Understanding ἀπομάσσω (apomasso) Strong’s G631: The Powerful Act of Wiping Away Dust – From Ritual Cleansing to Spiritual Symbolism

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-MAHS-so

Basic Definition

Strong’s G631: A vivid verb meaning “to wipe off” or “to wipe away completely,” particularly used for the purposeful act of removing dust or dirt from oneself. In biblical contexts, it carries both literal and metaphorical significance, often symbolizing complete separation or ceremonial cleansing.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• Compound word from ἀπό (from, away from) + μάσσω (to handle, touch, or knead)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching sections
• Found in ceremonial and symbolic contexts

ἀπομάσσω Morphology:

• ἀπομάσσω (present active) – I wipe off
• ἀπομάσσομαι (present middle/passive) – I wipe off for myself
• ἀπομασσόμεθα (present middle/passive plural) – we wipe off for ourselves
• ἀπομάξασθε (aorist middle imperative) – wipe off!

Origin & History

The verb ἀπομάσσω appears in classical Greek literature as early as the 5th century BCE, where it was commonly used to describe the act of wiping or cleaning, particularly in domestic and medical contexts. Hippocrates used it in his medical writings to describe cleaning wounds, while Aristotle employed it when discussing the removal of impurities.

In the Septuagint, the word appears in contexts of ritual purification and symbolic cleansing, reflecting Jewish ceremonial practices. The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata,” used ἀπομάσσω metaphorically to describe the spiritual cleansing of the soul from worldly influences.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To wipe off completely, emphasizing thorough removal
• To clean ceremonially, often in ritual contexts
• To separate oneself definitively from something

ἀπομάσσω Translation Options:

• “Wipe off” – Best for literal contexts involving dust or dirt
• “Remove completely” – Appropriate for metaphorical usage
• “Shake off” – Useful when emphasizing deliberate separation
• “Cleanse from” – Fitting for ceremonial contexts

Biblical Usage

The most notable use of ἀπομάσσω occurs in Luke 10:11, where Jesus instructs His disciples about how to respond when rejected by a town. The act of wiping off dust carries profound symbolic significance in Jewish culture, representing complete disassociation and a solemn testimony against those who reject the message.

This word appears in contexts that emphasize the gravity of spiritual rejection and the importance of separation from unbelief. The physical act of wiping dust becomes a powerful visual demonstration of spiritual reality.

• “Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet, we wipe off [ἀπομάσσω] in protest against you” Luke 10:11

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the act of wiping dust off one’s feet was a powerful symbolic gesture with deep cultural significance. When Jews would leave Gentile territories to return to the Holy Land, they would carefully wipe the dust from their feet to avoid bringing any “unclean” particles into the sacred land. This practice was rooted in the concept of ritual purity and separation.

The use of ἀπομάσσω in Luke 10:11 therefore carries multiple layers of meaning. It wasn’t just about physical dust, but about making a clear statement of spiritual and covenantal separation. This gesture would have been immediately understood by Jewish audiences as a serious pronouncement of judgment.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of ἀπομάσσω reveal important truths about God’s character and His expectations for His people. The word emphasizes the importance of clear separation between holy and unholy, reflecting Yahweh’s own perfect holiness. This connects to the broader biblical theme of being set apart for God’s purposes.

The act of wiping off dust also points to God’s justice and the reality that rejection of His message has consequences. However, this same word reminds us of God’s mercy – the act of wiping away can also symbolize cleansing and new beginnings, pointing to the Messiah’s work of making all things new.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀπομάσσω challenges believers to consider what needs to be “wiped away” in their own lives. Just as the disciples were instructed to physically demonstrate their separation from unbelief, we too must sometimes make clear breaks from influences that hinder our walk with God.

This word also reminds us of the importance of our witness. When we share the Gospel, we are responsible for delivering the message faithfully, but the response of others is between them and God. Sometimes, like the disciples, we must know when to “shake the dust off our feet” and move forward in our mission.

Related Words

• ἐκμάσσω (ekmasso) – to wipe off, wipe away, with emphasis on thoroughness. Often used in contexts of deep emotion or service – See G1591
• καθαρίζω (katharizo) – to cleanse, purify, make clean. More general term for cleansing – See G2511
• νίπτω (nipto) – to wash, especially parts of the body. Used in ceremonial washing – See G3538
• ῥαντίζω (rhantizo) – to sprinkle, especially in ceremonial cleansing – See G4472

Did you Know?

• The compound nature of ἀπομάσσω (ἀπό + μάσσω) creates a word picture of complete separation, emphasizing the thoroughness of the wiping action. This intensifies its symbolic significance in both ritual and spiritual contexts.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of this word in everyday contexts, particularly in household cleaning. This connection to daily life would have made Jesus’s teaching about wiping off dust especially relatable to His original audience.
• The symbolic act of wiping dust off one’s feet was so well understood in Jewish culture that it became a legal testimony in rabbinic law. The action served as a formal witness that a message had been delivered and rejected.

Remember This

ἀπομάσσω embodies the powerful truth that sometimes the most significant spiritual actions require decisive separation, teaching us when to hold on and when to let go in our walk with God.