Brief Overview of ἀποπλύνω (G637: Apoplýnō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apoplýnō

Root Words: The term ἀποπλύνω (apoplýnō) is composed of the prefix ἀπό (apó, “from”) and πλύνω (plýnō, “to wash”), indicating its meaning related to washing or cleansing.

Primary Meanings:

• To wash off or cleanse thoroughly.
• To purify by washing, often used in the context of removing something completely.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG describes ἀποπλύνω as “to wash off” or “to cleanse thoroughly.” It emphasizes the act of purifying by means of washing, particularly in contexts where complete removal or cleansing is required.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἀποπλύνω as “to wash off” or “to cleanse thoroughly,” focusing on its use in scenarios where thorough cleansing is necessary.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀποπλύνω means “to wash off” and is used to describe a process of thorough washing or cleansing.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀποπλύνω as “to wash off” or “to purify by washing,” reflecting its application in contexts requiring complete cleansing.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀποπλύνω as “to wash off” or “to cleanse,” focusing on its meaning related to thorough washing and purification.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

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Homer (Iliad, 8th century BCE): Homer uses related terms to describe the washing or cleansing of items, demonstrating the application of πλύνω (plýnō) in the context of purification.

Herodotus (Histories, 5th century BCE): Herodotus describes rituals and practices involving washing and purification, reflecting the concept of ἀποπλύνω in historical and cultural contexts.

Xenophon (Anabasis, 4th century BCE): Xenophon’s accounts include descriptions of washing and purifying actions, illustrating the use of terms related to ἀποπλύνω in practical scenarios.

4. Summary:

ἀποπλύνω (apoplýnō) means “to wash off” or “to cleanse thoroughly,” referring to the process of complete purification by washing. The term is used to describe thorough cleansing in various contexts. In classical Greek literature, similar terms are employed to depict the acts of washing and purifying, highlighting the importance of complete removal and cleansing in both practical and ritualistic settings. Understanding ἀποπλύνω provides insight into its role in describing thorough purification processes in ancient Greek texts.