### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ῥυπαρία (rhyparía - `{{G4507}}`) denotes "dirtiness (morally)" or "turpitude." Derived from ῥυπαρός (rhyparos - `{{G4506}}`), which literally means "filthy," "dirty," or "squalid," the noun rhyparía extends this physical concept into the moral and spiritual realm. It signifies not merely a transgression but an inherent state of moral defilement, foulness, or vileness. It captures the repulsive quality of sin and wickedness, akin to physical grime that renders something unclean and unfit. The term emphasizes the internal corruption and the ethical impurity that renders one morally repugnant in the sight of God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ῥυπαρία (rhyparía - `{{G4507}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of James:
* **[[James 1:21]]**: "Therefore put away all filthiness (rhyparía) and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
In this sole occurrence, James employs rhyparía in a crucial exhortation to believers. The command ἀποθέμενοι (apothemēnoi), "put away" or "lay aside," is a strong imperative, often used elsewhere in the New Testament for casting off old garments or sinful practices (e.g., [[Ephesians 4:22]], [[Colossians 3:8]]). The pairing of rhyparía with περισσεία κακίας (perisseia kakias), "rampant wickedness" or "superabundance of evil," underscores its meaning. Kakia (`{{G2549}}`) refers to general moral badness or malice, while perisseia indicates an overflowing or excess. Thus, rhyparía represents not just isolated acts of sin but the pervasive moral uncleanness and the inherent vileness that accompanies excessive wickedness. James presents the removal of this moral filth as a prerequisite for effectively receiving the "implanted word" (τὸν ἔμφυτον λόγον), which possesses the power to save souls. The context suggests that moral impurity acts as a barrier to spiritual receptivity and the transformative power of God's truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Cognates:** The direct cognate is ῥυπαρός (rhyparos - `{{G4506}}`), the adjective from which rhyparía is derived, meaning "filthy," "vile," or "squalid." It is used in [[Revelation 22:11]] to describe one who is "filthy" (morally).
* **Synonyms/Associated Terms:**
* ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsia - `{{G167}}`): "uncleanness," often referring to moral or sexual impurity.
* μιασμός (miasmos - `{{G3394}}`): "defilement," "pollution," particularly that which renders one ritually or morally impure.
* μολυσμός (molysmos - `{{G3436}}`): "defilement," "pollution," often with a connotation of staining.
* κακία (kakia - `{{G2549}}`): "wickedness," "malice," "evil," as seen in its pairing with rhyparía in [[James 1:21]].
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts:**
* ἁγνεία (hagneia - `{{G53}}`): "purity," "chastity," particularly moral purity.
* καθαρισμός (katharismos - `{{G251}}`): "cleansing," "purification," often referring to ritual or moral purification.
* ἁγιωσύνη (hagiosynē - `{{G42}}`): "holiness," "sanctity," the state of being set apart for God.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The concept of rhyparía resonates with Old Testament notions of ritual and moral impurity (e.g., טָמֵא - ṭāmēʾ - `{{H2930}}`, "to be unclean"), which necessitated cleansing and separation from the holy. The prophets frequently condemned the moral "filth" of Israel (e.g., [[Isaiah 4:4]], [[Ezekiel 36:25]]).
### Theological Significance
The single use of ῥυπαρία (rhyparía - `{{G4507}}`) in [[James 1:21]] carries profound theological weight.
1. **The Nature of Sin:** Rhyparía highlights the intrinsically repulsive and defiling nature of sin from God's perspective. It is not merely a breaking of rules but a moral contamination that renders the individual spiritually "dirty." This emphasizes the gravity of sin as an affront to God's holiness and purity.
2. **Human Condition:** The call to "put away all filthiness" acknowledges the pervasive presence of moral impurity within the human heart and life, even among believers. It underscores the ongoing need for spiritual cleansing and transformation.
3. **Sanctification and Purity:** James's command is a direct call to active sanctification. The shedding of rhyparía is not passive but requires intentional effort and repentance. This moral purification is presented as a necessary condition for spiritual growth and the effective reception of God's Word. It aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on purity as essential for communion with a holy God ([[Hebrews 12:14]]).
4. **Reception of the Word:** Crucially, rhyparía is depicted as a hindrance to the "implanted word." Moral defilement creates an environment hostile to divine truth. Only when this "filthiness" is removed can the soul meekly receive and be transformed by the saving message of the Gospel. This implies that a pure heart and a repentant spirit are indispensable for true spiritual understanding and salvation.
### Summary
ῥυπαρία (rhyparía - `{{G4507}}`) is a potent Greek term signifying "moral filthiness" or "turpitude." Although it appears only once in the New Testament, in [[James 1:21]], its singular usage is highly significant. It describes the intrinsic moral defilement and repulsive nature of sin and wickedness that must be actively "put away" by believers. This shedding of rhyparía is presented as a prerequisite for meekly receiving the "implanted word" of God, which possesses the power to save souls. The term thus underscores the profound theological truth that moral purity is essential for spiritual receptivity, growth, and ultimately, salvation, highlighting the repulsive nature of sin in God's sight and the believer's ongoing call to sanctification.
TRV