### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἀκαθάρτης (G168) is derived from the adjective ἀκάθαρτος (G169), meaning "unclean" or "impure." While ἀκάθαρτος describes the quality of being unclean, ἀκαθάρτης specifically denotes the *state* or *condition* of impurity, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense. It signifies a pervasive moral defilement, a deep-seated "filthiness" that is not merely superficial but inherent to the object or person described. Unlike physical dirt, this term points to a profound moral corruption that renders something abhorrent in the sight of God. Its semantic range is narrow, emphasizing the qualitative aspect of impurity, a state of being utterly defiled.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀκαθάρτης (G168) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the highly symbolic book of Revelation:
* [[Revelation 17:4]]: "The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication."
In this singular occurrence, ἀκαθάρτης describes the contents of the golden cup held by "the great harlot," identified as "Babylon the Great." The phrase "the filthiness of her fornication" (τῆς ἀκαθαρτήτος τῆς πορνείας αὐτῆς) powerfully conveys the depth of her moral and spiritual depravity. "Fornication" here is not merely sexual immorality but symbolic of idolatry, spiritual infidelity, and unholy alliances with worldly powers. The presence of ἀκαθάρτης alongside "abominations" (βδελυγμάτων) underscores the utterly repugnant nature of her actions and character in God's eyes. It signifies a state of profound, accumulated defilement resulting from persistent rebellion and spiritual prostitution, rendering her deserving of divine judgment. The word here points to the very essence of her corruption.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἀκαθάρτης (G168) is intrinsically linked to other terms describing uncleanness and impurity in the New Testament:
* ἀκάθαρτος (G169): The adjective "unclean," from which ἀκαθάρτης is formed. ἀκάθαρτος is frequently used to describe "unclean spirits" (e.g., [[Mark 1:23]], [[Acts 5:16]]), ritually unclean food ([[Acts 10:14]]), or people ([[Acts 10:28]]). Its application extends to moral uncleanness, making it a broader term than ἀκαθάρτης.
* ἀκαθαρσία (G167): This is the most common noun for "uncleanness" or "impurity" in the New Testament, often appearing in vice lists alongside other sins (e.g., [[Galatians 5:19]], [[Ephesians 5:3]], [[Colossians 3:5]]). While ἀκαθαρσία denotes the *condition* or *act* of impurity, encompassing various forms of moral defilement (sexual immorality, greed, etc.), ἀκαθάρτης (G168) specifically emphasizes the *state* or *quality* of being impure, often with a more inherent and pervasive sense of moral corruption. The singular occurrence of ἀκαθάρτης in [[Revelation 17:4]] suggests a unique emphasis on the deep-seated, qualitative aspect of Babylon's defilement.
* μιαίνω (G3392) and μίασμα (G3394): These terms mean "to defile" and "defilement," respectively. They refer to the act or result of making something impure, whether ritually or morally. While related, they focus more on the process or outcome of defilement, whereas ἀκαθάρτης describes the inherent state of being defiled.
* Old Testament Concept of Uncleanness: The Hebrew concept of ṭāmēʾ (`{{H2930}}`), "unclean," pervasive in the Pentateuch, laid the theological groundwork for understanding purity and impurity. While much of it was ritual, there was always a moral dimension, particularly concerning idolatry and sexual sins, which were seen as defiling the land and the people. This background informs the New Testament's use of ἀκαθάρτης in a profoundly moral and spiritual sense.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἀκαθάρτης (G168) in [[Revelation 17:4]] carries profound theological weight. It highlights:
1. **The Nature of Sin as Deep-Seated Corruption:** ἀκαθάρτης describes not merely isolated sinful acts but a pervasive, inherent state of moral decay. The "filthiness" of Babylon's fornication suggests that her spiritual adultery and idolatry have permeated her very being, making her intrinsically corrupt. This underscores the biblical understanding of sin as a condition that affects the whole person, not just individual actions.
2. **God's Absolute Holiness:** The existence of ἀκαθάρτης implicitly underscores the antithetical nature of God's character. God is utterly pure, holy, and undefiled. His judgment upon Babylon is a manifestation of His righteous intolerance for such profound moral impurity. The stark contrast between divine purity and human ἀκαθάρτης reveals the chasm created by sin.
3. **The Gravity of Idolatry and Spiritual Adultery:** In the context of Revelation, "fornication" represents spiritual unfaithfulness to God, embracing false gods, worldly systems, and self-worship. The ἀκαθάρτης associated with this "fornication" signifies the ultimate offense against God's covenant love and exclusive claim on human devotion. It is a state of being utterly polluted by allegiance to anything other than the true God.
4. **The Necessity of Cleansing and Redemption:** The presence of such deep-seated ἀκαθάρτης in humanity necessitates a divine intervention for cleansing. The New Testament consistently points to the atoning work of Jesus Christ as the means by which believers are purified from all forms of uncleanness and defilement, including the very state of moral filthiness. Only through Christ's sacrifice and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit can humanity be made pure and acceptable before a holy God.
### Summary
ἀκαθάρτης (G168) is a rare but potent Greek noun, appearing solely in [[Revelation 17:4]]. Derived from ἀκάθαρτος (G169), it denotes the *state* or *quality* of profound moral impurity or "filthiness." Unlike the more common ἀκαθαρσία (G167), which refers to the condition or act of uncleanness, ἀκαθάρτης emphasizes an inherent, pervasive defilement. Its singular use in describing the "filthiness of her fornication" in Babylon's cup highlights the ultimate spiritual corruption and idolatry that characterizes rebellion against God. Theologically, it underscores the deep-seated nature of sin, God's absolute holiness, the gravity of spiritual unfaithfulness, and the essential need for divine cleansing and redemption through Christ.
TRV