εἰλικρίνεια (eilikrineia)
eilikrineia
sincerity
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun eilikrineia denotes a state of being clear, pure, or sincere. It describes an inner integrity that matches outward behavior, free from hidden motives or deceit. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, all within Paul’s letters to the Corinthians.
Paul uses it to describe the quality of his ministry and his own conduct. In 2 Corinthians 1:12, he appeals to their conscience as evidence that he acted with eilikrineia and godly sincerity, rather than by worldly wisdom. He contrasts this genuine character with the dishonesty of those who "peddle the word of God" for profit (2 Corinthians 2:17). The term also appears in 1 Corinthians 5:8, where believers are urged to celebrate the festival with unleavened bread, symbolizing sincerity and truth.
The word’s root suggests clarity or transparency. It implies a life that is open and uncorrupted, much like clear water. This purity is not merely personal virtue but a mark of faithful service. Paul presents it as the hallmark of authentic apostolic ministry, standing in stark contrast to manipulation or self-interest.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Sincerity is often mistaken for simple honesty, but the Greek word eilikrineia goes deeper. It carries the sense of clarity and purity, like light passing through clean glass without distortion. When Paul uses this term, he is describing a heart that has no hidden agenda or secret motive. It is an inner integrity where what you believe matches exactly how you live.
In our daily walk, this kind of transparency brings freedom from the exhaustion of maintaining facades. We do not need to craft careful images for others because we are secure in God’s grace. This purity allows us to serve and speak with confidence, knowing that our actions align with our faith. It is a gift that strengthens trust in our relationships and honors God.
As you navigate your own life, consider where hidden motives might be clouding your judgment. Inviting God to bring clarity to your heart can remove the weight of pretense. This simple integrity is not about being perfect, but about being real before Him and those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sincerity,1×
- sincerity1×
- of sincerity1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εἰλικρινείᾳ1×
- εἰλικρινείας,1×
- εἰλικρινείας1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 1:12
For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you.
Paul appeals to his conscience as proof that his ministry was driven by God’s grace rather than worldly manipulation.
-
I Corinthians 5:8
Therefore let’s keep the feast, not with old yeast, neither with the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Believers are urged to celebrate the feast with this quality, linking sincerity directly to the truth of the gospel.
-
II Corinthians 2:17
For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.
Paul contrasts his sincere speech with those who distort God’s message for personal profit or gain.