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G172 · Greek · New Testament
ἄκακος
Akakos
Adjective
Guileless; innocent; without malice; simple

Definition

The Greek adjective akakos (ἄκακος) is formed from the alpha-privative and kakos (G2556, evil/bad). It means guileless, innocent, without malice, simple, or free from evil. It describes a character untainted by wickedness.

Usage & Theological Significance

Akakos appears in two significant New Testament passages. In Romans 16:18, Paul warns against those who 'deceive the minds of naive people' — the word akakoi describes the guileless believers susceptible to smooth-talking deceivers. In Hebrews 7:26, Jesus is described as the perfect high priest: 'holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens' — and akakos (innocent/guileless) is one of his priestly qualifications. The sinlessness of Christ is not merely moral perfection but absolute guilelessness — no deception, no hidden agenda, no malice in his heart.

Key Bible Verses

Hebrews 7:26
Such a high priest truly meets our need — one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He is akakos — guileless.
Romans 16:18
For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive (akakoon) people.
Matthew 10:16
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.
Psalm 15:2
The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart.

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