### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἁπλοῦς (haploûs, `{{G573}}`) is derived from the alpha privative (α-) meaning "not," and the root of πλέκω (plekō), meaning "to fold" or "to weave." Thus, its most literal sense is "unfolded," "unplaited," or "simple," lacking complexity or multiplicity. From this literal meaning, its semantic range extends to several significant figurative senses:
1. **Simple, Plain:** Not intricate, convoluted, or complicated.
2. **Single, Unified:** Lacking duplicity, division, or multiplicity; singular in focus.
3. **Sincere, Genuine, Straightforward:** Without hidden motives, guile, or double-mindedness. This sense implies moral integrity and transparency, often contrasting with deceit or hypocrisy.
4. **Generous, Unreserved:** Particularly when applied to the eye, it can denote a disposition free from stinginess, envy, or avarice, leading to an open-handed and benevolent outlook.
The Strong's definition "folded together, i.e. single (figuratively, clear)" suggests a slightly different etymological nuance for the "A" particle, perhaps indicating union or completeness leading to "single." However, the prevailing understanding in classical and Koine Greek scholarship emphasizes the "unfolded" sense, leading naturally to "simple" and "sincere." The core idea remains "singleness" or "simplicity" in contrast to complexity or duplicity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἁπλοῦς (haploûs, `{{G573}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Synoptic Gospels, within Jesus' teaching on the "eye" as the "lamp of the body":
* [[Matthew 6:22]]: "The eye is the lamp of the body. If therefore your eye is *single* (ἁπλοῦς), your whole body will be full of light."
* [[Luke 11:34]]: "Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is *single* (ἁπλοῦς), your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness."
In both passages, the "eye" serves as a metaphor for the inner disposition or spiritual perception through which one views the world and interacts with it. A "single" eye is contrasted with an eye that is "bad" (πονηρός, *ponērós*, `{{G4190}}`) in Luke, or implicitly with an eye that is divided or dualistic in Matthew.
Interpretations of the "single eye" (ὀφθαλμὸς ἁπλοῦς) include:
1. **Undivided Focus/Purpose:** This interpretation emphasizes singleness of intention. The eye that is "single" sees one goal, one master, one treasure. This aligns perfectly with the immediate context in Matthew, which warns against serving two masters (God and money) and against laying up treasures on earth ([[Matthew 6:19-24]]). A "single eye" is not distracted by conflicting desires or allegiances.
2. **Sincerity/Purity of Intention:** This view highlights the moral quality of the eye, meaning it is genuine, honest, and free from hypocrisy or ulterior motives. It sees things as they truly are, without distortion.
3. **Generosity/Benevolence:** In Jewish idiom, a "bad eye" (ὀφθαλμὸς πονηρός) often referred to stinginess, envy, or covetousness ([[Proverbs 23:6]], [[Deuteronomy 15:9]]). Conversely, a "good eye" or "single eye" would denote generosity, an ungrudging spirit, and a willingness to share. This interpretation is strongly supported by the usage of related words like `{{G571}}` *haplotēs* and `{{G572}}` *haplōs* (see below). If one's eye is "single" in the sense of being generous and free from avarice, then one's whole being is filled with the light of God's blessing and truth.
The result of having a "single eye" is that the "whole body will be full of light," signifying spiritual illumination, moral clarity, and a life lived in accordance with divine truth. Conversely, a "bad" or "divided" eye leads to darkness, implying spiritual blindness, moral corruption, and a life out of step with God's will.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἁπλοῦς (haploûs, `{{G573}}`) is significantly illuminated by its cognates in the New Testament:
* **`{{G571}}` ἁπλότης (haplotēs):** This noun, meaning "simplicity," "sincerity," or "generosity," appears frequently. It is used to describe the "sincerity" of the heart ([[Ephesians 6:5]], [[Colossians 3:22]]) and, notably, "generosity" in giving ([[2 Corinthians 8:2]], [[2 Corinthians 9:11]], [[2 Corinthians 9:13]]). The consistent association of *haplotēs* with generous giving strongly supports the interpretation of *haploûs* as implying a generous and ungrudging disposition.
* **`{{G572}}` ἁπλῶς (haplōs):** This adverb, meaning "simply," "sincerely," or "generously," appears in [[James 1:5]], where it describes God's giving: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives *generously* (ἁπλῶς) to all without reproach, and it will be given him." This further solidifies the connection between the *haplo-* root and the concept of generous, unreserved giving.
**Antonyms and Contrasting Concepts:**
* **`{{G4190}}` πονηρός (ponērós):** "Evil," "bad." In [[Luke 11:34]], it is the direct opposite of *haploûs*, emphasizing the moral dimension of the "eye."
* **`{{G1379}}` δίψυχος (dipsychos):** "Double-minded," literally "two-souled." Found in [[James 1:8]] and [[James 4:8]], this term describes a person divided in their loyalties or intentions, directly contrasting with the "singleness" implied by *haploûs*.
* **Light and Darkness:** A pervasive biblical motif. "Light" symbolizes truth, righteousness, divine presence, and spiritual understanding, while "darkness" signifies ignorance, sin, evil, and spiritual blindness. The "single eye" brings light, while the "bad eye" brings darkness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἁπλοῦς (haploûs, `{{G573}}`) is profound, touching upon core aspects of discipleship and spiritual life:
1. **Integrity and Wholeness of Being:** The "single eye" is a powerful metaphor for spiritual integrity. It calls for a unified inner life where one's thoughts, desires, and actions are consistent and aligned towards God's will. It is a rejection of hypocrisy, duplicity, and divided loyalties, urging the believer to be wholehearted in their devotion to God alone.
2. **Generosity as a Manifestation of Faith:** Given the strong semantic link to generosity through *haplotēs* and *haplōs*, the "single eye" implies an open, ungrudging spirit, especially concerning material possessions. This aligns with Jesus' broader teaching on stewardship and detachment from worldly wealth, emphasizing that true treasure is found in heaven. A generous heart, free from covetousness, allows God's light to permeate one's life.
3. **Clarity of Spiritual Vision:** A "single eye" signifies an undistorted, clear perception of spiritual realities and kingdom priorities. When one's focus is singular and pure, the path of righteousness becomes illuminated, and one is able to discern God's will effectively. Conversely, a "bad" or "divided" eye leads to spiritual blindness, confusion, and a life lived in moral darkness.
4. **The Heart as the Source:** The "eye" here functions as a synecdoche for the entire inner person, particularly the heart and its intentions. Jesus' teaching consistently emphasizes that true righteousness originates from the inner state of the heart ([[Matthew 15:18-19]]). A "single eye" flows from a heart wholly devoted to God, leading to a life that reflects divine light and truth.
5. **Radical Discipleship:** The call for a "single eye" is a challenging demand for radical discipleship, urging believers to make God their sole focus and priority, unswayed by worldly anxieties or the allure of material possessions. It is a foundational principle for living a life "full of light" in God's kingdom.
### Summary
The Greek word ἁπλοῦς (haploûs, `{{G573}}`), meaning "unfolded," "simple," or "single," carries significant theological weight in the New Testament. Though appearing only twice ([[Matthew 6:22]], [[Luke 11:34]]), it is central to Jesus' teaching on the "eye" as the "lamp of the body." A "single eye" signifies an inner state of undivided focus, sincerity, and purity of intention. Strongly supported by its cognates `{{G571}}` *haplotēs* and `{{G572}}` *haplōs*, *haploûs* also conveys the idea of generosity and an ungrudging spirit, particularly concerning material wealth. Theologically, it underscores the importance of spiritual integrity, wholehearted devotion to God, and a clear, undistorted spiritual vision. A "single eye" leads to a life "full of light"—a life characterized by divine illumination, moral clarity, and genuine righteousness—in stark contrast to the spiritual darkness that results from a "bad" or divided focus. It is a profound call to prioritize God's kingdom with uncompromised sincerity and generosity.
TRV