Brief Overview of ἁγνίζω (Strong’s G48: Hagnizo)

ἁγνίζω (Hagnizo):
The Greek word “ἁγνίζω” (hagnizo) means “to purify” or “to cleanse.” It refers to the act of making something clean or free from impurities, both in a physical and ceremonial sense.

Detailed Overview Incorporating Other Concordances

ἁγνίζω (Hagnizo):

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1. Strong’s Concordance:

• Meaning: According to Strong’s Concordance (G48), “ἁγνίζω” means “to make clean,” “to purify,” or “to cleanse.” This term is used in the New Testament to describe the act of purifying oneself or something else, often in a ritualistic or ceremonial context. It appears in passages like James 4:8, where believers are called to cleanse their hands and purify their hearts.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Meaning: Thayer’s Lexicon defines “ἁγνίζω” as “to purify” or “to cleanse.” Thayer’s elaborates that the term can refer to both moral purification (e.g., cleansing from sin) and ceremonial purification (e.g., ritual washing). The lexicon highlights its use in the context of Jewish purification rituals and in exhortations to moral purity, as seen in passages like 1 John 3:3.

1. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:

• Meaning: Vine’s Dictionary describes “ἁγνίζω” as “to purify” or “to cleanse.” Vine’s notes that the term is often used in the New Testament to denote purification in a ritual or moral sense. The dictionary points out its appearances in contexts involving purification rituals (e.g., Acts 21:24-26) and in exhortations to personal holiness and moral purity.

1. Louw-Nida Greek-English Lexicon:

• Meaning: The Louw-Nida Lexicon categorizes “ἁγνίζω” under terms related to purification and cleanliness. It defines the term as “to purify” or “to make clean,” emphasizing its use in both physical and moral contexts. The lexicon explains its use in New Testament passages that call for ritual purification and moral sanctification, such as 1 Peter 1:22.

1. Moulton-Milligan Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament:

• Meaning: Moulton-Milligan defines “ἁγνίζω” as “to purify” or “to cleanse.” It highlights the term’s usage in the New Testament to describe both ritual purification (e.g., Jewish purification rites) and moral purification (e.g., cleansing from sin and impurity). The vocabulary notes that the term is used in various contexts to emphasize the importance of being pure and clean, as seen in Acts 21:26 and James 4:8.

Summary:
“ἁγνίζω” (hagnizo) translates to “to purify” or “to cleanse,” referring to both physical and moral purification. According to Strong’s, Thayer’s, Vine’s, Louw-Nida, and Moulton-Milligan, the term encompasses the act of making something clean or free from impurities. It is used in several New Testament passages to describe both ritual purification (e.g., Acts 21:24-26) and moral purification (e.g., James 4:8). The term emphasizes the importance of being clean and pure, whether through ceremonial rites or personal holiness and moral integrity.