of uncertain affinity; dirt, i.e. (morally) depravity:--filth.
Transliteration:rhýpos
Pronunciation:hroo'-pos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ῥύπος (`{{G4509}}`, *rhýpos*) carries the primary meaning of "dirt," "filth," or "grime." Its etymology is noted as being "of uncertain affinity," suggesting it does not readily derive from a commonly recognized root with other Greek words. Despite this, its core semantic range is clear: it denotes physical impurity, something that soils or defiles. Crucially, as indicated in its base definition, *rhýpos* extends metaphorically to the moral realm, signifying "depravity" or "moral uncleanness." Thus, it encompasses both literal contamination and spiritual defilement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ῥύπος (`{{G4509}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Epistle of James:
* [[James 1:21]]: "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (ESV)
In this sole occurrence, *rhýpos* is translated as "filthiness" and is explicitly paired with "rampant wickedness" (περισσεία κακίας, *perisseia kakias*). The context leaves no doubt that James is employing the term in its moral sense, not referring to physical dirt. It represents the moral contamination and defilement that characterizes a life apart from God's will. The imperative "put away" (ἀποθέμενοι, *apothemenoi*) is a common New Testament exhortation, particularly in Pauline epistles, urging believers to discard old, sinful behaviors and attitudes as one would remove soiled garments. This act of "putting away" the *rhýpos* is presented as a necessary precursor to, or a co-requisite for, "receiving with meekness the implanted word." This juxtaposition highlights that spiritual purification from moral defilement is essential for the effective reception of God's transformative truth. The verse underscores the active role of the believer in sanctification, not merely a passive reception of grace, but a deliberate renunciation of all that is morally impure.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate the nuance of ῥύπος (`{{G4509}}`), it is helpful to consider related terms that speak to impurity, defilement, and their opposites:
* **Moral/Ritual Impurity:**
* ἀκαθαρσία (`{{G167}}`, *akatharsia*): "uncleanness," often referring to moral or sexual impurity, but also ritual impurity.
* μίασμα (`{{G3394}}`, *miasma*): "defilement," "pollution," the result of an act of defiling.
* κοινός (`{{G2839}}`, *koinos*): "common," "unclean" in a ritual sense, often used in contrast to that which is holy or pure.
* **Wickedness/Sin:**
* κακία (`{{G2549}}`, *kakia*): "wickedness," "malice," "depravity," the very word paired with *rhýpos* in [[James 1:21]].
* ἁμαρτία (`{{G266}}`, *hamartia*): The overarching term for "sin," "missing the mark."
* πονηρία (`{{G4189}}`, *poneria*): "wickedness," "evil," often implying active malice.
* **Purity/Cleansing:**
* καθαίρω (`{{G2511}}`, *kathairō*): "to cleanse," "to purify," often used in a moral or spiritual sense.
* καθαρός (`{{G2513}}`, *katharos*): "clean," "pure," the state of being free from defilement.
* λούω (`{{G3068}}`, *louō*) and νίπτω (`{{G3538}}`, *niptō*): Terms for "washing," often used metaphorically for spiritual cleansing from sin.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ῥύπος (`{{G4509}}`) in the New Testament is profoundly significant. It highlights the pervasive and defiling nature of sin, portraying it not merely as a transgression but as a contaminant that pollutes the human soul and life. The metaphor of "filth" vividly conveys the repulsive and alien nature of sin in the sight of a holy God.
In [[James 1:21]], the command to "put away all filthiness" underscores the active and ongoing nature of sanctification in the believer's life. It is a call to a decisive break with past patterns of sin and a continuous effort to live a life of purity. This is not a passive process but requires intentionality and effort, reflecting a genuine commitment to Christ.
Furthermore, the verse implicitly links the removal of this "filthiness" to the effective reception of God's "implanted word." This suggests that moral impurity can hinder one's ability to truly hear, understand, and obey the divine truth. The word of God, when received with meekness, acts as a purifying agent, transforming the heart and soul from the inside out, countering the defilement of *rhýpos*. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God's word is living and active, capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart, and leading to spiritual renewal. The presence of *rhýpos* signifies a state of moral corruption that is antithetical to the life of holiness to which believers are called.
### Summary
The Greek word ῥύπος (`{{G4509}}`, *rhýpos*) literally means "dirt" or "filth" but is used metaphorically in its sole New Testament occurrence to denote "moral depravity" or "wickedness." In [[James 1:21]], believers are commanded to "put away all filthiness" alongside "rampant wickedness," emphasizing the active renunciation of sin. This act of purification is presented as essential for the meek reception of God's "implanted word," which possesses the power to save souls. The term powerfully conveys the contaminating nature of sin, highlighting the need for a deliberate and ongoing commitment to moral purity and sanctification in the Christian life, facilitated by the transformative power of divine truth.
TRV