Holman Bible Dictionary

Holy purity demanded of God's people with special reference to the sexual purity of women. The Greek word hagnos originally referred to the holy purity of deities. Paul used the term to urge the Corinthians to remain pure so he could present them to Christ in the last days as a pure, virginal bride ( 2 Corinthians 11:2-3 ). Titus was to teach young women to be pure in sincere worship, in general moral behavior, and in sexual matters (Titus 2:5 ; compare 1 Peter 3:2 ). Similarly, church leaders must be pure (1 Timothy 5:22 ). Purity is an essential element of Christian ethics (Philippians 4:8 ; James 3:17 ). Even preaching the gospel can be done from impure motives (Philippians 1:17 ). To be pure can also appear in a legal context, meaning to be declared innocent of a charge as Paul did in reference to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 7:11 ). Ultimately, Jesus is the pure One (1 John 3:3 ).