ἄσπιλος (aspilos)
aspilos
spotless
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective aspilos describes something that is entirely free from spots or stains. Derived from a negative prefix and the word for "blemish," it conveys a state of absolute purity. In the New Testament, this term appears in only four verses, primarily within the pastoral and general epistles, where it serves as a high standard for moral integrity.
While its literal meaning is physical spotlessness, Scripture applies it metaphorically to character and conduct. In 1 Peter 1:19, believers are described as being redeemed not by perishable things but by Christ’s blood, likened to that of a "spotless" lamb, emphasizing the perfection of his sacrifice. James 1:27 uses the term to define pure religion as caring for orphans and widows without being "stained" by the world, linking external action to internal cleanliness.
The word also appears in 2 Peter 3:14 and 1 Timothy 6:14, urging believers to remain blameless and irreproachable until Christ’s return. By choosing this specific term rather than a more general word for "good," the authors highlight a rigorous standard of holiness that excludes even subtle moral compromise.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aspilos paints a picture of absolute purity, describing something entirely free from spots or stains. In Scripture, this term moves beyond physical cleanliness to address the condition of our hearts and conduct. It sets a high standard for moral integrity, reminding us that true holiness involves both internal character and external actions.
We see this vividly in 1 Peter 1:19, where Christ’s sacrifice is compared to a lamb without spot or blemish. This imagery highlights the perfection of His offering, which secures our redemption. It also calls us to reflect that same purity in our daily lives, as James 1:27 instructs believers to keep themselves unstained by the world while caring for those in need.
For your faith, this word offers both comfort and direction. You are redeemed by a perfect Savior, yet you are also invited to live blamelessly until His return. This balance encourages you to pursue holiness not through anxiety, but through gratitude for Christ’s work and obedience to His commands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- without spot2×
- without stain,1×
- unstained1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄσπιλον,1×
- ἄσπιλον1×
- ἄσπιλοι1×
- ἀσπίλου1×
Key Verses
-
I Peter 1:19
but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish or spot, the blood of Christ,
This verse uses the term to describe Christ's sacrifice as a spotless lamb, emphasizing the perfection of His atoning blood.
-
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 word defines pure religion by linking internal cleanliness with the external act of caring for orphans and widows.
-
I Timothy 6:14
that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Paul urges Timothy to keep the commandment without spot, highlighting a life of blameless integrity until Christ appears.