Strong's Lexicon koniaó: To whitewash, to plaster Original Word: κονιάω Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word "konia" (κονία), meaning "dust" or "lime." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "koniaó," the concept of whitewashing can be related to the Hebrew practice of marking tombs to avoid ritual impurity, as seen in passages like Ezekiel 13:10-15, where false prophets are compared to those who whitewash flimsy walls. Usage: The verb "koniaó" refers to the act of covering something with a layer of lime or whitewash. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe the act of making something appear clean or pure on the outside while concealing what is corrupt or decayed within. This term is often associated with hypocrisy, where outward appearances are maintained to hide inner moral or spiritual decay. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient times, whitewashing was a common practice used to beautify and protect structures. It involved applying a mixture of lime and water to walls, tombs, or other surfaces. This practice was not only for aesthetic purposes but also served to protect surfaces from the elements. In a Jewish context, whitewashing tombs was particularly significant because it helped to mark them clearly, preventing accidental ritual impurity from contact with the dead. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom konia (dust) Definition to plaster over NASB Translation whitewashed (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2867: κονιάωκονιάω, κονίω: perfect passive participle κεκονιαμενος; (from κονία, which signifies not only 'dust' but also 'lime'); to cover with lime, plaster over, whitewash: τάφοι κεκονιάμενοι (the Jews were accustomed to whitewash the entrances to their sepulchres, as a warning against defilement by touching them (B. D. under the word Strong's Exhaustive Concordance whiten, whitewashFrom konia (dust; by analogy, lime); to whitewash -- whiten. Forms and Transliterations κεκονιαμενε κεκονιαμένε κεκονιαμενοις κεκονιαμένοις κονιάσεις kekoniamene kekoniaméne kekoniamenois kekoniaménoisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 23:27 V-RPM/P-DMPGRK: παρομοιάζετε τάφοις κεκονιαμένοις οἵτινες ἔξωθεν NAS: For you are like whitewashed tombs KJV: ye are like unto whited sepulchres, INT: you are like tombs whitewashed which outwardly Acts 23:3 V-RPM/P-VMS Strong's Greek 2867 |