ἄσπιλος
áspilos
G784 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Unstained, free from spot or blemish; primarily refers to something that is without physical stain or imperfection, and by extension, that which is morally or ritually pure, not tainted by corruption or impurity. Carries connotations of moral blamelessness, innocence, or ritual suitability depending on context.
Semantic Range
without physical spot, unstained, free from blemish, ritually pure, morally blameless, untainted by corruption or evil
Root / Etymology
From the negative prefix ἀ- (alpha privative, 'not') and σπιλος ('spot, stain, blemish'); thus, 'not stained' or 'without spot.' The adjectival form is created by the suffix -ος. The root σπιλ- designates a mark, spot, or blemish.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἄσπιλος appears infrequently in extant Greek and is mostly attested in Hellenistic and Koine contexts, including the Septuagint and New Testament, where it conveys both literal and metaphorical senses. In non-biblical sources, it may describe physical cleanliness or ceremonial adequacy, such as an unblemished sacrifice. In the New Testament, it is often used metaphorically for moral or ethical purity (e.g., 'unstained' by the world or evil), aligning with Israelite sacrificial requirements for offerings to be free from defect (see context in LXX, e.g., Lev 4:3; cf. 1 Tim 6:14; 1 Pet 1:19; James 1:27 in the NT). The standard English translation 'without spot' or 'unspotted' communicates the physical or moral meaning but sometimes flattens the broader Koine connotation of ritual suitability or wholeness. Compared to related terms such as ἄμωμος ('without blemish'), ἄσπιλος can be more focused on absence of stain (including moral or ceremonial aspects), while ἄμωμος emphasizes blamelessness or perfection, especially in sacrificial contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Α (as a negative particle) and σπιλόω; unblemished (physically or morally):--without spot, unspotted.
Root Family
ἄσπιλος (aspilos) — spot, stain, blemish; unstained, unblemished
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G784-02 |
ἄσπιλον | aspilon | ADJ.P ACC F SG |
unspotted | unstained (fem. acc. sg.) | unstained | 2 |
G784-01 |
ἄσπιλοι | aspiloi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
spotless | unstained ones | unstained ones | 1 |
G784-03 |
ἀσπίλου | aspilou | ADJ.A GEN M SG |
without spot | of one without blemish | without spot | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G784-02 |
1 Timothy 6:14 | ἄσπιλον | aspilon | ADJ.P ACC F SG |
without spot | unstained (fem. acc. sg.) | unstained |
G784-02 |
James 1:27 | ἄσπιλον | aspilon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
unspotted | unstained (fem. acc. sg.) | unstained |
G784-03 |
1 Peter 1:19 | ἀσπίλου | aspilou | ADJ.A GEN M SG |
without spot | of one without blemish | without spot |
G784-01 |
2 Peter 3:14 | ἄσπιλοι | aspiloi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
spotless | unstained ones | unstained ones |