ἄκακος (akakos)
akakos
innocent
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective akakos describes a state of being free from malice or fraud. It characterizes someone who is harmless and guileless, lacking any intent to deceive or harm others. The word combines a negative prefix with the root for "evil," literally meaning "not evil" in disposition.
In Scripture, this term highlights moral purity rather than mere legal innocence. In Romans 16:18, Paul warns against those who use smooth speech to deceive the hearts of the naive, implying that true believers should be akakos—simple and trusting, without hidden agendas. Similarly, Hebrews 7:26 applies it to Jesus, describing Him as holy and innocent, separated from sinners.
This usage distinguishes akakos from words that simply mean "not guilty" in a legal sense. Instead, it points to an inner integrity where one fears no evil from others and trusts without suspicion. The sources note its presence in the Septuagint as well, often translating Hebrew terms for the simple or blameless, reinforcing its connection to a heart uncorrupted by deceit.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word akakos describes a heart free from malice or hidden agendas. It is not just about following rules, but about having an inner integrity that trusts others without suspicion. In our daily lives, this means approaching relationships with honesty and simplicity, letting go of the need to manipulate outcomes or protect ourselves through deceit.
When we read Romans 16:18, Paul warns us against those who use smooth words to deceive the innocent. This reminds us that true faithfulness involves guarding our hearts against manipulation while remaining open and genuine in our own interactions. We are called to be people of truth, where our actions match our words.
Hebrews 7:26 applies this term to Jesus, showing that He is the perfect example of this purity. Because He is holy and guiltless, we can trust Him completely. This gives us hope that we do not have to carry the weight of hidden sins or fears. Instead, we can rest in His complete innocence and let His example shape our own character.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- naive.1×
- innocent,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄκακος,1×
- ἀκάκων.1×
Key Verses
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Romans 16:18
For those who are such don’t serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent.
Paul uses this term to identify the vulnerable target of deceptive flattery, highlighting the need for discernment in community.
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Hebrews 7:26
For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
The author applies this word to Jesus to emphasize His moral perfection and separation from sin, making Him a trustworthy high priest.