from ἁπλοῦς; singleness, i.e. (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal):--bountifulness, liberal(-ity), simplicity, singleness.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G572 (ἁπλότης, haplótēs) derives from the adjective ἁπλοῦς (haplous), which signifies "single," "simple," or "whole." At its core, haplótēs denotes a state of "singleness" or "oneness," implying an absence of duplicity, complexity, or hidden motives. This fundamental meaning bifurcates into two primary semantic ranges within biblical usage:
1. **Subjective Sense: Sincerity and Purity of Motive.** This aspect emphasizes an unadulterated inner state, free from dissimulation, pretense, or self-seeking. It speaks to integrity, transparency, and an undivided heart. It is the quality of being straightforward and genuine, without ulterior motives or a "double mind."
2. **Objective Sense: Generosity and Liberality.** Arising directly from the subjective sense, this refers to a copious and uncalculating bestowal. When one gives with haplótēs, it implies an act of giving that is pure, unmixed with expectations of return, self-promotion, or manipulation. It is a "simple" act of giving from a sincere heart, characterized by bountifulness.
Thus, haplótēs encompasses both an inner disposition of integrity and an outward manifestation of selfless giving.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G572 appears in the New Testament primarily in the Pauline epistles, illuminating various facets of Christian conduct and character:
* **Romans 12:8**: "he who gives, with simplicity (ἁπλότης)." Here, haplótēs is presented as the proper manner for exercising the spiritual gift of giving. It mandates that acts of charity be performed without calculation, ostentation, or desire for personal gain, but rather with a pure and unmixed motive of generosity. This aligns perfectly with the objective sense of bountifulness stemming from sincerity.
* **2 Corinthians 8:2**: "the abundance of their liberality (ἁπλότης)." In this verse, Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their exceptional generosity despite severe poverty. Their giving was characterized by haplótēs, indicating that it was spontaneous, unforced, and flowed from a sincere heart devoted to Christ and the needs of others, free from any hint of compulsion or self-interest.
* **2 Corinthians 9:11**: "you will be enriched in everything for all liberality (ἁπλότης), which through us produces thanksgiving to God." Paul connects the spiritual enrichment of the Corinthians to their haplótēs in giving. Their generous contribution will lead to thanksgiving, underscoring that giving done with haplótēs is pleasing to God and fosters worship.
* **2 Corinthians 9:13**: "they glorify God for your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality (ἁπλότης) of your contribution to them and to all." Here, haplótēs is linked to obedience to the gospel, suggesting that genuine Christian giving is an outward expression of an inner commitment to Christ's teachings and His kingdom. It is a testimony to the sincerity of their faith.
* **2 Corinthians 11:3**: "But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from the simplicity (ἁπλότης) that is in Christ." This occurrence shifts to the subjective sense. Haplótēs here refers to an unadulterated, single-minded devotion and loyalty to Christ. Paul fears that the Corinthians might be drawn away from a pure, straightforward faith by false teachers, losing their spiritual integrity and undivided allegiance.
* **Ephesians 6:5**: "Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness (ἁπλότης) of your heart, as to Christ."
* **Colossians 3:22**: "Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not with external service, as people-pleasers, but with singleness (ἁπλότης) of heart, fearing the Lord."
In both Ephesians and Colossians, haplótēs describes the inner attitude of bondservants towards their masters. It calls for obedience that is not superficial or motivated by a desire to please men, but rather springs from a sincere, undivided heart directed towards Christ. This underscores the subjective meaning of integrity and purity of motive in daily life and relationships.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of haplótēs is closely intertwined with several key concepts:
* **ἁπλοῦς (haplous, `{{G573}}`):** The root adjective means "single," "simple," or "sound." Jesus' teaching on the "sound eye" in [[Matthew 6:22]] and [[Luke 11:34]] directly relates to this concept. A "sound eye" (or "single eye") is one that is focused, unclouded, and free from duplicity, allowing light to fill the whole body. This imagery beautifully illustrates the inner "singleness" that haplótēs describes.
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:** Haplótēs stands in stark contrast to concepts like:
* δίψυχος (dipsychos, `{{G1374}}`): "double-minded," indicating a divided loyalty or wavering resolve, as seen in [[James 1:8]].
* ὑπόκρισις (hypokrisis, `{{G5272}}`): "hypocrisy," implying pretense, dissimulation, or acting a part, which is the antithesis of sincerity.
* Complexity, cunning, or ulterior motives: The serpent's cunning in [[2 Corinthians 11:3]] serves as a foil to the simplicity in Christ.
* **Synonyms/Related Virtues:**
* εἰλικρίνεια (eilikrineia, `{{G1505}}`): "sincerity" or "purity," often used in the context of motives and conduct before God, as in [[1 Corinthians 5:8]].
* καθαρός (katharos, `{{G2513}}`): "pure" or "clean," particularly "pure in heart," which resonates with the subjective integrity of haplótēs.
* ἀγαθωσύνη (agathosynē, `{{G18}}`): "goodness," especially in a moral and benevolent sense, which underlies acts of generosity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of haplótēs is profound, touching upon the nature of God, Christian character, and the essence of discipleship:
* **Reflection of God's Character:** God's own giving is the ultimate example of haplótēs. His grace and provision are given purely, without hidden agendas or expectation of return, reflecting His perfect love and benevolence. Christians are called to emulate this divine generosity.
* **Integrity in Giving:** For the believer, haplótēs transforms acts of charity from mere transactions into spiritual offerings. Giving with haplótēs means giving from a heart unmixed with pride, self-interest, or a desire for recognition. It is an act of worship that honors God and genuinely blesses the recipient, flowing from a sincere love for God and neighbor. This pure motivation is essential for acceptable worship and effective ministry.
* **Undivided Devotion to Christ:** The "simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3) is foundational to genuine faith. It speaks to an unadulterated, singular focus on Christ, free from competing allegiances, worldly philosophies, or spiritual distractions. This undivided loyalty guards against spiritual deception and fosters authentic intimacy with God. It implies a "single eye" fixed on the Lord, allowing His light to permeate one's entire being.
* **Authenticity in Relationships and Service:** Haplótēs promotes transparency and honesty in all human interactions. Whether in the workplace (Ephesians 6:5, Colossians 3:22) or within the community of faith, it calls for actions motivated by genuine sincerity rather than people-pleasing or manipulation. This fosters trust, builds strong relationships, and ensures that service is rendered out of love for Christ, not for personal gain.
* **Counter-Cultural Virtue:** In a world often characterized by duplicity, complex motives, and self-serving actions, haplótēs presents a radical, counter-cultural virtue. It calls believers to a life of transparent integrity, selfless generosity, and unwavering devotion, embodying the transformative power of the gospel.
### Summary
G572 (ἁπλότης, haplótēs) encapsulates the profound concept of "singleness" or "oneness." This core meaning manifests in two crucial dimensions: an inner state of **sincerity, purity of motive, and freedom from duplicity**, and an outward expression of **generosity and bountifulness** that stems from this unmixed heart. Biblically, haplótēs is commended as the proper attitude for Christian giving, ensuring it is pure and God-honoring. It also describes the essential quality of an undivided devotion to Christ, guarding against spiritual compromise. Furthermore, it mandates sincerity and integrity in all aspects of life and service. Theologically, haplótēs reflects the character of God, shapes authentic Christian ethics, and calls believers to a life of transparent integrity, selfless love, and singular devotion to the Lord, standing in stark contrast to worldly complexity and self-interest.
TRV