ἁγνῶς
hagnōs
G55 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In a manner that is pure or free from moral defect, i.e., in a way characterized by integrity and uprightness in thought or action. The sense includes both ritual and ethical purity, extended metaphorically to describe actions, motives, or intentions that are untainted by ulterior motives or corruption. Used to signify moral or spiritual sincerity and genuineness in conduct or attitude.
Semantic Range
in a pure manner, without moral fault, sincerely, with honest/clear motives, free from ulterior motives, in moral or ritual uprightness
Root / Etymology
From the adjective ἁγνός (pure, morally uncontaminated, holy), with the adverbial ending -ῶς. Cognate with words related to purity and sanctity in Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἁγνῶς characterizes actions or appearances as untainted, ritually clean, or morally upright, with some uses referencing religious purity. In Koine Greek and NT usage (notably Philippians 1:16), ἁγνῶς typically refers to motives or intentions that are without self-interest or duplicity—highlighting a sincerity rooted in moral clarity rather than external custom. The term seldom appears in the Septuagint but is conceptually aligned with both ritual and ethical forms of purity present in Israelite religion, though in Greek, the word has a broad moral dimension. English translations often render it as 'sincerely,' 'honestly,' or 'with pure motives,' but these do not fully capture its range, which combines both ethical transparency and absence of selfish ambition.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from ἁγνός; purely, i.e. honestly:--sincerely.
Root Family
ἁγνῶς (hagnōs) — pure, holy, morally untainted
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G55-01 |
ἁγνῶς | agnos | ADV |
sincerely | in moral purity | in moral purity | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G55-01 |
Philippians 1:17 | ἁγνῶς | agnos | ADV |
sincerely | in moral purity | in moral purity |