ῥυπαρός (rhuparos)
rhuparos
filthy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective rhuparos describes something physically filthy or shabby, often referring to stained or worn-out clothing. In its literal sense, it conveys a state of dirtiness that is visible and tangible, setting a clear image of material uncleanliness.
Scripture extends this concrete meaning into the moral realm to describe spiritual defilement. James uses the term when criticizing partiality toward those in shabby clothes, highlighting how external appearance can mask inner value (James 2:2). Revelation employs it metaphorically for those who remain morally stained by sin, urging believers to recognize that such filth is incompatible with holiness (Revelation 22:11).
This word bridges the gap between physical grime and spiritual corruption. It reminds readers that just as dirt marks clothing, sin marks the soul, requiring cleansing to restore purity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rhuparos paints a vivid picture of clothes stained by dirt or worn to shabbiness. In James 2:2, it describes a poor person whose appearance might cause others to look away with disdain. This image reminds us that outward conditions do not determine a person’s worth in God’s eyes. We are called to see beyond the grime on the surface to the dignity of the soul.
Revelation 22:11 uses this same term to describe a spiritual state where one remains fixed in unrighteousness. It serves as a sobering reminder that sin has a staining effect, much like mud on fabric. Yet, this contrast highlights the beauty of holiness. We are invited to seek cleansing, knowing that our value is found in Christ’s purity, not in our own condition.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shabby1×
- filthy1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥυπαρᾷ1×
- ῥυπαρὸς1×
Key Verses
-
James 2:2
For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in,
This verse uses the word literally to describe shabby clothing, highlighting the sin of judging people by their external appearance rather than their inner worth.
-
Revelation of John 22:11
He who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him do righteousness still. He who is holy, let him be holy still.”
Here the term shifts to a moral meaning, describing those who persist in spiritual defilement and refuse to turn toward righteousness.