Lexical Summary eilikrineia: Sincerity, purity, integrity Original Word: εἰλικρίνεια Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sincerity. From eilikrines; clearness, i.e. (by implication) purity (figuratively) -- sincerity. see GREEK eilikrines HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1505 eilikríneia – literally, "judged in the light of the sun"; i.e. pure inner motives ("sincerity"). See 1506 (eilikrines). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom eilikrinés Definition clearness, by impl. purity, sincerity NASB Translation sincerity (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1505: εἰλικρίνειαεἰλικρίνεια (ἐιλικρινια T (WH, see Iota; on the breathing see WH's Appendix, p. 144)), εἰλικρινείας, ἡ (εἰλικρινής, which see), purity, sincerity, ingenuousness: 1 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 2:17; τοῦ Θεοῦ, which God effects by the Holy Spirit, 2 Corinthians 1:12 (Winers Grammar, § 36, 3 b.). (Theophrastus, Sextus Empiricus, Stobaeus) Topical Lexicon Concept and Scope Strong’s Greek 1505, εἰλικρίνεια, denotes transparent purity of motive—an inner reality that stands the searching light of God’s presence. It is not mere honesty before people but singleness of heart before the Lord, free from the admixture of self-interest, duplicity, or pragmatism. Occurrences in the New Testament 1 Corinthians 5:8 links sincerity with truth as the “unleavened bread,” contrasting it with the “leaven of malice and wickedness.” Paul draws upon the Passover imagery to picture the church as a cleansed community celebrating continual fellowship with Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:12 appeals to sincerity as the ground of Paul’s apostolic “boast.” His conduct among the Corinthians was marked by “godly sincerity, not by worldly wisdom but by the grace of God,” proving that grace produces integrity, not expediency. 2 Corinthians 2:17 sets sincerity over against commercialized ministry: “For we are not like so many, who peddle the word of God for profit… we speak before God with sincerity.” Authentic preaching is measured by the purity of motive before the divine audience. Old Testament Roots and Jewish Background While εἰλικρίνεια itself is rare in the Septuagint, its idea resonates with Hebrew terms such as תֹּם (integrity) and יָשָׁר (uprightness). The unleavened bread of Exodus 12:15 typified separation from corrupting influence; Paul’s Passover allusion (1 Corinthians 5:7-8) shows continuity between covenant symbols. The claim of Psalm 26:2, “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me,” anticipates the New Testament call to hearts that welcome divine scrutiny. Paul’s Theology of Sincerity 1. Grounded in Grace: 2 Corinthians 1:12 explicitly locates sincerity in “the grace of God,” not human wisdom. Grace liberates from self-promotion, enabling transparent service. Contrast with Malice and Hypocrisy Sincerity is paired with “truth” (1 Corinthians 5:8) and opposed to “malice,” “wickedness,” and profit-driven preaching (2 Corinthians 2:17). Hypocrisy masks self-interest; sincerity unmasks Christ. The church is called to purge “old leaven” continually, lest subtle forms of self-seeking infiltrate worship, discipline, or teaching. Ministry Significance • Preaching: Motive precedes method. A polished message without εἰλικρίνεια is merchandise, not ministry. Historical Reception Early Fathers such as Ignatius urged ministers to “do nothing in pretense,” echoing Paul’s call. The Reformers, combating clerical profiteering, cited 2 Corinthians 2:17 to insist on preaching “gratis.” Evangelical revivals repeatedly recovered the priority of motive over method, from the Moravians’ simplicity to nineteenth-century mission societies refusing commercial entanglements. Practical Application for the Contemporary Church • Cultivate daily transparency before God through Scripture-shaped self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24; James 1:25). Summary εἰλικρίνεια captures the shining purity God desires in His people—a disposition wrought by grace, assessed by conscience, displayed in conduct, and essential to faithful ministry. Wherever the gospel produces hearts free of duplicity, Christ is plainly seen and His word advances without hindrance. Forms and Transliterations ειλικρινεία εἰλικρινείᾳ ειλικρινείας εἰλικρινείας ειλικρινια εἰλικρινίᾳ ειλικρινιας εἰλικρινίας eilikrineia eilikrineíāi eilikrineias eilikrineíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 5:8 N-GFSGRK: ἐν ἀζύμοις εἰλικρινείας καὶ ἀληθείας NAS: but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. KJV: the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and INT: with unleavened [bread] of sincerity and of truth 2 Corinthians 1:12 N-DFS 2 Corinthians 2:17 N-GFS Strong's Greek 1505 |
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