Lexical Summary amiantos: Unstained, undefiled, pure Original Word: ἀμίαντος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance undefiled. From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of miaino; unsoiled, i.e. (figuratively) pure -- undefiled. see GREEK a see GREEK miaino HELPS Word-studies 283 amíantos (an adjective, derived from 1 /A "not" and 3392 /miaínō, "to stain, defile") – properly, untinted (unstained); (figuratively) undefiled because unstained. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and miainó Definition undefiled NASB Translation undefiled (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 283: ἀμίαντοςἀμίαντος, (μιαίνω), "not defiled, unsoiled; free from that by which the nature of a thing is deformed and debased, or its force and vigor impaired": καίτη pure, free from adultery, Hebrews 13:4; κληρονομία (without defect), 1 Peter 1:4; θρησκεία, James 1:27; pure from sin, Hebrews 7:26. (Also in the Greek writings; in an ethical sense, Plato, legg. 6, p. 777 e.; Plutarch, Periel. e. 39 βίος καθαρός καί ἀμίαντος.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 283 (ἀμίαντος) accents the Bible’s recurring theme of purity that is immune to moral or ceremonial contamination. In every New Testament occurrence the word underscores either what God alone can supply or what He requires of His people: an incorruptible inheritance, a sinless High Priest, a sanctified marital union, and practical godliness that remains untainted by the world. Intertextual Background: Purity in Scripture Old Testament law distinguishes the clean from the unclean to protect covenant fellowship with a holy God (Leviticus 11–15). Prophets later warned that ritual cleanness without moral integrity is worthless (Isaiah 1:11–17). The Septuagint often employs cognates of ἀμίαντος for objects kept free from idolatry or sexual defilement. The New Testament writers draw on this heritage to present a purity secured through Christ and expressed in transformed living. New Testament Usage 1 Peter 1:4; Hebrews 7:26; Hebrews 13:4; James 1:27. Christ the Undefiled High Priest (Hebrews 7:26) “Such a high priest indeed is fitting for us—one who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.” The term crowns a five-fold description that distinguishes Jesus from every Levitical priest. His purity is intrinsic, not ceremonial; it qualifies Him to offer Himself once for all and to intercede eternally. Because His holiness is inviolable, believers may draw near without fear of rejection (Hebrews 4:14-16). Eschatological Inheritance of the Saints (1 Peter 1:4) “and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you” Peter applies ἀμίαντος to the believer’s future possession, contrasting it with Israel’s land—which could be polluted by sin and overrun by enemies. This inheritance, kept by God’s power, cannot be touched by decay, defilement, or time. The word therefore anchors Christian hope, motivating perseverance amid present trials (1 Peter 1:6-7). Marriage and Moral Purity (Hebrews 13:4) “Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.” Here the term sets God’s standard for sexual ethics. The marriage bed is to remain free from any stain of infidelity or illicit practice. By placing the warning in a chapter devoted to practical love and hospitality, the writer shows that pure sexuality is integral to a life pleasing to God. Authentic Religion (James 1:27) “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James joins social compassion with personal holiness. Religion is “undefiled” when mercy flows to the vulnerable and when personal conduct refuses the world’s corrupting influences. The double emphasis guards against both pietistic isolation and activist hypocrisy. Doctrinal Importance 1. The word affirms Christ’s sinlessness as the foundation of the everlasting covenant. Practical Ministry Implications • Preach Christ’s unique, spotless character to fortify assurance of salvation. Historical Reflection Early church fathers appealed to ἀμίαντος when defending Christ’s sinlessness against Gnostic and Arian claims. Monastic movements cited it to stress celibacy, while Reformers redirected the focus to marital honor and the priesthood of all believers. Modern missions literature employs the term to call churches to both social justice and moral purity, illustrating its timeless relevance. Summary ἀμίαντος threads together Christology, eschatology, ethics, and practical ministry. It declares that what God provides—whether a Savior, an inheritance, or a pattern for daily living—remains forever free from corruption and therefore worthy of wholehearted trust and obedience. Forms and Transliterations αμιαντον αμίαντον ἀμίαντον αμιαντος αμίαντος ἀμίαντος amianton amíanton amiantos amíantosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Hebrews 7:26 Adj-NMSGRK: ὅσιος ἄκακος ἀμίαντος κεχωρισμένος ἀπὸ NAS: innocent, undefiled, separated KJV: harmless, undefiled, separate INT: holy innocent undefiled separated from Hebrews 13:4 Adj-NFS James 1:27 Adj-NFS 1 Peter 1:4 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 283 |
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