Lexical Summary haplotés: Simplicity, sincerity, generosity, liberality Original Word: ἁπλότης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bountifulness, simplicity, singleness. From haplous; singleness, i.e. (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal) -- bountifulness, liberal(-ity), simplicity, singleness. see GREEK haplous HELPS Word-studies 572 haplótēs (from 1 /A "not" and from pel-, "fold," cf. DNTT, 3, 572) – properly, "singleness, without folds, like a piece of cloth unfolded" (WP, 1, 56), i.e. not compounded or over-complicated (needlessly complex); "single-threaded" (versus "multi-threaded"); "without folds, simplex" (J. Thayer), used of "unworldly simplicity" (as in the papyri, MM). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom haplous Definition singleness, hence simplicity NASB Translation liberality (4), simplicity (1), sincerity (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 572: ἁπλότηςἁπλότης, ἁπλητος, ἡ, singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty; the virtue of one who is free from pretence and dissimulation (so in Greek writings from Xenophon, Cyril 1, 4, 3; Hell. 6, 1, 18 down): ἐν ἁπλότητι (L T Tr WH ἁγιοτητι) καί εἰλικρίνεια θεοῦ i. e. infused by God through the Spirit (Winer's Grammar, § 36, 3 b.), 2 Corinthians 1:12; ἐν ἁπλότητι τῆς καρδίας (לֵבָב יֹשֶׁר, 1 Chronicles 29:17), Colossians 3:22; Ephesians 6:5 (Wis. 1:1); εἰς Χριστόν, sincerity of mind toward Christ, i. e. single-hearted faith in Christ, as opposed to false wisdom in matters pertaining to Christianity, 2 Corinthians 11:3; ἐν ἁπλότητι in simplicity, i. e. without self-seeking, Romans 12:8. openness of heart manifesting itself by benefactions, liberality, (Josephus, Antiquities 7, 13, 4; but in opposition see Fritzsche on Romans, vol. iii., 62f): 2 Corinthians 8:2; 2 Corinthians 9:11, 13 (τῆς κοινωνίας, manifested by fellowship). Cf. Kling under the word 'Einfalt' in Herzog iii., p. 723f. Topical Lexicon Core IdeaStrong’s Greek 572 describes a quality of undivided purpose that results in open-handed generosity and transparent sincerity. Whether expressed toward God, fellow believers, or earthly masters, it is a disposition of the heart that refuses duplicity. Singleness of Devotion to Christ Paul fears that the Corinthian believers might be “led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). Here haplotēs guards the mind from the divided loyalties that characterized Eve’s deception. The word therefore marks the foundational attitude of discipleship—a wholehearted allegiance that resists any rival claim. Integrity in Apostolic Conduct In defending his ministry, Paul declares, “We conducted ourselves in the world… in holiness and sincerity from God” (2 Corinthians 1:12). His lifestyle among the Corinthians displayed haplotēs, showing that true Christian leadership is measured not by cleverness but by transparent godliness. This integrity establishes apostolic credibility and preserves unity within the church. Generosity in Financial Stewardship 1. The Macedonian churches, though impoverished, abounded “in the wealth of their generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2). Haplotēs transforms giving from mere obligation into joyful self-sacrifice. Guidance for Bondservants Both Ephesians 6:5 and Colossians 3:22 instruct slaves to obey earthly masters “in sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord”. The call to singleness lifts everyday labor into the sphere of worship, as work rendered without duplicity becomes service to Christ Himself (Ephesians 6:7). By rooting social relationships in haplotēs, Paul plants the seeds of dignity and equality that would later erode institutional slavery. Historical and Cultural Backdrop In Greco-Roman society, patrons often gave to secure honor, and servants commonly offered eye-service to avoid punishment. The Spirit replaces such self-seeking with haplotēs—a virtue prized in Jewish wisdom literature and exemplified in Jesus’ own teaching, “When you give… do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3). The early church’s communal sharing in Acts 2–4 displays the same heart posture. Practical Ministry Implications • Preaching: Emphasize undivided loyalty to Christ, warning against the subtlety of modern idolatry. Summary Haplotēs unites inner motive and outward action in a life poured out for God and neighbor. It is the singleness that protects from deception, the sincerity that validates witness, and the generosity that spreads thanksgiving to God. Wherever the Spirit produces this quality, the church shines with the undivided character of her Lord. Forms and Transliterations απλοτητα απλότητα ἁπλότητα απλοτητι απλότητι ἁπλότητι απλοτητος απλότητος ἁπλότητος aploteta aplotēta aploteti aplotēti aplotetos aplotētos haploteta haplotēta haplóteta haplótēta haploteti haplotēti haplóteti haplótēti haplotetos haplotētos haplótetos haplótētosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 12:8 N-DFSGRK: μεταδιδοὺς ἐν ἁπλότητι ὁ προϊστάμενος NAS: he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, KJV: [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, INT: imparts in simplicity he that takes the lead 2 Corinthians 1:12 N-DFS 2 Corinthians 8:2 N-GFS 2 Corinthians 9:11 N-AFS 2 Corinthians 9:13 N-DFS 2 Corinthians 11:3 N-GFS Ephesians 6:5 N-DFS Colossians 3:22 N-DFS Strong's Greek 572 |
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