ἀμίαντος (amiantos)
amiantos
pure
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word amiantos describes something that is pure in the sense of being unsoiled or free from contamination. Derived from a negative prefix and a root related to staining, it literally means "not defiled." In the New Testament, this term appears only four times, primarily in Hebrews, James, and 1 Peter, to describe spiritual integrity rather than physical cleanliness.
It carries a strong sense of moral incorruptibility. The author of Hebrews uses it to describe Jesus as high priest, emphasizing that He is completely separate from sin and its corrupting influence (Hebrews 7:26). Similarly, James identifies true religion as keeping oneself unstained by the world (James 1:27), while Peter speaks of an inheritance that remains pure and unfading (1 Peter 1:4).
While it shares ground with words like amōmos ("without blemish") and aspilos ("without spot"), amiantos focuses specifically on the absence of defilement or taint. It suggests a state of preservation where external corruption has not penetrated the inner nature, making it a powerful descriptor for both Christ’s character and the ethical purity expected of believers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word amiantos describes a purity that remains untouched by external contamination. It is not merely about following rules, but about a deep integrity where the inner nature stays free from the stains of the world. This concept appears in key New Testament passages to describe both Jesus and the life He calls us to live.
In Hebrews, we see this word applied to Christ, showing that He is completely separate from sin’s corrupting influence. For believers, it offers a clear picture of what true religion looks like: caring for those in need while keeping our hearts unstained by worldly values. It is an invitation to live with moral clarity and hope.
This promise extends to the inheritance reserved in heaven, which remains undefiled and eternal. As you navigate daily challenges, remember that this kind of purity is preserved by God. It encourages us to trust in His power to keep our faith intact, offering a steady hope that outlasts every temporary trial.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- undefiled2×
- undefiled;1×
- undefiled,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀμίαντος·1×
- ἀμίαντος,1×
- ἀμίαντος1×
- ἀμίαντον1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 7:26
For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
This verse applies the word to Jesus, emphasizing His absolute separation from sin and moral corruption as our high priest.
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James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Here the term defines practical religion by linking personal purity with active care for widows and orphans.