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ῥαντισμός

rhantismós

G4473 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Sprinkling or ritual application of liquid, especially in contexts of ceremonial purification. In the New Testament and related literature, typically refers to the act or process of sprinkling a purifying substance (such as water or blood) for the purposes of cleansing or consecration, either literally or as a metaphor for spiritual purification. The term encompasses both the physical act and, by extension, its ritual or symbolic import.

Semantic Range

sprinkling (literal act), ritual application of purifying liquid, ceremonial aspersion, symbolic purification

Root / Etymology

From the verb ῥαντίζω (rhantízō, 'to sprinkle'), itself derived from the root ῥαντ- (rhant-), which is related to the act of sprinkling. Classical Greek shows related forms such as ῥαίνω (rhaínō, 'to sprinkle'). No evidence for non-Greek origin; native Greek formation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The noun ῥαντισμός is attested infrequently, with limited attestations in non-biblical Greek. In Hellenistic Jewish and early Christian texts, especially the Septuagint and New Testament (e.g., Hebrews 12:24, 1 Peter 1:2), ῥαντισμός specifically denotes acts of ritual purification modeled on Israelite and Second Temple Judean practices (e.g., the sprinkling of sacrificial blood or water for cleansing). English translations often render it as 'sprinkling,' but may not convey the term's ritual or ceremonial connotations; it often stands in contrast to terms for ritual washing or bath (λούτρον, καθαρισμός). In the Septuagint, the related verb ῥαντίζω is common in Levitical contexts (e.g., Leviticus 14–16). In later Greek, the term maintained primarily liturgical or ceremonial usage, without broader metaphorical extension. The use of ῥαντισμός in Hebraic-Greek context reflects a translation of ritual categories rather than a native Greek cultic practice.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ῥαντίζω; aspersion (ceremonially or figuratively):--sprinkling.

Root Family

ῥαντισμός (rhantismos) — sprinkling, ritual application of liquid, ceremonial aspersion, purification rite

Root ῥαντ- to sprinkle, to apply liquid by scattering drops

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4473-02 ῥαντισμοῦ rantismou N GEN M SG of sprinkling of ritual sprinkling of sprinkling 1
G4473-01 ῥαντισμὸν rantismon N ACC M SG sprinkling ritual sprinkling sprinkling 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4473-02 Hebrews 12:24 ῥαντισμοῦ rantismou N GEN M SG of sprinkling of ritual sprinkling of sprinkling
G4473-01 1 Peter 1:2 ῥαντισμὸν rantismon N ACC M SG sprinkling ritual sprinkling sprinkling
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