ἁπλοῦς (haplous)
haplous
sound
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective haplous means "single" or "simple," describing something that is undivided and whole. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the teachings of Jesus regarding spiritual perception (Matthew 6:22; Luke 11:34). Here, it modifies the eye, suggesting a focus that is not split by competing desires.
This usage draws on its root meaning of singleness. A "sound" or "good" eye is one that takes in light without distortion, allowing the whole body to be filled with clarity. The sources note synonyms like adolos (without deceit) and akeraios (unmixed), highlighting that this simplicity is moral as well as physical. It implies a heart free from the greed or envy that fractures attention.
Translators often render it "single" or "good," but the underlying image is of unity. Where the eye is single, there is no internal conflict between what one sees and what one values. This lexical data shows how Jesus used a physical metaphor to describe an integrated spiritual life, where devotion remains undivided.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word haplous points to a heart that is undivided in its focus. When Jesus speaks of a sound eye, He is describing a vision that sees clearly without being clouded by competing desires. This simplicity allows light to enter freely, illuminating every part of our inner life. It suggests a spiritual health where what we value matches what we see.
In our daily walk, this singleness of heart protects us from the fragmentation caused by greed or envy. A distracted eye cannot take in the fullness of God's truth. By seeking a unified focus on Christ, we invite clarity into our decisions and relationships. This integrity brings peace, as our outer actions align with our inner convictions.
May you find rest in this call to simplicity. Let your heart be fixed on what is true and good, allowing God's light to guide your steps through every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- clear2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἁπλοῦς,1×
- ἁπλοῦς1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 6:22
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light.
This verse connects the condition of the eye directly to the spiritual illumination of the entire person, showing that single-minded devotion results in inner light.
-
Luke 11:34
The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is good, your whole body is also full of light; but when it is evil, your body also is full of darkness.
Luke includes the contrast with an evil eye, highlighting that a sound eye is defined by its capacity to receive and reflect divine truth without distortion.