Understanding ἀποπλύνω (apoplynō) Strong’s G637: The Sacred Act of Washing Clean that Points to Spiritual Purification

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-PLOO-no (ἀ-πο-πλύ-νω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G637: ἀποπλύνω is a compound verb that means to wash thoroughly or completely, specifically referring to washing something off or away. The term emphasizes thorough cleansing, often with the connotation of washing away impurities or dirt. In its biblical context, it carries both literal and metaphorical significance of purification.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Compound word from ἀπό (away from) + πλύνω (to wash)
• Primary usage in narrative sections
• Used in contexts of cleaning preparation
• Koine Greek origin with classical Greek roots

ἀποπλύνω Morphology:

• ἀποπλύνω (present active indicative) – I wash thoroughly
• ἀπέπλυναν (aorist active indicative) – they washed thoroughly
• ἀποπλύνοντες (present active participle) – washing thoroughly
• ἀποπλῦναι (aorist active infinitive) – to wash thoroughly

Origin & History

The word ἀποπλύνω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to describe thorough washing, particularly in contexts of cleaning clothes or vessels. In Homer’s Odyssey, the term appears in descriptions of laundering garments, emphasizing the thoroughness of the cleaning process.

In the Septuagint, though not frequently used, the word appears in contexts of ritual cleansing and preparation. The intensifying prefix ἀπό- adds emphasis to the basic verb πλύνω, indicating a complete or thorough washing that removes all impurities.

Early church fathers, including John Chrysostom in his homilies, used this term metaphorically to describe spiritual cleansing, drawing parallels between physical washing and the purification of the soul.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete washing or cleansing of an object
• Thorough rinsing to remove all residue
• Washing away impurities entirely

ἀποπλύνω Translation Options:

• “to wash thoroughly” – emphasizing the completeness of the action
• “to rinse clean” – highlighting the removal aspect
• “to wash out” – focusing on the separating of dirt from the object
• “to cleanse completely” – emphasizing the thoroughness and finality

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀποπλύνω appears notably in Luke 5:2, where fishermen are washing their nets after a night of fishing. This practical act of cleaning fishing nets carries deeper significance, as it precedes one of the Messiah’s first miraculous catches of fish and the calling of His first disciples.

The washing of nets was a crucial daily task for fishermen, ensuring their equipment remained effective and long-lasting. The use of ἀποπλύνω here suggests a thorough, professional cleaning – not a casual rinse but a complete cleansing that prepared the nets for their next use.

• “and He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake; but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing [ἀποπλύνοντες] their nets.” Luke 5:2

Cultural Insights

In the first-century fishing culture of the Sea of Galilee, net washing was a critical daily ritual. The nets, made of linen, required thorough cleaning to remove scales, seaweed, and debris that could weaken the fibers or alert fish to their presence. This washing typically took place in the shallow waters of the shore, where fishermen would methodically clean each section of their nets.

The process was communal, often involving multiple fishermen working together, sharing stories and wisdom while maintaining their essential tools. This background adds depth to understanding why Peter, James, and John were engaged in this task when Jesus called them to become “fishers of men.”

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποπλύνω in Luke 5:2 serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual preparation. Just as the fishermen thoroughly cleaned their nets before encountering the Messiah and receiving His call, there’s a spiritual principle about preparation for divine encounters and service.

This thorough washing parallels other biblical themes of purification and preparation for service to God. Like the priests who had to wash before entering the Tabernacle, or the vessels that needed cleansing before sacred use, the washing of nets becomes a picture of the spiritual cleansing necessary for effective ministry.

The thoroughness implied by ἀποπλύνω reminds us that God’s cleansing work in our lives is complete and thorough, not superficial or partial.

Personal Application

When we consider the meticulous care with which the fishermen cleaned their nets, we’re reminded of the importance of thorough preparation in our spiritual lives. Just as nets needed complete cleaning to be effective tools, we too need regular, thorough spiritual cleansing to be effective in God’s service.

This word challenges us to examine areas of our lives that might need more thorough “washing” – relationships that need deeper reconciliation, habits that need complete transformation, or areas of ministry that need more careful preparation.

Related Words

• καθαρίζω (katharizō) – to cleanse, purify; focuses more on ritual or moral cleansing – See G2511
• λούω (louō) – to bathe, wash the whole body; used for complete bathing – See G3068
• νίπτω (niptō) – to wash parts of the body; used for ceremonial washing – See G3538
• πλύνω (plynō) – to wash, especially clothes; the root word of ἀποπλύνω – See G4150

Did you Know?

• In ancient fishing communities, the quality of net washing could determine a fisherman’s reputation and success. Poorly maintained nets could break during crucial catches, leading to significant losses.
• The same root word πλύνω is still used in modern Greek for laundry and washing clothes, maintaining its connection to thorough cleansing after thousands of years.
• The prefix ἀπό- in ἀποπλύνω is used in many other New Testament words to indicate completeness or thoroughness, showing how Greek prefixes can intensify meaning.

Remember This

ἀποπλύνω reminds us that true preparation for God’s service requires thorough cleansing – not just surface cleaning but complete purification that prepares us for His divine purposes.