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νίπτω

níptō

G3538 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

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.

Semantic Range

to wash (hands, feet, face), to cleanse part of the body, to rinse, to perform a ritual wash, to wash for hospitality or custom

Root / Etymology

From the root νιπ- ('to wash'), possibly of pre-Greek origin. The word is related to but distinct from λούω ('to bathe,' especially the whole body).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, νίπτω is attested from Homer onward, typically signifying the washing of the face, hands, or feet—actions associated with ritual purification, hospitality, and daily cleanliness. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the verb retains this primary sense, contrasted with λούω, which refers to bathing the entire body. For example, in John 13:5-14, νίπτω is used for Jesus washing the disciples' feet, highlighting the partial, humble action versus full-body cleansing. English Bible translations often render both νίπτω and λούω as 'wash,' but the distinction is significant in Greek sources. In ritual contexts (e.g., Exodus 30:19 LXX), νίπτω may refer to the specific washing required for priests before entering holy spaces. The practice was widespread in both Jewish and Greco-Roman settings for both practical and symbolic reasons.

Translation Consistency

primary "wash" 17 occurrences

The dominant and natural English rendering across contexts is “wash” (6 of 17 occurrences; plus “washed/washing”). It captures the primary lexical sense—washing or rinsing a part of the body (hands, feet, face) for cleanliness, ritual, or hospitality—while remaining broad enough to cover the limited/partial cleansing and occasional metaphorical uses. “Wash” is simple, idiomatic, and consistent for all forms of G3538.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

λούω

Root Family

νίπτω (niptō) — to wash, to cleanse a part of the body, to rinse

Root νιπ- to wash, to cleanse (a part of the body)

Word Forms

13 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3538-05 νίψαι nipsai V AOR MID IMP 2P SG wash wash yourself wash yourself 3
G3538-04 ἔνιψεν enipsen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he had washed washed a body part he washed a body part 2
G3538-11 νίπτειν niptein V PRS ACT INF to wash to wash (a body part) to wash (a body part) 2
G3538-03 ἐνίψατο enipsato V AOR MID IND 3P SG washed washed a part of himself washed a part of himself 1
G3538-10 νίψωνται nipsontai V AOR MID SUBJ 3P PL they wash they might wash themselves they might wash themselves 1
G3538-12 νίπτεις nipteis V PRS ACT IND 2P SG wash you are washing (a part) washing 1
G3538-02 ἐνιψάμην enipsamen V AOR MID IND 1P SG I-washed I washed a part of myself I washed 1
G3538-13 νίπτονται niptontai V PRS MID IND 3P PL they wash they are washing themselves they are washing themselves 1
G3538-01 ἔνιψα enipsa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG washed I washed a body part washed 1
G3538-06 νιψάμενος nipsamenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG having washed having washed himself having washed myself 1

Occurrences in Scripture

17 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3538-05 Matthew 6:17 νίψαι nipsai V AOR MID IMP 2P SG wash wash yourself wash yourself
G3538-13 Matthew 15:2 νίπτονται niptontai V PRS MID IND 3P PL they wash they are washing themselves they are washing themselves
G3538-10 Mark 7:3 νίψωνται nipsontai V AOR MID SUBJ 3P PL they wash they might wash themselves they might wash themselves
G3538-05 John 9:7 νίψαι nipsai V AOR MID IMP 2P SG wash wash yourself wash yourself
G3538-03 John 9:7 ἐνίψατο enipsato V AOR MID IND 3P SG washed washed a part of himself washed a part of himself
G3538-05 John 9:11 νίψαι nipsai V AOR MID IMP 2P SG wash wash yourself wash yourself
G3538-06 John 9:11 νιψάμενος nipsamenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG having washed having washed himself having washed myself
G3538-02 John 9:15 ἐνιψάμην enipsamen V AOR MID IND 1P SG I-washed I washed a part of myself I washed
G3538-11 John 13:5 νίπτειν niptein V PRS ACT INF to wash to wash (a body part) to wash (a body part)
G3538-12 John 13:6 νίπτεις nipteis V PRS ACT IND 2P SG wash you are washing (a part) washing
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