Brief Overview of ἄνιπτος (Strong’s G449)

The Greek adjective ἄνιπτος (aniptos) means “unwashed” or “not washed.” It describes something or someone that has not been cleansed or washed, typically referring to a physical state. In biblical contexts, it can metaphorically signify a lack of purification or spiritual cleanliness.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: Strong’s defines ἄνιπτος (G449) as “unwashed.” This term is used to describe things or people that are not clean or have not undergone a cleansing process. The usage of this word emphasizes the state of being unclean in a literal or metaphorical sense.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG defines ἄνιπτος as “unwashed” or “not washed.” The lexicon highlights its application in both literal contexts (e.g., unwashed hands or utensils) and metaphorical contexts, where it can refer to a lack of moral or spiritual cleansing.
3. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ describes ἄνιπτος as “unwashed” or “not having been washed.” The lexicon notes its use in describing physical objects or persons that are not clean, and it also touches on metaphorical uses relating to a lack of purification.
4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s defines ἄνιπτος as “unwashed,” noting its use to describe something or someone that has not been cleansed. The lexicon emphasizes its literal application (e.g., unwashed hands) and its potential metaphorical use in describing a lack of spiritual or moral purity.

In summary, ἄνιπτος refers to a state of being “unwashed” or “not washed,” with applications both in physical cleanliness and metaphorical contexts of purity. The definitions from Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s all align in describing this term as indicating a lack of cleansing or purification.