Brief Overview of ῥυπαίνω (Strong’s G4510: rhypainō)

Strong’s G4510: A verb derived from ῥύπος (filth), meaning to make or become filthy, both physically and morally. In Revelation 22:11, it appears in a stark pronouncement about moral character becoming fixed, emphasizing the eternal consequences of persistent spiritual uncleanliness.

U- Unveiling the Word

The verb ῥυπαίνω carries profound theological weight in its New Testament usage. While its basic meaning relates to becoming physically dirty or filthy, its appearance in Revelation 22:11 emphasizes the spiritual and moral dimensions of defilement. In this eschatological context, the word describes a fixed state of moral corruption, suggesting that those who persist in unrighteousness will become permanently set in their ways. Early church fathers used this word to warn against moral compromise and emphasize the urgency of repentance. Today, this word continues to challenge believers to examine their spiritual condition and reminds us of the eternal consequences of our moral choices.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥυπαίνω, rhypainō, /hroo-pai’-no/
• Pronunciation Guide: “hroo” (like ‘roof’ without the ‘f’), “pai” (like ‘pie’), “no” (as in ‘know’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: ῥύπος (rhypos) – filth, dirt
• Suffix: -αίνω (-ainō) – verbal suffix indicating “to make” or “to become”
• Combined meaning: to make filthy or become filthy

D – Defining Meanings

• To make dirty or filthy
• To become morally corrupt
• To defile oneself
• To persist in uncleanliness

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but the -αίνω suffix transforms the noun ῥύπος into a verb indicating the process of becoming filthy

Translation Options:

• “to become filthy” – captures the process of degradation
• “to make unclean” – emphasizes active defilement
• “to be defiled” – focuses on the resultant state

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μιαίνω (miainō) /mee-ah’-ee-no/ – to defile, pollute See G3392 – emphasizes ritual defilement
• μολύνω (molynō) /mol-oo’-no/ – to soil, contaminate See G3435 – focuses on moral contamination
• σπιλόω (spiloō) /spil-o’-o/ – to stain, spot See G4695 – emphasizes visible marking

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous, Punctiliar, Stative

Example conjugations:

• Present active: ῥυπαίνω (I make filthy)
• Present passive: ῥυπαίνομαι (I am made filthy)
• Aorist active: ἐρύπανα (I made filthy)
• Perfect: ῥερύπαγκα (I have made filthy)

Cross-references:

• Related noun: ῥύπος (filth)
• Related adjective: ῥυπαρός (filthy)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes ῥυπαίνω’s development from physical to moral defilement. Thayer’s highlights its use in ethical contexts, particularly in Revelation. LSJ provides extensive evidence of its use in classical Greek for both literal and metaphorical uncleanliness. Vine’s notes its significance in describing moral deterioration. Strong’s connects it to the root ῥύπος, emphasizing the process of becoming filthy. LEH documents its usage in the Septuagint regarding ceremonial and moral impurity. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its common usage in everyday contexts in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be made filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy (Revelation 22:11)

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The verb ῥυπαίνω powerfully illustrates the process and consequences of moral defilement. Its use in Revelation serves as both warning and motivation, reminding us that spiritual character tends to become fixed over time. This proclamation of the gospel emphasizes that King Jesus offers cleansing and transformation now, while there is still time to respond to His grace, highlighting the urgency of accepting His invitation to be made clean.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word ῥυπαίνω appears in ancient Greek medical texts describing the process of wound infection.
2. Early Christian baptismal liturgies used this word to describe the state from which believers were being cleansed.
3. The word influenced the development of Christian ethical teaching about moral corruption and its progressive nature.

Strong’s G4510: A verb derived from ῥύπος (filth), meaning to make or become filthy, both physically and morally. In Revelation 22:11, it appears in a stark pronouncement about moral character becoming fixed, emphasizing the eternal consequences of persistent spiritual uncleanliness.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: defile, corrupt, unclean, moral impurity, Revelation, eschatology, spiritual condition, baptism, transformation, repentance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​