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.
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.
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.
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.
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