ἄδολος

pure

Definition

The adjective ἄδολος (adolos) means 'unadulterated' or 'pure,' describing something free from deceit, fraud, or mixture. In its literal sense, it was used for pure, unmixed substances like milk or wine. In the New Testament, its sole occurrence in 1 Peter 2:2 applies this concept metaphorically to spiritual nourishment, describing the 'pure spiritual milk' of God's word that believers should desire. The word carries connotations of sincerity and integrity, being without guile or corruption.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 2:2. Here, it describes the 'pure spiritual milk' that newborn believers are to crave. The context is the call to spiritual growth after conversion, using the metaphor of an infant desiring unadulterated nourishment. The usage is entirely metaphorical, applying the concept of physical purity to the sincere and uncorrupted word of God.

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative ἀ- (a-), meaning 'not' or 'without,' combined with δόλος (dolos, G1388), meaning 'deceit,' 'guile,' or 'trickery.' Thus, ἄδολος literally means 'without deceit' or 'guileless.' This root connection emphasizes honesty and lack of corruption, extending from personal character to the purity of substances.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects the purity of God's word with the believer's spiritual growth. In 1 Peter 2:2, 'pure spiritual milk' symbolizes the sincere, unadulterated teaching of the gospel, essential for maturing in salvation. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that spiritual nourishment must be free from the 'deceit' of false teaching or hypocrisy, pointing believers toward authentic truth.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, 'adulteration' was a common concern in markets; wine, milk, or grain were often mixed with cheaper substances. 'Adolos' would assure buyers of a product's purity and quality. This cultural background makes Peter's metaphor powerful: just as infants need pure milk to thrive physically, believers need spiritual teaching free from the 'watering down' of error or worldly compromise.

καθαρός (katharos, G2513) — emphasizes ceremonial or moral cleanness, purity from defilement. ἁγνός (hagnos, G53) — denotes purity, especially in a moral or religious sense, often translated 'chaste' or 'holy.' εἰλικρινής (eilikrinēs, G1506) — means 'sincere' or 'pure,' suggesting clarity and unmixed motives.

Word Details

Scripture References