Brief Overview of ἀπολούω (G628: Apolouō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apolouō

Root Words: The term ἀπολούω (apolouō) is derived from ἀπό (apo, “away from”) and λουώ (louō, “to wash”).

Primary Meanings:

• To wash off or cleanse by washing.
• To wash away, especially in a ritual or ceremonial context.
• To purify by means of washing.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀπολούω as “to wash off” or “to cleanse by washing,” often used in contexts where a thorough or ritual cleansing is required. It emphasizes the act of washing away impurities or dirt.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀπολούω as “to wash away” or “to cleanse by washing.” It notes its use in both everyday and ceremonial contexts where cleansing is involved.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains ἀπολούω as “to wash off,” highlighting its role in purifying through the act of washing, which can be literal or metaphorical.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ outlines ἀπολούω as “to wash away” or “to cleanse by washing.” The focus is on the removal of dirt or impurities through washing.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀπολούω as “to wash off,” used in contexts involving cleansing or purifying through washing.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

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Homer (Iliad, 8th century BCE): Homer uses similar terms to describe the washing off of blood and dirt from warriors after battle, indicating the ritualistic aspect of cleansing.

Sophocles (Antigone, 5th century BCE): Sophocles’ plays include references to cleansing or purifying actions, reflecting the use of washing in both literal and symbolic contexts.

Aristotle (History of Animals, 4th century BCE): Aristotle describes the washing habits of various animals, illustrating the use of cleansing in a naturalistic context.

4. Summary:

ἀπολούω (apolouō) denotes the action of washing off or cleansing, with applications ranging from literal washing away of dirt or impurities to more ceremonial or ritualistic forms of purification. In classical Greek literature, it is used in various contexts to describe both everyday and ritualistic acts of cleansing. The term underscores the importance of washing as a means of purification, whether in daily life or in ceremonial practices.