ἀπονίπτω
aponíptō
G633 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To wash off; specifically, to cleanse or wash off (typically of the hands). The action indicates removing impurities or dirt from the hands, sometimes in a ritual or symbolic context. In New Testament usage, it often refers to a ritual gesture signifying innocence or non-involvement in a matter, such as in formal proceedings or public acts.
Semantic Range
to wash off, to cleanse oneself (reflexively), to remove (impurities) by washing, to perform a ritual gesture of innocence by washing hands
Root / Etymology
From ἀπό (from, away) and νίπτω (to wash). The compound formation conveys the sense of washing away from oneself or removing by washing.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb ἀπονίπτω is attested in post-classical Greek and is relatively rare. Its use in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 27:24, where Pilate 'washes his hands') exemplifies a widely attested Greco-Roman practice of ritual hand-washing to signify innocence or dissociation from another's actions. In the Septuagint, similar hand-washing gestures occur, especially in contexts related to ritual or symbolic purification (cf. Deuteronomy 21:6). The sense of 'washing off'—especially hands—became strongly associated with a public declaration of innocence. English translations often render this as 'wash (one's) hands,' which captures the physical act but may obscure the symbolic and juridical implications of the gesture. The term does not bear a specifically sacral or religious sense outside ritual context; where a symbolic meaning is intended, context determines it. Related root νίπτω is more widely used for general washing, especially of hands or feet.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀπό and νίπτω; to wash off (reflexively, one's own hands symbolically):--wash.
Root Family
ἀπονίπτω (aponiptō) — to wash, to cleanse, to wash off
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G633-01 |
ἀπενίψατο | apenipsato | V AOR MID IND 3P SG |
he washed | washed himself off | washed off | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G633-01 |
Matthew 27:24 | ἀπενίψατο | apenipsato | V AOR MID IND 3P SG |
he washed | washed himself off | washed off |