ἀπολούω
apoloúō
G628 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To wash off or away thoroughly; in some contexts, to cleanse or remove something by washing, whether physically (e.g., dirt, stains) or metaphorically (e.g., sins, impurities). The term emphasizes a complete or intensive act of washing, as opposed to a simple rinse or partial cleansing.
Semantic Range
to wash off, to wash away, to cleanse (thoroughly), to remove by washing, to remit (sins or impurities) metaphorically
Root / Etymology
Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, 'from, away from') and λούω (loúō, 'to wash, bathe'), forming a compound that intensifies the sense to mean 'to wash away, wash off.' This construction is typical of Greek verbal compounds where ἀπό emphasizes separation or removal.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb ἀπολούω is rare in surviving Greek literature, with attestation primarily in later Greek, including certain Koine and early Christian writings. In the New Testament (notably Acts 22:16 and 1 Corinthians 6:11), its use is often metaphorical, signifying the removal or cleansing of sin, influenced by ritual and symbolic washing practices in the period. In these instances, the imagery is of a thorough, total cleansing, rather than merely external purification. The figurative sense (removal or remission of sins) arose from established associations with ritual washings (cf. lustration in Hellenistic and Israelite contexts). English renderings like 'wash away' or 'be cleansed' frequently choose terms based on theological context, which may obscure the original focus on process and completeness. Related terms include λούω (to wash, especially the body) and καθαρίζω (to cleanse/make clean), but ἀπολούω uniquely emphasizes the aspect of removal by washing. Not a technical term for any one Jewish or Greco-Roman purification rite. The standard translation tradition of 'wash (away)' captures the intensive washing sense but does not convey the full range of metaphorical extension prevalent in Koine usage, particularly linked with rites of conversion and initiation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀπό and λούω; to wash fully, i.e. (figuratively) have remitted (reflexively):--wash (away).
Root Family
ἀπολούω (apolouō) — to wash, to cleanse, to bathe thoroughly
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G628-01 |
ἀπελούσασθε | apelousasthe | V AOR MID IND 2P PL |
you were washed | you washed yourselves clean | you washed yourselves clean | 1 |
G628-02 |
ἀπόλουσαι | apolousai | V AOR MID IMP 2P SG |
wash away | wash yourself clean | wash yourself clean | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G628-02 |
Acts 22:16 | ἀπόλουσαι | apolousai | V AOR MID IMP 2P SG |
wash away | wash yourself clean | wash yourself clean |
G628-01 |
1 Corinthians 6:11 | ἀπελούσασθε | apelousasthe | V AOR MID IND 2P PL |
you were washed | you washed yourselves clean | you washed yourselves clean |