Lexical Summary eilikrinés: Pure, sincere, unmixed Original Word: εἰλικρινής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pure, sincere. From heile (the sun's ray) and krino; judged by sunlight, i.e. Tested as genuine (figuratively) -- pure, sincere. see GREEK krino HELPS Word-studies 1506 eilikrinḗs (from heilē, "shining of the sun" and 2929 /krystallízō, "to judge") – properly, rightly judged because seen in full light; (figuratively) judged in the rays of God's light, i.e. with divine clarity (spiritual vision) which results in real insight (discernment). 1506 /eilikrinḗs ("sincere because transparent") describes something proven because well-examined (totally scrutinized) – therefore, certified as sincere (inwardly pure). 1506 (eilikrinḗs) naturally refers to something completely clear, free from hypocrisy (deceit, wickedness) which stands in the full light of God's approval. This term is used twice in the NT (Phil 1:10; 2 Pet 3:1). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin, perhaps from heilé (the sun's ray) and krinó Definition judged by sunlight, unalloyed, pure NASB Translation sincere (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1506: εἰλικρινήςεἰλικρινής, ἐιλικρινες ((on the breathing see WH's Appendix, p. 144; Liddell and Scott, under the word, at the end); commonly supposed to be from εἴλη or ἕλη, sunlight, and κρίνω, properly, found pure when unfolded and examined by the sun's light; hence, some write εἰλικρινής. (see references above); according to the conjecture of others from ἐιλος, ἐίλειν, properly, sifted and cleansed by rapid movement or rolling to and fro), pure, unsullied, sincere; of the soul, an εἰλικρινής man: Philippians 1:10; διάνοια, 2 Peter 3:1. (Wis. 7:25, where cf. Grimm, Exgt. Hdb.; (see, on the word, also Trench, § lxxxv.); (Hippocrates), Xenophon, Plato (Aristotle, Plutarch), Polybius, Philo (others).) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 1506 unfolds the idea of moral and spiritual transparency—an inner life free from admixture, shadow, or ulterior motive. The term pictures something examined in full light and found without hidden fault. Scripture applies it to the believer’s mind and character, calling for an integrity that can stand before God’s searching gaze. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Philippians 1:10 urges the church to “test and prove what is best, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ”. Here the word describes the believer’s inner quality as he or she anticipates final evaluation. Though appearing only twice, the term anchors two key apostolic appeals: Paul’s prayer for holiness that withstands Christ’s tribunal, and Peter’s exhortation to clarity of mind that resists scoffers and holds fast to the promise of the Lord’s return. Historical and Cultural Setting Greco-Roman moralists esteemed candor and despised duplicity, yet public life was riddled with flattery, political intrigue, and religious syncretism. Against that backdrop, the word’s etymological image—something held up to sunlight to disclose flaws—would resonate with first-century readers. Christian proclamation radicalized the idea: the “sun-test” becomes God Himself, who “dwells in unapproachable light.” Genuine discipleship therefore demands a purity deeper than cultural ideals, grounded in regeneration and sustained by the Spirit. Theological Significance 1. Eschatological Purity: Both texts connect sincerity with the day of divine reckoning. The Christian hope does not excuse moral laxity; it compels refinement of motives and actions. Ministry and Discipleship Implications • Preaching and Teaching: Proclaim doctrine without mixture of human speculation, presenting the whole counsel of God. Related Biblical Themes Purity of heart (Psalm 24:4); integrity (Proverbs 10:9); singleness of eye (Matthew 6:22); guileless spirit (John 1:47); blamelessness (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Each motif converges on the same goal: undivided devotion that honors God and serves neighbor. Contemporary Reflection In an age of curated images and shifting loyalties, Strong’s 1506 challenges believers to submit thoughts, plans, and relationships to the searching light of Scripture. Such sincerity nourishes unity within the church, credibility before the world, and confident anticipation of the Lord’s appearing. Forms and Transliterations ειλικρινεις ειλικρινείς εἰλικρινεῖς ειλικρινη ειλικρινή εἰλικρινῆ eilikrine eilikrinê eilikrinē eilikrinē̂ eilikrineis eilikrineîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Philippians 1:10 Adj-NMPGRK: ἵνα ἦτε εἰλικρινεῖς καὶ ἀπρόσκοποι NAS: in order to be sincere and blameless KJV: ye may be sincere and INT: that you might be pure and blameless 2 Peter 3:1 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 1506 |
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