," this term is almost always listed with **uncleanness** ([[Galatians 5:19]], [[Colossians 3:5]], [[2 Corinthians 12:21]]).
* `{{G766}}` **asélgeia** (lasciviousness): Meaning "licentiousness," this word describes an unbridled and wanton character, often appearing in tandem with **uncleanness** ([[Galatians 5:19]], [[Ephesians 4:19]], [[2 Corinthians 12:21]]).
* `{{G4124}}` **pleonexía** (covetousness): This word for "avarice" or "greediness" is linked to **uncleanness** as a sin that should not be named among believers [[Ephesians 5:3]] and is a trait to be mortified [[Colossians 3:5]].
* `{{G38}}` **hagiasmós** (holiness): As the direct opposite of **uncleanness**, this term for "purification" or "purity" represents the state to which believers are called. Scripture states God has called us not to **uncleanness**, but to **holiness** [[1 Thessalonians 4:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G167}}` is significant, defining a state of moral impurity that separates one from God.
* **A Consequence of Rebellion:** In [[Romans 1:24]], God gives people over to **uncleanness** through the **lusts** of their hearts as a result of their rejection of Him, leading them to **dishonour** their own bodies.
* **The Opposite of God's Calling:** The Christian life is defined by a call away from **uncleanness** and toward **holiness** `{{G38}}`. Paul contrasts yielding one's members as servants to **uncleanness** and **iniquity** with yielding them as servants to **righteousness** unto **holiness** [[Romans 6:19]].
* **A Mark of the Flesh:** It is explicitly categorized as a "work of the flesh" [[Galatians 5:19]], stemming from a nature not submitted to God's Spirit.
* **An Expression of Covetousness:** The desire to work all **uncleanness** is connected to **greediness** `{{G4124}}`, which itself is called **idolatry** `{{G1495}}`, linking moral impurity back to a worship of something other than God ([[Ephesians 4:19]], [[Colossians 3:5]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G167}}` is not merely about isolated acts but describes a state of being that is morally and spiritually impure. It is repeatedly contrasted with the **holiness** `{{G38}}` that God requires of His people. Whether used to describe the internal corruption of a hypocrite's heart or the external "works of the flesh," **akatharsía** stands as a key biblical concept for the defilement that results from a life alienated from God.
TRV