Lexical Summary leukainó: To whiten, to make white Original Word: λευκαίνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance make white, whiten. From leukos; to whiten -- make white, whiten. see GREEK leukos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom leukos Definition to whiten, to make white NASB Translation made...white (1), whiten (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3021: λευκαίνωλευκαίνω: 1 aorist ἐλευκανα (cf. Winers Grammar, § 13, 1 d.; Buttmann, 41 (35)); (λευκός); from Homer down; the Sept. for הִלְבִּין; to whiten, make white: τί, Mark 9:3; Revelation 7:14. STRONGS NT 3021a: λευκοβυσσινον [λευκοβυσσινον: Revelation 19:14, WH marginal reading, others βύσσινον λευκόν, see in βύσσινος.] Topical Lexicon Biblical Symbolism of WhitenessWhiteness in Scripture consistently connotes purity, holiness, victory, and divine glory. From the “snow-white” throne scene of Daniel 7:9 to the dazzling garments of the resurrected Christ in Revelation, the color communicates separation from defilement and the radiance of God’s own character. The verb under study conveys the active process of bringing something into that state—moving from the stained to the spotless. New Testament Occurrences 1. Mark 9:3 – At the Transfiguration “His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them”. The evangelist underscores that no earthly skill can achieve the brilliance produced by divine glory. Historical and Cultural Setting • In the ancient Mediterranean world, laundering and bleaching were labor-intensive. Fullers used alkali solutions, sunlight, and abrasion to whiten fabrics. Mark’s comparison to the “launderer” would immediately signal the limits of human effort. Theological Themes Purification by Substitution Revelation’s paradox—robes turned white by blood—teaches that cleansing is secured through sacrificial atonement, not moral self-improvement. Believers are “clothed with Christ” (Galatians 3:27) and so share His righteousness. Revelation and Eschatological Assurance The verb appears near the climax of apocalyptic vision, assuring persecuted believers that their suffering yields triumph. The whitened robes anticipate the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:8), where “fine linen, bright and pure” is “the righteous deeds of the saints.” Christological Revelation At the Transfiguration, the unparalleled whitening of Jesus’ garments serves as a visible disclosure of His divine nature. It prefigures resurrection glory and authenticates the heaven-sent authority of the Son. Old Testament Foundations Prophetic promises frame the New Testament usage: Early Christian Worship and Practice The post-apostolic church adopted white baptismal robes to dramatize the new believer’s cleansing. Easter, a season celebrating resurrection, became especially associated with white vestments (“whitening Sunday” in some early sources), echoing both New Testament occurrences. Ministry Implications • Preaching: The imagery encourages proclamation of justification by faith—Christ alone whitens the sinner’s garments. Integrated Biblical Portrait The two inspired snapshots—one on a mountain, the other before the throne—frame the entire redemptive journey. In the first, Christ alone shines; in the second, a redeemed multitude shares His brilliance. The verb thus captures the gospel’s movement: the glory that belongs to the Son is graciously imparted to His people, who will forever reflect His radiant holiness. Forms and Transliterations ελευκαναν ελεύκαναν ἐλεύκαναν ελεύκανε λευκαίνουσα λευκαναι λευκάναι λευκᾶναι λευκανθήσομαι λευκανθίζοντα λευκανώ λεύκην λεύκης eleukanan eleúkanan leukanai leukânaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 9:3 V-ANAGRK: δύναται οὕτως λευκᾶναι NAS: on earth can whiten them. KJV: earth can white them. INT: is able thus to whiten Revelation 7:14 V-AIA-3P Strong's Greek 3021 |
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