2867. koniaó

Lexicon

koniaó: To whitewash, to plaster

Original Word: κονιάω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: koniaó
Pronunciation: ko-nee-ah'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (kon-ee-ah'-o)
Definition: To whitewash, to plaster
Meaning: I whitewash, plaster over.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

whiten, whitewash

From konia (dust; by analogy, lime); to whitewash -- whiten.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from konia (dust)
Definition
to plaster over
NASB Translation
whitewashed (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2867: κονιάω

κονιάω, 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 , 1 at the end; cf. Edersheim, Jesus the Messiah, ii. 316ff)), Matthew 23:27; τοῖχε κεκονιαμένε is applied to a hypocrite who conceals his malice under an outward assumption of piety, Acts 23:3. (Demosthenes, Aristotle, Plutarch, others; for שִׂיד, Deuteronomy 27:2, 4.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word "κονία" (konia), meaning "dust" or "lime."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of whitewashing or covering can be related to the Hebrew word סִיד (sid), Strong's Hebrew 7874, which refers to lime or plaster used for coating surfaces. While the direct Greek term κονιάω does not have a precise Hebrew equivalent, the idea of covering or concealing is present in various Hebrew terms related to external appearances and purification practices.

Usage: The verb κονιάω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of whitewashing, particularly in a metaphorical sense to denote hypocrisy or superficial righteousness.

Context: The term κονιάω appears in the New Testament in contexts that highlight the contrast between outward appearances and inward realities. In Matthew 23:27, Jesus uses the term to criticize the Pharisees and scribes, comparing them to "whitewashed tombs" that appear beautiful on the outside but are full of dead bones and impurity inside. This metaphor underscores the theme of hypocrisy, where external righteousness masks internal corruption. The act of whitewashing, in this context, serves as a powerful image of deceit and the futility of focusing solely on external appearances without addressing the true state of one's heart.

The cultural practice of whitewashing tombs was common in ancient times, particularly before Passover, to ensure that people would not accidentally touch them and become ceremonially unclean. This practice provides a vivid backdrop for Jesus' rebuke, emphasizing the importance of genuine holiness over mere ceremonial or superficial purity.

The use of κονιάω in the New Testament serves as a caution against the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of aligning one's inner life with outward actions. It calls believers to pursue authenticity and integrity, ensuring that their faith is not just a facade but a true reflection of their relationship with God.

Forms and Transliterations

κεκονιαμενε κεκονιαμένε κεκονιαμενοις κεκονιαμένοις κονιάσεις kekoniamene kekoniaméne kekoniamenois kekoniaménois

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 23:27 V-RPM/P-DMP
GRK: 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
GRK: θεός τοῖχε κεκονιαμένε καὶ σὺ
NAS: to strike you, you whitewashed wall!
KJV: smite thee, [thou] whited wall: for
INT: God wall whitewashed And you

Strong's Greek 2867
2 Occurrences

κεκονιαμένε — 1 Occ.
κεκονιαμένοις — 1 Occ.