ἀναμάρτητος

without blame, faultless

Definition

The adjective ἀναμάρτητος means 'without sin,' 'faultless,' or 'blameless.' It describes a state of being entirely free from moral wrongdoing or error. In its sole New Testament occurrence in John 8:7, Jesus uses it to challenge the accusers of a woman caught in adultery, asking, 'Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.' Here, it carries a strong ethical and judicial sense, referring to personal moral guilt. While not used elsewhere in the NT, the concept overlaps with other terms for purity and perfection, but ἀναμάρτητος specifically emphasizes the absence of sin itself.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in John 8:7. It appears in a highly charged, confrontational context where Jesus is presented with a legal and theological test regarding the Mosaic law. The usage is directly personal and accusatory, as Jesus turns the focus from the woman's guilt to the moral standing of her accusers. Its singular occurrence makes it a powerful, unique term in this pivotal narrative about judgment, mercy, and human sinfulness.

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative prefix ἀν- (an-), meaning 'not' or 'without,' combined with the root of the adjective ἁμαρτητός (hamartētos), meaning 'sinful' or 'liable to sin.' ἁμαρτητός itself comes from the verb ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō), 'to miss the mark' or 'to sin.' Thus, ἀναμάρτητος literally means 'not sinful' or 'one who has not missed the mark.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the universal human condition of sinfulness. In John 8:7, Jesus's use of the term implicitly declares that no human is truly 'without sin' and therefore no one is qualified to enact the ultimate penalty of the law without hypocrisy. It points to the necessity of grace and the unique sinlessness of Christ, who alone could righteously judge but instead offers mercy. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by emphasizing the absolute standard of moral perfection that Jesus invokes, which ultimately points to our need for a Savior.

In its original setting, the word carried a strong legal and religious connotation. The accusers in John 8 were appealing to the Law of Moses (Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22), which prescribed stoning for adultery. By demanding an 'anamartētos' accuser, Jesus was not just making a general moral point but was challenging their qualification to be legal executioners under that covenant. A truly 'faultless' person in this context would be one free from any violation of the Law they were appealing to, a standard they could not meet.

ἄμωμος (amōmos, G299) — emphasizes being 'without blemish,' often used ritually or for moral perfection (e.g., Ephesians 1:4). / ἄμεμπτος (amemptos, G273) — means 'blameless' or 'without fault,' often in the sense of human reputation (e.g., Philippians 2:15). / ἅγιος (hagios, G40) — means 'holy' or 'set apart,' focusing on consecration rather than merely the absence of sin.

Word Details

Scripture References