### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἀνυπόκριτος (anypókritos, `{{G505}}`) is a powerful term derived from the combination of the alpha privative (ἀ-), signifying negation, and the verb ὑποκρίνομαι (hypokrinomai), which means "to act a part," "to pretend," or "to play a role on stage." Thus, ἀνυπόκριτος literally translates to "unhypocritical," "undisguised," or "without pretense." Its core meaning denotes a state of absolute sincerity, genuineness, and authenticity, free from any form of dissimulation, affectation, or feigned emotion. The word points to an inner reality that perfectly aligns with outward expression, indicating integrity and transparency of character.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀνυπόκριτος appears seven times in the New Testament, consistently emphasizing the necessity of genuine spiritual qualities:
* **[[Romans 12:9]]**: "Let love be genuine (ἀνυπόκριτος)." Here, Paul exhorts believers to cultivate a love that is not merely an outward show or a performance, but one that springs from an unfeigned heart. This genuine love is the foundation for all subsequent ethical commands in the chapter.
* **[[2 Corinthians 6:6]]**: As Paul defends his apostolic ministry, he lists the virtues by which he commends himself, including "love unfeigned (ἀνυπόκριτος)." This signifies that his ministry was not driven by self-interest or deceit, but by sincere affection for the Corinthians.
* **[[1 Timothy 1:5]]**: "Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (ἀνυπόκριτος)." This verse highlights that true faith is not merely intellectual assent or ritualistic observance, but a deep, authentic conviction that shapes one's entire being.
* **[[2 Timothy 1:5]]**: Paul commends Timothy, recalling "your sincere faith (ἀνυπόκριτος), which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." This personal affirmation underscores the continuity and authenticity of faith passed down through generations, emphasizing its genuine nature.
* **[[James 3:17]]**: Describing heavenly wisdom, James states it is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (ἀνυπόκριτος)." The wisdom from above is contrasted with earthly, unspiritual wisdom, which is often characterized by self-interest and pretense. Divine wisdom is transparent and true.
* **[[1 Peter 1:22]]**: "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other (ἀνυπόκριτος), love one another deeply, from a pure heart." Peter connects spiritual purification and obedience to truth with the resultant genuine love among believers, emphasizing that brotherly love must be authentic, not superficial.
Across these contexts, ἀνυπόκριτος consistently describes the quality of Christian virtues that are truly from the heart, contrasting them with any form of outward display lacking inner reality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of ἀνυπόκριτος finds its semantic antithesis in words related to acting, pretending, and hypocrisy:
* ὑποκρίνομαι (hypokrinomai): the verb "to act a part, to pretend."
* ὑπόκρισις (hypokrisis, `{{G5272}}`): "hypocrisy, pretense."
* ὑποκριτής (hypokritēs, `{{G5273}}`): "hypocrite, actor."
Conversely, ἀνυπόκριτος aligns with terms denoting truth, purity, and authenticity:
* ἀληθινός (alēthinos, `{{G228}}`): "true, genuine."
* καθαρός (katharos, `{{G2513}}`): "pure, clean."
* εἰλικρινής (eilikrinēs, `{{G1506}}`): "sincere, pure, unmixed," often implying a purity tested by light. This word is a close synonym, sharing the emphasis on unmixed authenticity.
* ἀπλότης (haplotēs, `{{G572}}`): "simplicity, sincerity," often in the context of generosity or devotion.
* ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`): "truth," the ultimate standard against which authenticity is measured.
While εἰλικρινής often emphasizes purity and unmixed quality, ἀνυπόκριτος specifically highlights the absence of deceit or a false front, emphasizing the congruence between inner disposition and outward expression.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀνυπόκριτος is profound, underscoring the New Testament's emphasis on inward transformation over outward performance. God, who "looks at the heart" ([[1 Samuel 16:7]]), desires truth in the "inward being" ([[Psalm 51:6]]). Therefore, genuine love, faith, and wisdom are not merely actions or doctrines, but expressions of a renewed nature.
The call for "unfeigned love" ([[Romans 12:9]], [[1 Peter 1:22]]) is critical, as *agape* love is meant to be selfless and pure, not a means to an end or a social convention. Similarly, "sincere faith" ([[1 Timothy 1:5]], [[2 Timothy 1:5]]) distinguishes true belief and trust in God from a superficial or opportunistic religiosity. The wisdom from above, characterized by being "without hypocrisy" ([[James 3:17]]), stands in stark contrast to the self-serving, divisive "wisdom" of the world, echoing Christ's condemnation of the Pharisees' outward piety devoid of inner righteousness ([[Matthew 23:27-28]]).
Ultimately, ἀνυπόκριτος points to the integrity and authenticity that should characterize every aspect of the believer's life, reflecting the very nature of God, who is truth and cannot lie ([[Titus 1:2]]). It is a call to live a life consistent with the Spirit's work, where one's inner disposition genuinely matches their outward conduct, fulfilling the command to be holy as God is holy.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀνυπόκριτος (anypókritos, `{{G505}}`) signifies "unhypocritical," "sincere," or "without pretense." Its etymology reveals a core meaning of being "without acting a part," emphasizing genuine authenticity and integrity. Throughout the New Testament, this term is consistently applied to essential Christian virtues such as love, faith, and wisdom, highlighting the imperative for these qualities to be truly from the heart, rather than mere outward displays. The recurring use of ἀνυπόκριτος underscores the biblical emphasis on inward transformation and the congruence between a believer's inner disposition and their external conduct. It serves as a profound reminder that true discipleship is characterized by transparency, sincerity, and a complete absence of dissimulation, reflecting the very character of God.
TRV