ἁπλότης (haplotēs)
haplotēs
openness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun haplotēs describes a state of single-minded sincerity, free from duplicity or hidden agendas. It denotes an integrity of heart where one’s inner motives align perfectly with outward actions. In the New Testament, this quality is not merely about honesty but about a focused devotion that excludes selfish calculation.
This virtue appears prominently in Paul’s letters, particularly when discussing Christian conduct and generosity. For instance, in 2 Corinthians 8:2 and 9:13, it characterizes the cheerful, unreserved giving of believers who do not hoard resources for themselves. Similarly, in Ephesians 6:5 and Colossians 3:22, it describes servants serving their masters with genuine dedication rather than mere outward compliance.
Etymologically, the word derives from haplous, meaning "simple" or "single." This root suggests a lack of complexity or division in purpose. Where others might be double-minded, the person with haplotēs operates with clear intent. Translators often render it as "sincerity" or "generosity," capturing both the internal purity and the external expression of this virtue.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Living with sincerity means letting your inner life match your outer actions. The Greek word haplotēs captures this single-minded focus, where motives are clear and free from hidden agendas. It is not just about being honest, but about a wholehearted devotion that excludes selfish calculation. When you serve or give, doing so with this quality brings integrity to your relationships.
This virtue shines brightly in how Christians handle resources and duties. In 2 Corinthians 9:13, the early believers’ generous contributions were seen as proof of their obedience and faith. Their giving was not calculated for return but flowed from a heart aligned with God’s grace. Similarly, in Ephesians 6:5, servants are called to work with singleness of heart, treating their duties as service to Christ Himself.
May you find peace in this simplicity of purpose. Let your actions reflect the clear intent of a heart that trusts God fully, knowing that such integrity honors Him and blesses those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sincerity2×
- generosity,2×
- to [the] generosity1×
- simplicity1×
- openness1×
- generosity1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἁπλότητι4×
- ἁπλότητος2×
- ἁπλότητι,1×
- ἁπλότητα,1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 9:13
seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all,
This verse links the believers' generous contribution directly to the glorification of God, showing how haplotēs serves as visible proof of their confession to the Good News.
-
Ephesians 6:5
Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ,
Here the word describes the quality of heart required for servants, emphasizing that obedience should be sincere and directed toward Christ rather than just outward compliance.
-
II Corinthians 11:3
But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Paul uses this term to warn against corruption, contrasting the pure simplicity found in Christ with the craftiness of deception.