ῥυτίς
rhytís
G4512 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A fold or crease, especially in the skin; primarily denotes a wrinkle, such as found on the face or body, but can extend to any surface that forms a fold, crack, or groove due to contraction or compression. In extended usage, may refer to the marks or signs of age, wear, or imperfection on a surface.
Semantic Range
wrinkle (of the skin), fold, crease, groove, any contracted or drawn-together place
Root / Etymology
Derived from the verb ῥύομαι (to draw, drag, pull), indicating something drawn or contracted together; thus, a 'drawn-together' place or fold. The exact pathway of semantic development is from the action of pulling (ῥύω) to the result (fold or wrinkle).
Historical & Contextual Notes
ῥυτίς is a rare word in classical and Koine Greek. In the New Testament, it appears only in Ephesians 5:27, describing the absence of spot or wrinkle (σπιλος ἤ ῥυτὶς) in the metaphor of an unblemished bride. The word is rarely attested outside of medical or poetic contexts, where it refers to lines or wrinkles on the skin with a primary focus on signs of age. In Hellenistic Greek, it maintains this literal sense and does not develop specialized metaphorical meaning. Later translations often simply render it 'wrinkle,' but the Greek conveys the idea of any kind of fold or crease, not limited to aging. Distinct from other Greek words for blemishes or marks, such as μῶμος or σπῖλος, which refer more generally to stains or flaws. The image in Ephesians contrasts ῥυτίς (wrinkle, fold) with σπῖλος (spot, stain), emphasizing both external and internal qualities of purity or perfection.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ῥύομαι; a fold (as drawing together), i.e. a wrinkle (especially on the face):--wrinkle.
Root Family
ῥυτ- (rhytís) — to draw together, fold
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4512-01 |
ῥυτίδα | rutida | N ACC F SG |
wrinkle | a fold | a fold | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4512-01 |
Ephesians 5:27 | ῥυτίδα | rutida | N ACC F SG |
wrinkle | a fold | a fold |