ἁπλῶς (haplōs)
haplōs
without reserve
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb haplōs conveys a sense of acting without reserve or pretense. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in James 1:5, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom. The term suggests an attitude of sincerity and openness, implying that one should seek divine guidance with a heart free from hidden agendas or divided loyalties.
Its root relates to simplicity and singleness of purpose. Lexical sources note that it can imply generosity or bountiful giving, reflecting a character that is whole rather than fragmented. When James uses this word, he points to a quality of asking that is direct and earnest, trusting in God’s gracious nature to respond to such honest requests.
Translators typically render haplōs as "simply" or "generously," though the nuance leans heavily toward the manner of the asker’s heart. It describes a straightforward approach to God, contrasting with duplicity or hesitation. This single usage highlights the importance of integrity in prayer, where the seeker comes with undivided attention and genuine desire for understanding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we feel lost or unsure about a decision, it is natural to hold back some details from God. We might worry that our questions sound foolish or that our motives are mixed. The word haplōs in James 1:5 invites us to drop that guard. It means asking without reserve, bringing our whole self to the Father rather than hiding our doubts behind a polite facade.
This does not mean we must have perfect theology before we pray. It simply means we come with an open heart, trusting that God is generous enough to handle our honesty. He gives wisdom liberally to those who ask sincerely. There is no need for pretense or divided loyalty when you approach Him. You can bring your raw questions and receive His clear guidance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- generously1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἁπλῶς1×
Key Verses
-
James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
The adverb haplōs modifies how God gives wisdom, describing His generous nature as giving without holding back or finding fault with the asker.