Brief Overview of ῥύπος (Strong’s G4509: rhypos)

Strong’s G4509: A primitive noun denoting physical dirt, filth, or moral uncleanness. In its sole New Testament appearance in 1 Peter, it specifically relates to baptism, contrasting physical cleansing with spiritual purification, emphasizing the transformative power of this sacrament in removing moral impurity.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term ῥύπος fundamentally refers to physical dirt or filth but carries profound theological significance in its New Testament usage. In 1 Peter 3:21, Peter employs this word to distinguish between the physical removal of dirt in baptism and the deeper spiritual cleansing it represents. This usage reflects early Christian understanding of baptism as more than a ritual cleansing—it symbolizes the washing away of moral impurity and spiritual regeneration. The early church fathers frequently referenced this term when discussing baptismal theology, emphasizing the transformation from spiritual uncleanness to purity in Christ. Today, this word continues to inform our understanding of baptism’s spiritual significance and the comprehensive cleansing work of salvation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥύπος, rhypos, /hroo’-pos/
• Pronunciation Guide: “hroo” (like ‘roof’ without the ‘f’), “pos” (as in ‘post’ without the ‘t’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root word: ῥύπος is a primitive Greek noun
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Possibly related to Proto-Indo-European *reup- (to break, tear)

D – Defining Meanings

• Physical dirt or filth
• Moral uncleanness
• Spiritual impurity
• General uncleanliness or squalor

For compound words:
Not a compound word – it is a primitive noun

Translation Options:

• “filth” – best captures both physical and moral aspects
• “dirt” – emphasizes the physical aspect
• “impurity” – emphasizes the moral/spiritual aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μολυσμός (molysmos) /mol-oos-mos’/ – defilement, contamination See G3436 – emphasizes moral pollution
• ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsia) /ak-ath-ar-see’-ah/ – uncleanness, impurity See G167 – focuses on ritual impurity
• σπίλος (spilos) /spee’-los/ – spot, stain See G4696 – refers to physical marks or blemishes

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: ῥύπος
• Genitive singular: ῥύπου
• Dative singular: ῥύπῳ
• Accusative singular: ῥύπον

Cross-references:

• Related adjective: ῥυπαρός (filthy)
• Related verb: ῥυπαίνω (to make filthy)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes ῥύπος’s literal meaning of physical dirt while noting its metaphorical extension to moral impurity. Thayer’s lexicon connects it to ceremonial and moral uncleanness in religious contexts. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples, showing its broad application in Greek literature. Vine’s emphasizes its significance in baptismal contexts. Strong’s identifies it as a primary word denoting filth. LEH notes its usage in the Septuagint for various types of uncleanness. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in everyday contexts in papyri, particularly regarding physical cleanliness.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21)

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ῥύπος powerfully illustrates the distinction between external cleansing and internal transformation. Peter’s use of this term in discussing baptism reminds us that while physical washing removes dirt from the body, true cleansing comes through faith in Christ’s resurrection. This proclamation of the gospel emphasizes that King Jesus offers not just external reformation but complete spiritual renewal, washing away the deepest stains of sin through His redemptive work.

D – Did You Know?

1. In ancient medical texts, ῥύπος was used technically to describe bodily secretions that needed to be cleaned for healing.
2. Early Christian baptismal liturgies often included a prayer specifically mentioning ῥύπος in contrast to spiritual cleansing.
3. The word influenced the development of Christian iconography, particularly in depictions of baptism and spiritual transformation.

Strong’s G4509: A primitive noun denoting physical dirt, filth, or moral uncleanness. In its sole New Testament appearance in 1 Peter, it specifically relates to baptism, contrasting physical cleansing with spiritual purification, emphasizing the transformative power of this sacrament in removing moral impurity.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: filth, dirt, impurity, baptism, cleansing, spiritual transformation, Peter epistle, moral purity, salvation, ceremonial washing​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​