Brief Overview of ἀπομάσσω (G631: Apomássō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apomássō

Root Words: The term ἀπομάσσω (apomássō) is derived from ἀπό (apó, “from”) and μάσσω (mássō, “to wipe”).

Primary Meanings:

• To wipe off or remove by wiping.
• To clean or dry something by wiping.
• In a more specific context, to dry off or wipe away moisture or dirt.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀπομάσσω as “to wipe off, to wipe away.” It emphasizes its use in the context of removing or cleaning off something, often referring to physical actions like drying or cleaning. BDAG highlights that it is a term used for the act of wiping away something unwanted.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀπομάσσω as “to wipe off, to cleanse by wiping.” It is used to denote the physical action of removing something by wiping, often related to cleaning or drying.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀπομάσσω means “to wipe away” and refers specifically to the act of removing moisture or dirt by wiping. It is seen in contexts where something is cleaned or dried off.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀπομάσσω as “to wipe off or away,” with a focus on the action of cleaning or drying by wiping. It includes the removal of dirt or moisture as its primary application.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀπομάσσω as “to wipe off” or “to wipe away,” focusing on the act of removing something through wiping.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

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Homer (Iliad, 8th century BCE): Homer uses ἀπομάσσω in a context related to wiping or cleaning, illustrating its use in describing the removal of moisture or dirt.

Aristophanes (Lysistrata, 5th century BCE): Aristophanes employs the term to describe the act of wiping or cleaning in a more everyday context, showing its practical application in daily life.

Plato (Phaedo, 4th century BCE): Plato uses ἀπομάσσω metaphorically to describe the action of wiping or removing, adding a philosophical dimension to its usage in the context of purification or preparation.

4. Summary:

ἀπομάσσω (apomássō) primarily means “to wipe off” or “to remove by wiping.” It denotes the physical action of cleaning or drying something by wiping away moisture or dirt. In classical Greek literature, the term appears in various contexts, from practical everyday uses to metaphorical or philosophical discussions. The term is significant for understanding actions related to cleaning and purification and illustrates the practical application of removing unwanted substances or moisture.