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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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