Bible Dictionary
UNFEIGNED
Unfeigned means genuine, sincere, and without disguise. In the New Testament it describes faith and love that are transparent rather than hypocritical or merely outward.
Definition
Unfeigned means genuine, sincere, and undisguised. It describes a moral quality that is transparent rather than hypocritical or merely outward.
Biblical Usage
The New Testament applies the word to faith and related Christian character. Unfeigned faith is presented as transparent, simple, ready to believe in goodness, and expressive of a pure heart.
Historical Background
The Greek term occurs in the New Testament and literally conveys the absence of acting or disguise. The supplied material connects it with sincere love and purity.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>un-fand' (anupokritos, "unfeigned," "undisguised"): The Greek word occurs only in the New Testament (1Ti 1:5; 2Ti 1:5) and is designative of the moral quality of faith as "the mark of transparency and simplicity of soul--the most complete and distinct exponent of a man's character--the natural hypothesis of a pure and good heart--a readiness to believe in goodness" (Martineau, Hours of Thought, First Series, 86 ff). Compare 2Co 6:6; 1Pe 1:22; Jas 3:17.</p>