Lexical Summary aponiptó: To wash off, to wash away Original Word: ἀπονίπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wash. From apo and nipto; to wash off (reflexively, one's own hands symbolically) -- wash. see GREEK apo see GREEK nipto HELPS Word-studies 633 aponíptō (from 3538 /níptō, "wash," strengthened by the prefix, 575 /apó, "away from") – properly, wash away from (used only in Mt 27:24). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and niptó Definition to wash off NASB Translation washed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 633: ἀπονίπτωἀπονίπτω: to wash off; 1 aorist middle ἀπενιψαμην; in middle to wash oneself off, to wash off for oneself: τάς χεῖρας, Matthew 27:24, cf. Deuteronomy 21:6f (The earlier Greeks say ἀπονίζω — but with future ἀπονιψω, 1 aorist ἀπενιψα; the later, as Theophrastus, char. 25 (30 (17)); Plutarch, Phocylides, 18; Athen. iv. c. 31, p. 149 c., ἀπονίπτω, although this is found (but in the middle) even in Homer, Odyssey 18, 179.) Topical Lexicon Word Overview Strong’s Greek 633, ἀπονίπτω (aponipto), appears only once in the New Testament. It depicts the deliberate act of washing something off, and in its single occurrence it is used reflexively of Pontius Pilate “washing his hands.” Biblical Occurrence Matthew 27:24 records Pilate’s action as he capitulated to the Sanhedrin’s demand for Jesus’ crucifixion: “When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘See to it yourselves.’”. Historical and Cultural Background 1. Roman Judicial Customs: Roman officials occasionally used symbolic gestures to communicate verdicts. Although explicit hand-washing rituals are not extensively documented in Roman law, a governor might employ a dramatic act to placate an agitated crowd or to distance himself from responsibility. Symbolic Significance of Handwashing • Innocence Claimed: Washing hands in the Hebrew Scriptures expressed guiltlessness (Psalm 26:6; Psalm 73:13). Pilate employed the same sign yet ignored its deeper ethical demand: genuine innocence must be matched by just action, not merely ceremonial display. Theological Insights 1. Human Evasion of Responsibility: Pilate illustrates the fallen inclination to avoid accountability. Though convinced of Jesus’ innocence (Matthew 27:18, 23), he surrendered to political pressure, illustrating that conscience without courage still leads to complicity. Relation to Old Testament Ritual Cleansing • Deuteronomy 21:6-8 – Elders washed their hands to attest, “Our hands have not shed this blood.” Pilate uses the same gesture yet ignores its requisite accompanying prayer for mercy and justice. Related Concepts in the New Testament • Ritual Cleansing Critiqued: Mark 7:1-23 contrasts Pharisaic hand-washing traditions with heart purity. Pilate’s act is the civil counterpart to the religious hypocrisy Jesus decried. Applications for Ministry and Personal Life 1. Genuine Repentance: External gestures—whether liturgical or personal—must be grounded in sincere repentance and obedience. Ministry should call believers beyond symbolism to the cleansing available in Christ alone (1 John 1:9). Summary The solitary use of ἀπονίπτω captures a dramatic moment where human authority sought to absolve itself by ritual, highlighting the contrast between superficial cleansing and the authentic purification God provides through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pilate’s hand-washing stands as a perpetual reminder that only the blood he tried to avoid is sufficient to wash sinners clean. Forms and Transliterations απένιψαν απενιψατο απενίψατο ἀπενίψατο απένιψεν απεξενούτο απεξήρανε απεξυσμένον απεξυσμένους απεπήδησαν απεπήδησεν απεπίασεν απονιψαμένη αποξενούσαι αποξενωθή αποξηράναντος αποξηρανθήσονται αποξυσθήναι αποξύσουσιν αποπειράται αποπεμπτούν αποπεμπτωσάτωσαν apenipsato apenípsatoLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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