Filthiness (4507) rhuparia by Greek Word Studies

Filthiness (4507) (rhuparia from rhuparós = dirty, filthy) literally means dirt or filth (used to describe dirty garments), but is clearly used metaphorically by James to denote moral uncleanness or impurity. Sordid avarice. State of moral corruption (vulgarity). Plutarch used rhuparia (like our word "shabbiness") to describe "avarice", which conveys the sense of that which has debased moral value. Moulton and Milligan cite a use in the description of rich men not using their wealth. Barclay notes that rhuparia can be used for the filth which soils clothes or soils the body. But it has one very interesting connection. It is a derivative of rhupos and, when rhupos is used in a medical sense, it means wax in the ear. It is just possible that it still retains that meaning here; and that James is telling his readers to get rid of everything which would stop their ears to the true word of God. When wax gathers in the ear, it can make a man deaf; and a man’s sins can make him deaf to God. (The Daily Study Bible Series. The Westminster Press) John uses the related verb form rhupoo in Revelation 22 in his description of heaven writing... Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and let the one who is filthy (rhupoo = to defile or pollute), still be filthy (rhupoo = to defile or pollute) and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and let the one who is holy, still keep himself holy." (Re 22:11-note). MacArthur comments: Some may think its connection with the command that preceded it is not immediately apparent. But the truth it dramatically conveys is that people’s response to the proclamation of the truth will fix their eternal destinies. Those who hear the truth but continue to do wrong and be filthy will by that hardened response fix their eternal destiny in hell. (Macarthur J. Revelation 1-11. and Revelation 12-22. Moody) Given the derivation discussed above, one person has rendered putting aside all filthiness as "Get rid of all your ear wax" AND ALL THAT REMAINS OF (abundance of) WICKEDNESS: kai perisseian kakias: All - The adjective is not present in the Greek but is assumed from the previous use of pas. Remains of wickedness - The word "remains" sounds like a verb but it is not. The KJV is more literal rendering it "Superfluity of naughtiness". Young's Literal is even more graphic - "superabundance of evil". The idea is that of wickedness present in abundance and thus abounding wickedness - what a horrible picture James paints, especially since he is speaking to new creations in Christ ("the first fruits among His creatures")!

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Filthiness (4507) rhuparia

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