### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἄδολος (á*dolos*, `{{G97}}`) is a compound word formed from the privative alpha (α-), meaning "not" or "without," and δόλος (dólos, `{{G1388}}`), which signifies "craft," "deceit," "guile," or "trickery." Therefore, its core meaning is "without guile," "undeceitful," or "free from trickery." Figuratively, this extends to the sense of "unadulterated," implying purity and genuineness, without any mixture or corruption. The English gloss "sincere" aptly captures this dual emphasis on moral integrity (absence of deceit) and material purity (absence of adulteration). It denotes something that is authentically what it claims to be, free from any hidden agenda or impurity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἄδολος (á*dolos*, `{{G97}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of 1 Peter.
* **[[1 Peter 2:2]]**: "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."
In this powerful metaphor, the apostle Peter exhorts believers to long for the "sincere milk of the word" (ἄδολον γάλα λογικὸν). The adjective ἄδολος modifies "milk" (γάλα), which represents the foundational spiritual nourishment provided by God's revelation. The term "sincere" here is crucial; it signifies that this spiritual milk must be pure, unmixed, and untainted by human error, philosophical speculation, or deceptive teachings. Just as an infant requires pure, unadulterated milk for healthy physical development, so too do new believers require the uncorrupted truth of God's Word for genuine spiritual growth. The contrast is implicitly drawn with any form of teaching that might be "adulterated" with guile, deceit, or impurity, which would hinder, rather than promote, true spiritual maturity. The passage underscores the vital importance of receiving and internalizing the unblemished truth of the gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἄδολος (á*dolos*, `{{G97}}`) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other biblical terms:
* **Antonym:** Its direct antonym is δόλος (dólos, `{{G1388}}`), meaning "guile," "deceit," or "craftiness." The absence of δόλος defines ἄδολος.
* **Purity and Cleanliness:** The concept of "unadulterated" links ἄδολος to terms emphasizing purity, such as καθαρός (katharos, `{{G2513}}`, "clean," "pure") and ἁγνός (hagnos, `{{G53}}`, "pure," "holy"). These terms often describe moral or ritual purity, but in the context of ἄδολος, they extend to the purity of truth.
* **Truth and Integrity:** "Undeceitful" naturally connects ἄδολος to ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`, "truth"), emphasizing honesty, straightforwardness, and the absence of duplicity. It implies integrity in communication and character.
* **Simplicity and Singleness of Heart:** In some contexts, ἄδολος can overlap with notions of simplicity (ἁπλότης, haplotēs, `{{G572}}`) or singleness of heart, implying a lack of complexity or hidden motives, contrasting with double-mindedness.
* **Blamelessness:** Other words formed with the privative alpha, such as ἀμώμητος (amōmētos, `{{G298}}`, "blameless") or ἄμεμπτος (amemptos, `{{G273}}`, "irreproachable"), similarly denote the absence of a negative quality, reinforcing the idea of moral or spiritual integrity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἄδολος (á*dolos*, `{{G97}}`) primarily stems from its singular occurrence in [[1 Peter 2:2]], where it profoundly impacts our understanding of spiritual nourishment and the nature of divine revelation.
* **Purity of Doctrine:** The call to desire the "sincere milk of the word" is a powerful affirmation of the necessity of pure doctrine. It emphasizes that God's truth must be received unadulterated by human traditions, philosophical errors, or deceptive interpretations. This highlights the dangers of syncretism and the importance of theological fidelity.
* **Foundation for Spiritual Growth:** True spiritual growth is depicted as contingent upon consuming uncorrupted divine revelation. Just as physical health is compromised by contaminated food, spiritual vitality is stunted or distorted by impure teaching. The "sincere milk" provides the essential, digestible, and pure nutrients for spiritual development.
* **Integrity of God's Word:** The term implicitly affirms the inherent integrity and trustworthiness of God's revealed Word. Unlike human words, which can be full of guile or error, the divine Word is inherently "undeceitful" and "unadulterated," a perfect source of truth.
* **Discernment and Hunger:** For the believer, desiring the "sincere milk" implies a spiritual hunger for authentic truth and the need for discernment to distinguish between pure teaching and deceptive counterfeits. It encourages a critical engagement with all teachings to ensure their alignment with the unblemished Word.
* **Ethical Implications:** While applied to the Word, the underlying concept of being "undeceitful" also resonates with the broader call for believers to live lives of integrity, sincerity, and transparency, free from guile, reflecting the character of the God who is truth.
### Summary
The Greek word ἄδολος (á*dolos*, `{{G97}}`), meaning "without guile," "undeceitful," and by extension "unadulterated" or "sincere," holds profound theological weight despite its single occurrence in the New Testament. In [[1 Peter 2:2]], it describes the "sincere milk of the word," underscoring the absolute necessity of pure, uncorrupted divine truth for the spiritual growth and nourishment of believers, particularly those new in faith. This term highlights that genuine spiritual vitality depends on consuming God's revelation free from human additions, distortions, or deceit. It stands as a vital reminder of the inherent integrity and trustworthiness of the Scriptures, contrasting sharply with the "guile" (δόλος, `{{G1388}}`) that can permeate human teachings. Ultimately, ἄδολος calls believers to a discerning hunger for authentic truth and a life of sincerity that mirrors the purity of the Word they embrace.
TRV