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G573 · Greek · New Testament
ἁπλοῦς
Haplous
Adjective
Single, clear, simple, undivided

Definition

The Greek adjective haplous means 'single' or 'simple' in the sense of having one fold — undivided, without duplicity. Jesus uses it of the eye, describing a condition of spiritual clarity and undivided focus.

Usage & Theological Significance

In Matthew 6:22 (parallel Luke 11:34), Jesus delivers one of his most enigmatic sayings: 'The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is haplous ('healthy'/single), your whole body will be full of light.' Haplous here likely carries both the physical sense of a healthy eye that sees clearly and the moral sense of a heart without divided loyalties — focused on one Master (God, not mammon). The haplous eye is the eye undistorted by greed and undivided by competing loves. It perceives reality as God does: clearly, simply, without the distortion that double-mindedness introduces.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 6:22 The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy (haplous), your whole body will be full of light.
Luke 11:34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy (haplous), your whole body also is full of light.
Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Related Words

External Resources

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