### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **rhyparía**, represented by `{{G4507}}`, defines **dirtiness (morally)** or **turpitude**. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, making its single instance highly significant. The term derives from ῥυπαρός, indicating a state of moral filth or defilement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G4507}}` is found in [[James 1:21]], which commands believers to "lay apart all **filthiness** and superfluity of naughtiness." In this context, the word signifies a moral impurity that must be actively removed from one's life. It is presented as an obstacle to receiving "the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." This positions moral **filthiness** as something directly opposed to spiritual salvation and growth.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its immediate context clarify its meaning:
* `{{G659}}` **apotíthēmi** (to put away): This is the action required in response to `{{G4507}}`. It means to "cast off, lay apart (aside, down), put away (off)," emphasizing a decisive separation from the filthiness [[James 1:21]]. The same word is used to command putting off malice, anger, and lying ([[Colossians 3:8]], [[Ephesians 4:25]]).
* `{{G4050}}` **perisseía** (superfluity): This word, defined as "surplusage, i.e. superabundance," is paired with "naughtiness" in [[James 1:21]]. It suggests that the filthiness is connected to an overflowing abundance of wickedness.
* `{{G2549}}` **kakía** (naughtiness): This term, meaning "badness, i.e. (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity," specifies the nature of the "superfluity." The filthiness of `{{G4507}}` is thus linked to an overflow of active malice and depravity [[James 1:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4507}}` centers on the necessity of moral purification for the believer.
* **Prerequisite for Reception:** The command to "lay apart" all **filthiness** `{{G4507}}` comes immediately before the instruction to "receive with meekness the engrafted word" [[James 1:21]]. This establishes a clear principle: spiritual defilement must be removed to make room for God's word.
* **Active Moral Responsibility:** The use of the verb `{{G659}}` (apotíthēmi) indicates that dealing with moral **filthiness** is not a passive process. It requires a deliberate and decisive act of "putting off" or "casting away" sinful attitudes and behaviors.
* **Connection to Malignity:** By being linked directly with the "superfluity of naughtiness" `{{G4050}}` `{{G2549}}`, `{{G4507}}` is not portrayed as mere passive uncleanness but as a state of moral defilement produced by an abundance of active wickedness and malice.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4507}}` is a concise and powerful term for moral **turpitude**. Though used only once, its context in [[James 1:21]] makes it a cornerstone for understanding the call to personal holiness. It vividly illustrates the concept that a believer must actively purge spiritual and moral "dirtiness" in order to properly receive the word of God that brings salvation.
TRV