Brief Overview of ἐμβάπτω (Strong’s G1686: embáptō)

Introduction

In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding specific words like ἐμβάπτω (embáptō) is crucial for interpreting Scripture accurately. This verb, which carries the idea of dipping or immersing, is particularly significant in the context of ancient rituals, practices, and even daily activities described in the New Testament. Its usage gives us insight into cultural and religious practices of the time and allows us to understand more fully the actions and teachings of key figures in the New Testament, including Jesus Christ. The word’s relevance extends beyond mere action, often symbolizing purification, initiation, and transformation, making it a vital term for Biblical scholars and students alike.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐμβάπτω (embáptō) [em-BAP-toh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and the verb βάπτω (báptō), meaning “to dip” or “to immerse.” Together, ἐμβάπτω means “to dip in” or “to immerse into.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (present active indicative, first person singular form). It is commonly used to describe the action of dipping or immersing an object into a liquid or substance.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Dip Into: The primary meaning of ἐμβάπτω is “to dip into” or “to immerse,” often in the context of a ritual or practical action.
• To Submerge: The word can also imply submerging an object into a liquid, such as water or dye, with the purpose of saturating or cleansing it.

Similar Words:

• βάπτω (báptō) [BAP-toh]: This word means “to dip” or “to dye,” and while it is similar to ἐμβάπτω, it lacks the specific nuance of direction or insertion implied by the prefix ἐν (en).
• βαπτίζω (baptízō) [bap-TID-zo]: This term means “to baptize” or “to immerse,” and is often used in a more ritualistic or ceremonial sense, particularly in the context of Christian baptism.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐμβάπτω is a compound verb, with the prefix ἐν (en) enhancing the meaning of the root verb βάπτω (báptō). This compound structure emphasizes the act of placing or immersing something into another substance or element.
• Linguistic Features: The use of ἐμβάπτω in the New Testament often involves significant actions, such as dipping bread during the Last Supper or immersing objects for purification. The word’s construction highlights the deliberate and thorough nature of the action, which is essential in understanding the full implications of the term in its scriptural context.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon identifies ἐμβάπτω as a verb that primarily means “to dip in” or “to immerse.” It is noted for its use in both ritualistic and practical contexts, particularly in the Gospels where it describes the action of dipping bread or other objects.

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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the verb’s connection to purification and ritual, highlighting its significance in Jewish and early Christian practices. The word often appears in contexts where immersion symbolizes cleansing or transformation.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses the term’s application in both mundane and sacred contexts, emphasizing how ἐμβάπτω conveys the idea of complete immersion or saturation, whether in a liquid or in a symbolic sense.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides broader insights into the classical usage of the term, noting its presence in Greek literature where it often describes the act of dipping objects in dye or other substances to change their color or state.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance categorizes ἐμβάπτω as a verb meaning “to dip in” or “to immerse,” with particular attention to its usage in the New Testament during significant events like the Last Supper. The word is linked to actions that carry both physical and symbolic meaning.

Scripture References

• John 13:26 – “Jesus answered, ‘It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped (ἐμβάπτω) it.’ So when he had dipped (ἐμβάπτω) the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.”
• Luke 16:24 – “And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip (ἐμβάπτω) the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐμβάπτω (G1686: embáptō)

The Greek word ἐμβάπτω (embáptō) primarily means “to dip into” or “to immerse.” It is used in the New Testament to describe actions that involve inserting or immersing objects into a liquid, often with ritualistic or symbolic significance. Understanding ἐμβάπτω helps to elucidate the practices and customs of the time, particularly those involving purification or initiation. The word also appears in classical Greek literature, where it describes similar actions of dipping or immersing objects for practical or symbolic purposes.

Did You Know?

The verb ἐμβάπτω not only describes the physical act of dipping or immersing but also carries significant symbolic weight in the New Testament. For example, during the Last Supper, Jesus used this action to identify Judas as His betrayer, infusing the act of dipping bread with profound meaning. This verb thus bridges the gap between the mundane and the sacred, illustrating how everyday actions can carry deep spiritual significance.