ἀκέραιος

From the study of Philippians 2:15

Range of meaning

Literally 'unmixed, undiluted', used of pure wine or unalloyed metal. In another line of usage it also meant 'unharmed, intact', as of a city's walls. Morally it means pure, guileless, single-minded, without a hidden mixture of motives. Ancient writers already debated whether the word comes from kerannymi ('to mix') or from a root meaning 'to harm'.

Against the English

BSB 'pure', ESV/NASB 'innocent', KJV/WEB/YLT 'harmless'. 'Pure' and 'innocent' are close. 'Harmless' today means 'not dangerous', which loses the picture of an undiluted, single-hearted character.

How it drifted

In 1611 'harmless' could mean 'innocent, free from guilt or wrongdoing'. That sense has faded, and 'harmless' now suggests weakness or inoffensiveness.

Used elsewhere in the period

It occurs in the NT only in Matthew 10:16 ('innocent as doves'), Romans 16:19 ('innocent as to what is evil') and here. It is rare in the Greek Old Testament (the Additions to Esther). It is common in classical and Hellenistic Greek for unmixed substances and for things left undamaged.

From the study of Matthew 10:16

Range of meaning

Unmixed or unadulterated (pure metal, a substance with nothing added). Intact or undamaged (unravaged land, fresh troops, things left whole). Figuratively, pure in motive, guileless, without a hidden agenda, not double.

Against the English

KJV, WEB and NLT have 'harmless'. In 1611 this meant 'innocent, doing no wrong', but today it suggests 'unable to hurt', 'ineffective' or 'nothing to worry about'. 'Innocent' (BSB, NIV, ESV, NASB) is better, but can suggest 'naive' or 'legally not guilty'. YLT's 'simple' follows the Latin simplices: single, not two-faced. The core picture is purity with nothing mixed in.

How it drifted

'Harmless' has narrowed to mean 'not dangerous' or 'inconsequential'. 'Innocent' has drifted toward naivety and toward the courtroom sense of 'not guilty'.

Used elsewhere in the period

In classical Greek historians it describes land left unravaged and forces still intact. It is also used of pure, unadulterated substances. In the New Testament it appears only here, in Romans 16:19 ('wise as to what is good, akeraios as to what is evil') and in Philippians 2:15 ('blameless and akeraios, children of God'). Ignatius, To Polycarp 2.2, pairs it with the dove: 'pure (akeraios) as the dove always.'

From the study of Romans 16:19

Range of meaning

Built from a- ('not') and the root of kerannymi ('to mix'). The basic meaning is 'unmixed' or 'unadulterated'. It was used of pure wine and unalloyed metal. From there it came to mean 'intact, unharmed, whole' (a city or army left undamaged) and, of people, 'pure, guileless, without hidden admixture' (BDAG: 'pure, innocent').

Against the English

KJV 'simple' and YLT 'harmless' both reflect older English. Most modern versions have 'innocent'. Today 'innocent' tends to mean either 'not legally guilty' or 'naive, inexperienced', and 'simple' suggests a lack of intelligence. The Greek points to purity of substance: nothing evil blended in.

How it drifted

In Elizabethan English 'simple' meant 'free from duplicity, sincere' (compare 'simplicity'). Over time it came to mean 'unsophisticated' or 'slow'. 'Innocent' has likewise moved toward 'naive'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Classical and Hellenistic Greek use it for unmixed wine and for things left unharmed or intact (LSJ). Josephus uses it for things kept intact or unharmed. The New Testament has it only three times: Matt 10:16 ('wise as serpents and akeraioi as doves'), Phil 2:15 ('blameless and akeraioi, children of God without blemish') and here.