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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words like κονιάω (koniaō) is crucial in Biblical studies as it helps readers delve deeper into the original meanings and nuances of the text. This word appears in Matthew 23:27, where Jesus describes the Pharisees as “whitewashed tombs.” The use of koniaō here emphasizes the practice of whitewashing tombs to make them look clean and attractive, despite what they contain inside. This metaphor provides valuable insight into the themes of hypocrisy and spiritual integrity in the New Testament. It also offers a glimpse into ancient Greek cultural practices, where whitewashing had both literal and figurative significance.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κονιάω, transliterated as koniaō [koh-nee-AH-oh].

Etymology: The word κονιάω (koniaō) is derived from the noun κόνις (konis), which means “dust” or “powder.” The verb form koniaō suggests the act of covering something with a powdered substance, such as lime or plaster. This practice was commonly used to make surfaces appear clean and white.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, koniaō describes the action of whitewashing or covering with lime or plaster. In the context of biblical usage, it often implies covering up or making something appear clean or pure, hiding the underlying reality.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Whitewash: The primary meaning of koniaō is “to whitewash,” referring to the act of covering something with a coat of lime or plaster to make it appear clean and bright. This is the meaning used in Matthew 23:27, where it describes the outward appearance of purity that hides inner corruption.
2. To Cover or Coat with Lime: Beyond its metaphorical use, koniaō also denotes the physical act of coating an object or surface with lime or a similar substance, a common practice in ancient times for aesthetic or preservative purposes.

Exploring Similar Words

1. λευκαίνω (leukainō) [lyoo-KAI-noh]: Means “to whiten” or “to make white.” While similar to koniaō in its result, leukainō focuses more on the color change rather than the process of coating or covering.
2. ἀποκαθίστημι (apokathistēmi) [ah-po-ka-THIS-teh-mee]: Meaning “to restore” or “to set right.” This term implies a more holistic restoration rather than just a superficial change, contrasting with koniaō‘s focus on outward appearance.
3. καθαίρω (kathairō) [kah-THAI-roh]: Means “to cleanse” or “to purify.” Unlike koniaō, which involves an outward covering, kathairō suggests a deeper cleaning or purification, often from within.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: The verb koniaō appears in various tenses in Greek literature, including the present, aorist, and perfect tenses. It can be found in the active voice, indicating the subject performs the action, and occasionally in the passive voice, indicating the subject is being acted upon. The moods used with koniaō include the indicative, imperative, and subjunctive.

Person and Number: As with most Greek verbs, koniaō is conjugated to match the subject’s person (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and number (singular, plural). For example, in the present indicative active:

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word koniaō is used in the New Testament primarily to convey a metaphorical sense of hypocrisy—where an external appearance of righteousness masks internal corruption or decay. In Matthew 23:27, Jesus uses this word to criticize the Pharisees, likening them to “whitewashed tombs” that look beautiful outwardly but are “full of dead men’s bones” inside. This usage reflects the broader ancient Greek cultural practice of whitewashing tombs to prevent ritual impurity. In classical contexts, koniaō might be used more literally to describe the action of covering or treating a surface, while in biblical and theological contexts, it takes on a deeper metaphorical significance. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 23:27: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed [κονιαμένοις] tombs, which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κονιάω (koniaō) is a verb that primarily means “to whitewash.” It is used in the New Testament to convey themes of hypocrisy, especially in Matthew 23:27, where it serves as a powerful metaphor for the contrast between outward appearance and inner reality. While its literal meaning refers to covering with lime or plaster, its metaphorical use extends to moral and spiritual domains. Understanding this term in its full lexical, historical, and theological contexts provides a richer perspective on biblical teachings about integrity and authenticity.

Did You Know?

1. The practice of whitewashing tombs was common in Jewish culture to avoid ritual impurity, especially during festivals when many pilgrims visited Jerusalem.
2. In the Septuagint, koniaō is used to describe deceptive actions, revealing how the word evolved to symbolize more than just a physical covering.
3. The concept of “whitewashed tombs” has become a powerful metaphor in both religious and secular contexts, symbolizing hypocrisy or superficial morality.