☀️
← Back to Lexicon
G185 · Greek · New Testament
ἀκέραιος
akeraios
Adjective
innocent, pure, unmixed

Definition

Akeraios (G185) literally means 'unmixed' (alpha-privative + kerannymi: to mix). It describes moral purity and innocence — something undiluted by evil, uncontaminated. Jesus commands his disciples to be 'wise as serpents and innocent [akeraioi] as doves' (Matthew 10:16). Paul similarly urges the Philippians to be 'blameless and innocent [akeraioi], children of God without blemish.'

Usage & Theological Significance

Akeraios describes a holiness that is positively pure, not merely negatively absent of wrong. Like undiluted wine or unmixed metal, the innocent person is not adulterated with compromise. The dove symbol (Genesis 8; Matthew 3:16) carries this sense — the Spirit descends as a dove precisely because God's nature is pure and undivided. This is the goal of sanctification: unmixed devotion to God.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent [akeraioi] as doves.
Romans 16:19 I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent [akeraioi] as to what is evil.
Philippians 2:15 that you may be blameless and innocent [akeraioi], children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation.
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
Hebrews 7:26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️