Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "sincere" is derived from the Latin word "sincerus," meaning clean, pure, or sound. In the biblical context, sincerity refers to the quality of being genuine, honest, and free from pretense or deceit. It is a virtue that is highly esteemed in Scripture, reflecting the inner purity and authenticity of one's heart and actions. Biblical Usage: The concept of sincerity is woven throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith, love, and devotion to God and others. It is often associated with purity of heart and integrity in one's relationship with God. Old Testament References: While the specific term "sincere" is not frequently used in the Old Testament, the concept is evident in various passages. For example, in Psalm 51:6, David acknowledges God's desire for truth in the inward being: "Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place." This verse highlights the importance of inner sincerity and truthfulness before God. New Testament References: The New Testament provides several explicit references to sincerity, particularly in the context of Christian conduct and relationships. In 1 Peter 1:22, believers are exhorted to love one another sincerely: "Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth, so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart." This passage underscores the necessity of sincere love that stems from a pure heart. In Philippians 1:10, Paul prays for the believers to be "pure and blameless for the day of Christ," which implies a life of sincerity and integrity. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 1:12, Paul speaks of conducting himself with "simplicity and godly sincerity," indicating that his actions were free from worldly wisdom and deceit. Theological Significance: Sincerity is a reflection of the believer's heart condition before God. It is not merely about outward actions but involves the inner motives and intentions. Jesus emphasized this in His teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, where He addressed the importance of sincerity in prayer, fasting, and giving (Matthew 6:1-18). The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the issue of sincerity in his letters, urging believers to live lives that are transparent and genuine. In Ephesians 6:24, he speaks of "grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love," suggesting that true love for Christ is marked by sincerity and authenticity. Practical Implications: For Christians, sincerity is a vital aspect of spiritual maturity and discipleship. It calls for a life that is consistent with one's professed beliefs, characterized by honesty, transparency, and a genuine love for God and others. Sincerity in worship, relationships, and daily conduct is essential for maintaining a credible witness to the world. Conclusion: While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive definition of sincerity, it is clear that God values a sincere heart. Believers are called to cultivate sincerity in all aspects of their lives, reflecting the purity and truth of the Gospel in their interactions with others and their devotion to God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (superl.) Pure; unmixed; unadulterated.2. (superl.) Whole; perfect; unhurt; uninjured. 3. (superl.) Being in reality what it appears to be; having a character which corresponds with the appearance; not falsely assumed; genuine; true; real; as, a sincere desire for knowledge; a sincere contempt for meanness. 4. (superl.) Honest; free from hypocrisy or dissimulation; as, a sincere friend; a sincere person. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SINCERE; SINCERITYsin-ser', sin-ser'-i-ti (tamim; aphtharsia, eilikrineia): "Sincerity" occurs once in the Old Testament as the translation of tamim, "complete," "entire," "sincere," etc. (Joshua 24:14); the same word is translated "sincerity" (Judges 9:16, 19, the Revised Version (British and American) "uprightly"). Four different words are rendered "sincere," "sincerely" "sincerity," in the New Testament: adolos, "without guile," "unadulterated," "desire the sincere milk of the word" (1 Peter 2:2 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "the spiritual," the American Revised Version margin "Greek, `belonging to the reason'; compare Romans 12:1," the English Revised Version margin reasonable"), "milk which is without guile," with no other purpose but to nourish and benefit the soul (Alford); hagnos, "without blame," "pure," "preach Christ.... not sincerely" (Philippians 1:17); aphtharsia, "without corruption" (Ephesians 6:24, the King James Version "that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity," the American Standard Revised Version "with a love incorruptible," margin " `in incorruption.' See Romans 2:7," the English Revised Version "uncorruptness"; Titus 2:7, the King James Version "shewing uncorruptness.... sincerity," the Revised Version (British and American) "uncorruptness"); gnesios, "not spurious" (2 Corinthians 8:8); eilikrines, literally, judged of in the sunlight, hence, "clear," "manifest" (Philippians 1:10); eilikrineia, with same meaning, is translated "sincerity" (1 Corinthians 5:8 2 Corinthians 1:12; 2 Corinthians 2:17). Greek 1506. eilikrines -- judged by sunlight, unalloyed, pure ... of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: eilikrines Phonetic Spelling: (i-lik-ree-nace') Short Definition: pure, uncontaminated, sincere Definition: (originally ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1506.htm - 7k 505. anupokritos -- unhypocritical, unfeigned 97. adolos -- guileless, genuine 185. akeraios -- unmixed, pure 1103. gnesios -- lawfully begotten, genuine 228. alethinos -- true. 3852. paraggelia -- an instruction, a command 908. baptisma -- (the result of) a dipping or sinking 2379. thusiasterion -- an altar 1174. deisidaimonesteros -- very fearful of gods, religious ... Library Sincere Seekers Assured Finders Simple and Sincere. June 23. Is Pelagius Sincere? CM Alford. Sincere Worship. Psalm 32 Free Pardon and Sincere Obedience; Or, Confession and ... Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire, How Pure and Sincere Prayer Can be Gained. "Truly" Said I, "You have Clearly Proved How Much a Sincere Love ... Psalm 32:2. First Part. LM Free Pardon and Sincere Obedience; Or ... The Few Next Remarks: "You, O Sincere Believers, Find Fault with ... Thesaurus Sincere (18 Occurrences)... in reality what it appears to be; having a character which corresponds with the appearance; not falsely assumed; genuine; true; real; as, a sincere desire for ... /s/sincere.htm - 14k Sincerity (17 Occurrences) Sincerely (8 Occurrences) Simple (40 Occurrences) Eli (36 Occurrences) Simon (75 Occurrences) Nature (80 Occurrences) Unfeigned (5 Occurrences) Offense (44 Occurrences) Open (586 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about sincerity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the argument from disbelief? | GotQuestions.org Is questioning the Bible wrong? | GotQuestions.org Sincere: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sincere (18 Occurrences)Luke 20:20 Acts 2:46 Romans 12:9 2 Corinthians 6:6 2 Corinthians 11:3 Philippians 1:10 1 Timothy 1:5 1 Timothy 3:8 2 Timothy 1:5 Hebrews 10:22 James 3:17 1 Peter 1:22 1 Peter 2:2 2 Peter 3:1 Psalms 2:12 Proverbs 11:5 Proverbs 29:10 Daniel 11:34 Subtopics Related Terms |