ἁγνεία (hagneia)
hagneia
purity
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hagneia refers to a state of moral and ritual purity, often carrying the specific nuance of chastity or sexual integrity. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both within the Pastoral Epistles where Paul instructs young leaders on conduct. The word describes an outward lifestyle that is free from defilement, reflecting a heart aligned with God’s standards.
Its usage in 1 Timothy 4:12 and 5:2 highlights its practical application. Paul urges Timothy to be an example in speech and conduct, and instructs older men to rebuke younger men with all purity. Here, the term is not merely about internal feelings but about visible behavior that commands respect and avoids scandal. It connects closely with the idea of being set apart for holy use.
This word shares a root with hagnos, meaning pure or clean. While hagnos often describes the quality of a person or thing, hagneia focuses on the abstract state or practice of purity itself. In the Septuagint, it translates Hebrew terms related to ceremonial cleanliness and Nazirite vows, linking Christian conduct to Old Testament holiness codes. Translators typically render it as "purity" or "chastity," depending on whether the context emphasizes moral integrity or sexual virtue.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hagneia points to a life that is visibly clean and morally steady. In a culture that often confuses freedom with license, this term offers a different path. It describes an outward lifestyle free from defilement, reflecting a heart aligned with God’s standards. Paul uses it in 1 Timothy 4:12 to encourage Timothy, reminding him that true leadership is not defined by age but by integrity.
This purity is not just an internal feeling; it is visible behavior that commands respect. When we live with hagneia, we avoid scandal and honor those around us. It connects closely with the idea of being set apart for holy use, showing others what a life dedicated to God looks like in practice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- purity.2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἁγνείᾳ.2×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
Paul lists purity alongside faith and love as a key way young believers can be examples, showing that integrity matters more than age.
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I Timothy 5:2
the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.
This verse extends the call to purity to all relationships, instructing believers to treat younger women with the same respect and cleanliness as sisters.