Brief Overview of ῥυτίς (Strong’s G4512: rhytis)

Strong’s G4512: From root ῥύω (to draw together), ῥυτίς denotes a wrinkle or fold in fabric or skin. In Ephesians 5:27, it appears metaphorically describing the Church’s ultimate perfection through Christ’s sanctifying work, emphasizing complete purity and spiritual beauty without blemish.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term ῥυτίς primarily refers to physical wrinkles or folds in fabric or skin, but carries profound theological significance in its New Testament usage. In Ephesians 5:27, Paul employs this word metaphorically to describe Christ’s sanctifying work in the Church, His bride. The absence of wrinkles represents spiritual perfection and completeness. Early church fathers expanded on this imagery, seeing ῥυτίς as representing the marks of age, decay, and imperfection that Christ removes through His redemptive work. Today, this word reminds us of Christ’s ongoing work of sanctification and His promise to present His Church in perfect spiritual beauty.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥυτίς, rhytis, /hroo-tis’/
• Pronunciation Guide: “hroo” (like ‘roof’ without the ‘f’), “tis” (like ‘tease’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: ῥύω (rhyō) – to draw together, contract
• Suffix: -τις (-tis) – forms a feminine noun indicating state or condition
• Combined meaning: a drawing together, resulting in a wrinkle

D – Defining Meanings

• A wrinkle in fabric or skin
• A fold or crease
• A mark of age or wear
• An imperfection or flaw

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but the -τις suffix transforms the verbal idea of drawing together into a noun describing the resulting state

Translation Options:

• “wrinkle” – best captures both physical and metaphorical meaning
• “fold” – emphasizes the physical aspect
• “blemish” – captures the metaphorical sense of imperfection

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σπίλος (spilos) /spee’-los/ – spot, stain See G4696 – refers to marks or blemishes
• μῶμος (mōmos) /mo’-mos/ – blame, blemish See G3470 – emphasizes moral defect
• ἄμωμος (amōmos) /am’-o-mos/ – without blemish See G299 – describes perfect condition

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: ῥυτίς
• Genitive singular: ῥυτίδος
• Dative singular: ῥυτίδι
• Accusative singular: ῥυτίδα

Cross-references:

• Related verb: ῥύω (to draw together)
• Related adjective: ῥυτιδώδης (wrinkled)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes ῥυτίς’s literal meaning while noting its metaphorical significance in Ephesians. Thayer’s connects it to aging and imperfection. LSJ provides examples from classical literature describing physical wrinkles. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical use in describing the Church’s perfection. Strong’s traces its etymology to ῥύω. LEH notes its usage in describing imperfections in sacred objects. Moulton and Milligan document its use in describing fabric and skin conditions in everyday contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:27)

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ῥυτίς powerfully illustrates Christ’s perfecting work in His Church. Just as wrinkles mark aging and imperfection in the physical realm, their absence in Paul’s metaphor speaks of the Church’s ultimate perfection through Christ’s sanctifying work. This proclaims the good news that King Jesus is actively working to present His bride, the Church, in perfect spiritual beauty, without any mark of sin or decay.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient Greek cosmetic texts used ῥυτίς when discussing treatments for aging skin.
2. Early Christian baptismal imagery sometimes referenced the removal of ῥυτίς as symbolic of spiritual renewal.
3. The word influenced early Christian art depicting the glorified Church.

Strong’s G4512: From root ῥύω (to draw together), ῥυτίς denotes a wrinkle or fold in fabric or skin. In Ephesians 5:27, it appears metaphorically describing the Church’s ultimate perfection through Christ’s sanctifying work, emphasizing complete purity and spiritual beauty without blemish.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: wrinkle, blemish, imperfection, church, sanctification, spiritual perfection, Ephesians, bride of Christ, purity, glorification​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​