### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsía, `{{G167}}`) is derived from the adjective ἀκάθαρτος (akathartos, `{{G169}}`), which is formed by the negative prefix 'a-' (alpha privative) combined with καθαρός (katharos, `{{G2513}}`), meaning "pure" or "clean." Thus, the core meaning of ἀκαθαρσία is "impurity," "uncleanness," or "defilement."
Its semantic range in the New Testament primarily emphasizes:
* **Moral and Spiritual Impurity:** This is the dominant usage, referring to an internal state of defilement that corrupts one's character and actions. It encompasses a wide array of ethical shortcomings, often closely associated with sexual immorality, but extending to other forms of ungodliness.
* **Figurative Uncleanness:** While less common for this specific term in the New Testament, its background in the Septuagint's translation of Hebrew concepts of ritual uncleanness (e.g., in Leviticus) provides a foundational understanding. In the New Testament, any defilement that renders one unacceptable before God, whether physical, ritual, or moral, can fall under this umbrella, though the focus shifts dramatically to the moral.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀκαθαρσία appears frequently in the New Testament, especially in the Pauline epistles, where it consistently denotes moral and spiritual defilement.
* **Pauline Epistles:** Paul often includes ἀκαθαρσία in lists of vices, highlighting its nature as a "work of the flesh" and a characteristic of unredeemed humanity.
* In [[Galatians 5:19]], it is enumerated among the "works of the flesh" alongside πορνεία (porneia, `{{G4202}}`, sexual immorality) and ἀσέλγεια (aselgeia, `{{G766}}`, sensuality), clearly pointing to its ethical and specifically sexual connotations.
* [[Ephesians 4:19]] describes those who, having lost all sensitivity, "have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity and greed with insatiable desire." Here, ἀκαθαρσία is linked with insatiable desire and greed, indicating a comprehensive moral corruption.
* [[Ephesians 5:3]] issues a strong command: "But sexual immorality and all impurity and greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints." This underscores its incompatibility with the holy calling of believers.
* [[Colossians 3:5]] exhorts believers to "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." This passage reveals ἀκαθαρσία as an internal, spiritual reality that demands active suppression by the believer.
* In [[Romans 1:24]], Paul states that God gave people over "to impurity, to dishonor their bodies among themselves," illustrating a divine judgment where moral impurity leads to further degradation.
* [[Romans 6:19]] contrasts the former state of believers, who presented their "members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness," with their new life as slaves to righteousness. This highlights the transformative power of Christ from a state of defilement to sanctification.
* [[2 Corinthians 12:21]] expresses Paul's fear that he might find some in Corinth who have not repented of their "impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality," indicating that such issues could persist even within the Christian community.
* [[1 Thessalonians 4:7]] provides a clear theological contrast: "For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness," directly opposing impurity to God's divine purpose for humanity.
* **Other New Testament Books:**
* In [[Matthew 23:27]], Jesus critiques the Pharisees, comparing them to "whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness." While referencing literal ritual uncleanness (bones), it serves as a powerful metaphor for their internal spiritual corruption and hypocrisy.
* [[Revelation 17:4]] symbolically describes Babylon, the great prostitute, as holding a golden cup "full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality," representing profound spiritual and moral defilement associated with idolatry and corruption.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Antonyms:** The conceptual opposites of ἀκαθαρσία include terms related to purity and holiness, such as καθαρισμός (katharismos, `{{G2512}}`, purification), καθαρός (katharos, `{{G2513}}`, pure, clean), ἁγιότης (hagiotēs, `{{G42}}`, holiness), and ἁγιασμός (hagiasmos, `{{G38}}`, sanctification). These words describe the state of being set apart for God and living in conformity to His nature.
* **Synonyms and Associated Vices:**
* πορνεία (porneia, `{{G4202}}`, sexual immorality/fornication): Consistently paired with ἀκαθαρσία, emphasizing a strong link to illicit sexual acts.
* ἀσέλγεια (aselgeia, `{{G766}}`, sensuality/licentiousness): Often listed alongside ἀκαθαρσία, denoting a shameless and unrestrained indulgence in vice.
* πλεονεξία (pleonexia, `{{G4124}}`, covetousness/greed): Frequently associated, indicating that impurity is not limited to sexual acts but extends to an insatiable desire for material gain or power, often leading to idolatry.
* μιασμός (miasmos, `{{G3394}}`, defilement) and μολυσμός (molysmos, `{{G3436}}`, defilement, pollution): General terms for defilement, often with ritual or moral connotations.
* **Old Testament Background:** The concept of "uncleanness" (טָמֵא, tame, `{{H2930}}`) is fundamental in the Old Testament, particularly within the Levitical law. While often ritualistic (e.g., contact with a corpse, certain bodily discharges, skin diseases), these laws invariably pointed to a separation from God's absolute holiness. The Septuagint frequently uses terms related to ἀκαθαρσία to translate Hebrew words for uncleanness, establishing a crucial theological continuity. This continuity highlights that ritual impurity in the Old Testament foreshadowed the deeper moral and spiritual defilement that is the primary concern of the New Testament.
### Theological Significance
* **Opposition to God's Nature:** ἀκαθαρσία stands in direct opposition to the very character of God, who is inherently holy, pure, and undefiled. The divine call for humanity is for holiness, as explicitly stated in [[1 Thessalonians 4:7]].
* **Manifestation of Human Depravity:** The widespread presence of ἀκαθαρσία, as described by Paul, underscores the depth of human sinfulness and the alienation from God that results. It signifies not merely external actions but an internal state of corruption that permeates human desires and behaviors.
* **Necessity of Redemption and Sanctification:** The pervasive reality of ἀκαθαρσία highlights the absolute necessity of Christ's redemptive work. Through His sacrifice, believers are cleansed from their impurity and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life of progressive sanctification. The call to "put to death" the practices associated with impurity ([[Colossians 3:5]]) is a continuous process in the Christian life.
* **Ethical Imperative for Believers:** For the New Testament believer, ἀκαθαρσία is not a mere legal or ceremonial concept but a profound ethical reality. It demands a radical break from past sinful lifestyles and a resolute commitment to purity in thought, word, and deed, reflecting the new identity found in Christ. This commitment distinguishes believers from the prevailing moral standards of the world.
* **Hindrance to Divine Fellowship:** Impurity creates a barrier to genuine fellowship with God and with other believers. It undermines spiritual intimacy and compromises the integrity and witness of the church.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsía, `{{G167}}`) denotes "impurity" or "uncleanness," primarily in a moral and spiritual sense within the New Testament. Etymologically signifying "not clean," it describes a state of defilement that runs contrary to God's holy nature. Paul's writings frequently employ this term, often in lists of vices, linking it intrinsically with sexual immorality, sensuality, and greed. It is presented as a fundamental "work of the flesh" characteristic of the unredeemed life. From the imperative to "put to death" impurity in believers ([[Colossians 3:5]]) to its portrayal as the very state from which God has delivered believers through Christ ([[Romans 6:19]]), ἀκαθαρσία illuminates the pervasive nature of sin and the radical transformation demanded by the Gospel. It stands as a theological antithesis to God's call for holiness and sanctification, emphasizing the profound ethical implications of Christian discipleship and the indispensable necessity of Christ's cleansing and purifying work.
TRV