Topical Encyclopedia
The term "guiltless" in the Bible refers to a state of being free from guilt or blame, often in the context of divine judgment or human accusations. It is a condition of innocence and purity, where an individual is not held accountable for wrongdoing. The concept of being guiltless is significant in understanding God's justice, mercy, and the moral expectations placed upon humanity.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "guiltless" is "naqiy" (נָקִי), which conveys the idea of being clean or free from guilt. This term is frequently used in legal contexts, particularly in the Mosaic Law, to describe individuals who are not liable for punishment due to a lack of evidence or wrongdoing.
For example, in
Exodus 23:7, God commands, "Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent and the just, for I will not acquit the guilty." Here, the distinction between the innocent (guiltless) and the guilty is emphasized, underscoring God's commitment to justice.
In
Deuteronomy 19:10, the law concerning cities of refuge is given to prevent the shedding of innocent blood: "Thus innocent blood will not be shed in your land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you will not be guilty of bloodshed." The provision of cities of refuge illustrates God's concern for protecting the guiltless from unjust retribution.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Greek word "anaitios" (ἀναίτιος) is used to describe someone who is guiltless or blameless. This concept is central to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, particularly in relation to the forgiveness of sins and the righteousness imparted through faith in Christ.
In
Matthew 12:7, Jesus refers to the guiltless in the context of mercy over sacrifice: "If only you had known the meaning of 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent." Here, Jesus challenges the Pharisees' legalistic interpretation of the law, highlighting the importance of mercy and compassion.
The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often speaks of believers being justified and made guiltless through faith in Jesus Christ. In
Romans 8:1, he declares, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This assurance of being guiltless before God is foundational to the Christian understanding of salvation and grace.
Theological ImplicationsThe state of being guiltless is not merely a legal standing but also a moral and spiritual condition. In the biblical narrative, humanity's guilt before God is a result of sin, and the path to becoming guiltless is through repentance and faith. The sacrificial system in the Old Testament foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose atoning death and resurrection provide the means for believers to be declared guiltless.
The concept of guiltlessness also emphasizes God's character as just and merciful. While God does not acquit the guilty without repentance, He provides a way for sinners to be cleansed and made righteous. This dual aspect of justice and mercy is central to the biblical portrayal of God's dealings with humanity.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the call to live guiltless lives involves both a reliance on God's grace and a commitment to ethical living. Christians are encouraged to seek forgiveness for their sins and to strive for holiness, reflecting the character of Christ in their actions and relationships. The assurance of being guiltless before God empowers believers to live with confidence and hope, knowing that their ultimate standing is secure in Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Free from guilt; innocent.
2. (a.) Without experience or trial; unacquainted (with).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
GUILTLESSgilt'-les: The primary meaning of the Hebrew word is "to be clean." Sometimes the meaning is "freedom from blame," at other times to be "free from punishment," these two ideas running over into each other as with the word "guilt." The latter meaning seems to predominate inExodus 20:7Deuteronomy 5:112 Samuel 14:9;1 Kings 2:9. The other meaning holds inNumbers 32:22Joshua 2:192 Samuel 3:28;Matthew 12:5, 7.
Greek
338. anaitios --guiltless...guiltless. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: anaitios Phonetic Spelling:
(an-ah'-ee-tee-os) Short Definition:
guiltless Definition:
guiltless, innocent
...121. athoos -- unpunished
... unpunished. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: athoos Phonetic Spelling:
(ath'-o-os) Short Definition:guiltless Definition: (sometimes: unpunished...
2513. katharos -- clean (adjective)
... os') Short Definition: clean, pure, unstained Definition: clean, pure, unstained,
either literally or ceremonially or spiritually;guiltless, innocent, upright...
Strong's Hebrew
5355. naqiy -- clean, free from, exempt... Spelling: (naw-kee') Short Definition: blameless. blameless, clean, clear, exempted,
free,
guiltless, innocent Or naqiyi (Joel 'eb: 'ibchah
...8535. tam -- complete
... Word Origin from tamam Definition complete NASB Word Usage blameless (5), blameless
man (1), complete (2),guiltless (3), integrity (1), peaceful (1), perfect...
5352. naqah -- to be empty or clean
... be bare, ie Extirpated -- acquit X at all, X altogether, be blameless, cleanse,
(be) clear(-ing), cut off, be desolate, be free, be (hold)guiltless, be (hold...
5355a. naqi -- clean, free from, exempt
... naqah Definition clean, free from, exempt NASB Word Usage clean (1), exempt (1),
free (5), free of obligation (1), go unpunished (1),guiltless (1), innocent...
Library
Guiltless and Without Sin.
... Fifth Chapter. THE INCARNATION OF THE WORD. XVIII.Guiltless and Without Sin.
"For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless...
None but Jesus --Second Part
... You are not only nominallyguiltless, but you are really so, if you believe in Christ;
you are not only nominally put into the place of the innocent, but you...
The Third Commandment
... Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not
hold himguiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exodus 20:7....
Third Commandment
... Third Commandment. "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for
the Lord will not hold himguiltless that taketh His name in vain."...
The Pharisees' Sabbath and Christ's
... is one greater than the temple.7. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will
have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned theguiltless.8. For...
Matt. xii. 1
... "But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have [1661] mercy and not sacrifice,
ye would not have condemned theguiltless." [1662]....
The Two Ways; the First Commandment.
... [2385] Happy is he that giveth according to the commandment; for he is
guiltless. Woe to him that receiveth; for if one having need...
The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache
... Happy is the man who gives as the commandment bids him, for he isguiltless!...
If he receives because he is in need, he will beguiltless....
What are we to Think of It, that Most People So Blindly Knock...
... You hate, therefore, in theguiltless, even aguiltless name. But the special ground
of dislike to the sect is, that it bears the name of its Founder....
Plucking Grain on the Sabbath.
... priests? Or have ye not read in the law, that on the sabbath day the priests
in the temple profane the sabbath, and areguiltless?...
Thesaurus
Guiltless (29 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Without experience or trial; unacquainted (with). Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia.
GUILTLESS.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Guiltless (29 Occurrences).
...Unpunished (24 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Exodus 20:7 "You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for
Yahweh will not hold himguiltless who takes his name in vain. (See NAS)....
Innocent (97 Occurrences)
... innocent medicine or remedy. 2. (a.) Morally free from guilt;guiltless;
not tainted with sin; pure; upright. 3. (a.) Free from...
Uttereth (30 Occurrences)
... Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not idly utter the name of Jehovah thy God; for Jehovah
will not hold himguiltless that idly uttereth his name. (DBY)....
Idly (4 Occurrences)
... Idly (4 Occurrences). Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not idly utter the name of Jehovah
thy God; for Jehovah will not hold himguiltless that idly uttereth his name....
Misuses (2 Occurrences)
... Misuses (2 Occurrences). Exodus 20:7 "You shall not take the name of Yahweh your
God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold himguiltless who takes his name in vain....
Blameless (81 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Free from blame; without fault; innocent;guiltless;
-- sometimes followed by of. Multi-Version Concordance...
Utter (111 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not idly utter the name of Jehovah thy God; for Jehovah
will not hold himguiltless that idly uttereth his name. (DBY)....
Guiltiness (7 Occurrences)
Vain (141 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS). Exodus 20:7 "You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain,
for Yahweh will not hold himguiltless who takes his name in vain....
Resources
Is saying 'OMG' or words like geez still taking the Lord's name in vain? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Hashem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21)? | GotQuestions.orgGuiltless: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
