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G858 · Greek · New Testament
ἀφελότης
Aphelotes
Noun, feminine
Simplicity, singleness of heart, sincerity

Definition

The Greek noun aphelotes denotes simplicity, smoothness, or singleness of heart — undivided, uncomplicated, genuine devotion. It appears once in the New Testament (Acts 2:46), describing how the early Jerusalem church broke bread "with glad and sincere (aphelotes) hearts." The word implies wholehearted, unaffected, undivided devotion.

Usage & Theological Significance

The aphelotes of the early church was not simplicity of intellect but simplicity of motive — no hidden agendas, no performance, no divided loyalties. They ate together simply because they loved God and loved one another. This singleness of heart contrasts with the "double-minded" person warned about in James 1:8. Jesus called the pure in heart blessed (Matthew 5:8) — those whose hearts are single in their devotion. The church's witness is most powerful when it flows from this undivided simplicity.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
Acts 2:47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
James 1:8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

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