Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:The term "innocent" in the biblical context generally refers to a state of purity, blamelessness, or freedom from guilt. It is often associated with righteousness and moral integrity. In the original Hebrew and Greek texts, words such as "naqiy" (נָקִי) in Hebrew and "akakos" (ἄκακος) in Greek are used to convey the idea of innocence. Old Testament References: In the Old Testament, innocence is frequently linked to justice and the protection of the blameless. For example, in Exodus 23:7, God commands, "Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the guilty" . This verse underscores the importance of safeguarding the innocent and ensuring justice. The Psalms often reflect a plea for divine protection and vindication of the innocent. Psalm 26:6 states, "I wash my hands in innocence and go around Your altar, O LORD" , illustrating a desire for purity and acceptance before God. New Testament References: In the New Testament, innocence is exemplified in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus emphasizes the value of childlike innocence in Matthew 18:3, saying, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" . This highlights the importance of humility and purity of heart. The concept of innocence is also evident in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Pontius Pilate, recognizing Jesus' innocence, declares in Matthew 27:24, "I am innocent of this man’s blood. You bear the responsibility" . Despite this acknowledgment, Jesus is unjustly condemned, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53. Theological Significance: Innocence in the Bible is not merely an absence of wrongdoing but is often associated with a positive state of righteousness and moral integrity. It is a quality that believers are encouraged to pursue, as seen in Philippians 2:15, "so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world" . Theologically, innocence is also tied to the doctrine of original sin and the need for redemption. While humanity is born into sin, the innocence of Christ provides the means for atonement and reconciliation with God. Through faith in Jesus, believers are justified and made innocent before God, as expressed in Romans 5:9, "Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!" . Practical Application: Believers are called to live lives marked by innocence and integrity, reflecting the character of Christ. This involves a commitment to truth, justice, and moral purity in all aspects of life. The pursuit of innocence is not only a personal endeavor but also a communal responsibility, as the church seeks to uphold and protect the innocent within society. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Not harmful; free from that which can injure; innoxious; innocuous; harmless; as, an innocent medicine or remedy.2. (a.) Morally free from guilt; guiltless; not tainted with sin; pure; upright. 3. (a.) Free from the guilt of a particular crime or offense; as, a man is innocent of the crime charged. 4. (a.) Simple; artless; foolish. 5. (a.) Lawful; permitted; as, an innocent trade. 6. (a.) Not contraband; not subject to forfeiture; as, innocent goods carried to a belligerent nation. 7. (n.) An innocent person; one free from, or unacquainted with, guilt or sin. 8. (n.) An unsophisticated person; hence, a child; a simpleton; an idiot. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia INNOCENCE; INNOCENCY; INNOCENTin'-o-sens, in'-o-sen-si, in'-o-sent (zakhu, niqqayon, chinnam, chaph, naqi; athoos): the King James Version and the American Standard Revised Version have innocency in Genesis 20:5 Psalm 26:6; Psalm 73:13 Daniel 6:22 Hosea 8:5. In Daniel the Hebrew is zakhu, and the innocence expressed is the absence of the guilt of disloyalty to God. In all the other places the Hebrew is niqqayon, and the innocence expressed is the absence of pollution, Hosea having reference to the pollution of idolatry, and the other passages presenting the cleansing under the figure of washing hands. the King James Version has innocent not fewer than 40 times. In one place (1 Kings 2:31) the Hebrew is chinnam, meaning "undeserved," or "without cause," and, accordingly, the American Standard Revised Version, instead of "innocent blood. shed," has "blood. shed without cause." In another place (Job 33:9) the Hebrew is chaph, meaning "scraped," or "polished," therefore "clean," and refers to moral purity. In all the other places the Hebrew is naqi, or its cognates, and the idea is doubtless the absence of pollution. In more than half the passages "innocent" is connected with blood, as "blood of the innocent," or simply "innocent blood." In some places there is the idea of the Divine acquittal, or forgiveness, as in Job 9:28: "I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent" (compare Job 10:14, where the same Hebrew word is used). The New Testament has "innocent" twice in connection with blood-"innocent blood," and "innocent of the blood" (Matthew 27:4, 24). Greek 1342. dikaios -- correct, righteous, by impl. innocent ... innocent. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: dikaios Phonetic Spelling: (dik'-ah-yos) Short Definition: just, righteous, impartial Definition: just ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1342.htm - 8k 172. akakos -- guileless 185. akeraios -- unmixed, pure 121. athoos -- unpunished 338. anaitios -- guiltless 53. hagnos -- free from ceremonial defilement, holy, sacred 2513. katharos -- clean (adjective) 1344. dikaioo -- to show to be righteous, declare righteous 1349. dike -- right (as self-evident), justice (the principle, a ... Strong's Hebrew 2643. chaph -- clean... 2642, 2643. chaph. 2644 . clean. Transliteration: chaph Phonetic Spelling: (khaf) Short Definition: innocent. Word ... 1). innocent. ... /hebrew/2643.htm - 6k 5355. naqiy -- clean, free from, exempt 5352. naqah -- to be empty or clean 2600. chinnam -- out of favor 1818. dam -- blood 5355b. naqi -- innocency 5355a. naqi -- clean, free from, exempt 2136. zaku -- purity, innocence 6662. tsaddiq -- just, righteous 1249. bar -- pure, clean Library Innocent Play. Whether it is Lawful to Kill the Innocent? Song 2. Innocent Play. Whether Penance Can be in the Innocent? Innocent iii To the Beloved Brother John, Innocent. Whether the Innocent is More Bound to Give Thanks to God than the ... Innocent, Bishop, to Presbyters and Deacons, and to all the Clergy ... To Innocent, Bishop of Rome, Greeting in the Lord. Letter Lxxxi. To Bishop Innocent. Thesaurus Innocent (97 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Not harmful; free from that which can injure; innoxious; innocuous; harmless; as, an innocent medicine or remedy. ... /i/innocent.htm - 37k Innocency (5 Occurrences) Innocence (10 Occurrences) Shedding (23 Occurrences) Bribe (27 Occurrences) Guiltless (29 Occurrences) Shed (73 Occurrences) Laugh (23 Occurrences) Innocents (2 Occurrences) Innocently (1 Occurrence) Resources Why does God allow the innocent to suffer? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God punish David and Bathsheba's innocent child with death? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)? | GotQuestions.org Innocent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Innocent (97 Occurrences)Matthew 10:16 Matthew 12:5 Matthew 12:7 Matthew 23:35 Matthew 27:4 Matthew 27:19 Matthew 27:24 Luke 23:47 Acts 18:6 Acts 20:26 Romans 16:18 Romans 16:19 1 Corinthians 4:4 2 Corinthians 7:11 Philippians 2:15 Hebrews 7:26 James 5:6 1 Peter 3:18 Genesis 20:4 Genesis 44:10 Exodus 23:7 Numbers 5:31 Deuteronomy 19:10 Deuteronomy 19:13 Deuteronomy 21:8 Deuteronomy 21:9 Deuteronomy 25:1 Deuteronomy 27:25 Joshua 2:19 Judges 15:3 Judges 21:22 1 Samuel 19:5 2 Samuel 3:28 2 Samuel 4:11 2 Samuel 14:9 1 Kings 2:5 1 Kings 2:9 1 Kings 2:31 1 Kings 8:32 2 Kings 10:9 2 Kings 21:16 2 Kings 24:4 2 Chronicles 6:23 Job 4:7 Job 8:20 Job 9:15 Job 9:20 Job 9:21 Job 9:22 Job 9:23 Job 9:28 Job 10:15 Job 11:4 Job 12:4 Job 17:8 Job 22:19 Job 22:30 Job 27:17 Job 33:9 Job 34:5 Psalms 10:8 Psalms 15:5 Psalms 19:12 Psalms 19:13 Psalms 64:4 Psalms 94:21 Psalms 106:38 Proverbs 1:11 Proverbs 6:17 Proverbs 6:29 Proverbs 11:21 Proverbs 16:2 Proverbs 16:5 Proverbs 17:5 Proverbs 17:15 Proverbs 17:26 Proverbs 18:5 Proverbs 19:5 Proverbs 19:9 Proverbs 21:8 Proverbs 24:24 Proverbs 28:20 Isaiah 5:23 Isaiah 29:21 Isaiah 59:7 Jeremiah 2:34 Jeremiah 2:35 Jeremiah 7:6 Jeremiah 19:4 Jeremiah 22:3 Jeremiah 22:17 Jeremiah 26:15 Daniel 6:22 Joel 3:19 Joel 3:21 Jonah 1:14 Zechariah 5:3 Subtopics Related Terms |