νίψασθαι

níptō

to wash

To wash, specifically to wash a part of the body (such as the hands or feet) rather than the whole person. The primary lexical sense focuses on washing or rinsing with water, usually for purposes of cleanliness, ritual, or hospitality, with emphasis on a limited or specific area. In extended or metaphorical usage, it may imply cleansing in a figurative sense, but always with respect to part rather than the entire person.

G3538

John 13:10 · Word #14

Lexicon G3538

Lemmaνίπτω
Transliterationníptō
Strong'sG3538
DefinitionTo wash, specifically to wash a part of the body (such as the hands or feet) rather than the whole person. The primary lexical sense focuses on washing or rinsing with water, usually for purposes of cleanliness, ritual, or hospitality, with emphasis on a limited or specific area. In extended or metaphorical usage, it may imply cleansing in a figurative sense, but always with respect to part rather than the entire person.

Morphology V AOR MID INF All morphology codes

Part of Speech V — Verb — An action or state of being
Tense AOR — Aorist — Simple occurrence, often past
Voice MID — Middle — The subject acts on itself or in its own interest
Mood INF — Infinitive — The verbal idea without person/number

Common Translation

Phraseto wash
Literalto-wash

Lexical Info

Lemmaνίπτω
Strong'sG3538

SIBI-P1 Translation G3538-07

to wash oneself

Morphological NotesVerb, aorist tense (simple/completed aspect), middle voice (reflexive/self-involved), infinitive mood.
Rendering RationaleThe aorist infinitive expresses the simple act "to wash," while the middle voice conveys reflexive or self-involved action, hence "to wash oneself." The root specifically denotes washing part of the body rather than a full bath.

View full lexicon entry for G3538 →

SILEX v2

SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)

to wash oneself

Same as P1Yes
RationaleP1 'to wash oneself' preserves the middle voice reflexivity and matches the lexical definition appropriately.
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