GospelMount
Search Topics Scripture Prayer Resources Ebooks About Support the mission Saved articles

ῥυπαρία (rhuparia)

rhuparia

filth

G4507 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun rhuparia refers to physical dirt or waste, but in Scripture it carries a heavy metaphorical weight for moral defilement. James uses this term in chapter 1 to describe the corrupt nature that can easily entangle a person’s soul. It is not merely a lack of cleanliness, but an active accumulation of impurity that clings to the spirit.

This word stems from a root meaning to be foul or dirty. By choosing rhuparia instead of a more general term for sin, James emphasizes the repulsive and clinging quality of moral failure. It paints sin as something unclean that must be actively removed, highlighting the need for humility and meekness in receiving the implanted word.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Greek word rhuparia paints a vivid picture of moral defilement, describing sin not just as an error but as clinging filth that weighs down the soul. In James 1:21, this term highlights how easily we accumulate impurities that obscure our spiritual clarity. It reminds us that faith requires active effort to clear away what hinders our connection with God.

Understanding this imagery encourages a posture of humility. Rather than ignoring our flaws, we are invited to receive the implanted word with openness. This divine instruction has the power to cleanse and save, offering hope even when our lives feel stained by repeated failures. It is an invitation to let God’s truth wash away what we cannot remove on our own.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • filthiness1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • ῥυπαρίαν1×

Key Verses

  • James 1:21
    Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

    This verse uses rhuparia to describe the specific moral defilement that must be set aside before one can receive the saving word with humility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does rhuparia mean in the Bible?

Rhuparia refers to filth or dirt, but in Scripture it carries a metaphorical weight for moral defilement. It describes sin as something repulsive and clinging that must be actively removed from one's life.

How is rhuparia different from general terms for sin?

While other words might simply mean wrongdoing, rhuparia emphasizes the unclean and accumulating nature of moral failure. It paints sin as a physical-like stain that obscures spiritual clarity and requires deliberate cleansing.

Where does this word appear in the New Testament?

It appears only once, in James 1:21. The author uses it to urge believers to put away all filthiness and receive the implanted word with humility.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

James 1 verse
James 1:21

Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which…