pure

In the Letter of James 3:17 (NABRE) we see that “the wisdom from above is first of all pure.” This is an interesting verse that bears a bit more scrutiny.

Ancient Greek has two words that can be translated as “pure.” The first is καθαρός (katharos), related to the English catharsis, which describes physical cleanliness. This word also is the typical Greek word used to describe cleanliness as discussed at length in the Old Testament. The second word, ἁγνός (hagnos), is related to a Greek word for holiness and suggests a moral rather than a physical cleanliness.

This passage uses the second of these words, hagnos, to describe wisdom. What does this word suggest to you about the nature of wisdom and the behavior of those who are wise? How might our behavior be related to wisdom?

related topics: purification; purity

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