ἀπολείχω
I lick off, lick clean
Definition
The verb ἀπολείχω (apoleichō) means 'to lick off' or 'to lick clean.' It describes the action of thoroughly licking a surface, often to consume what is on it or to clean it. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Luke 16:21, it vividly depicts the poor man Lazarus, covered in sores, having dogs come and lick his wounds. This usage emphasizes a complete and persistent action, not a casual touch. While the core meaning is physical, the context gives it a powerful descriptive force regarding neglect and suffering.
Biblical Usage
ἀπολείχω is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 16:21, within Jesus's parable of the rich man and Lazarus. It describes the action of street dogs licking the sores of the impoverished Lazarus. This usage is purely descriptive and serves to heighten the graphic portrayal of Lazarus's destitution, misery, and social abandonment. There are no other occurrences to establish broader patterns.
Etymology
Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning 'from' or 'off') combined with the verb λείχω (leichō, 'to lick'). The compound form intensifies the base verb to mean 'to lick off' or 'lick clean,' focusing on the result of removing something by licking. It is a straightforward descriptive compound.
Semantic Range
While the word itself is descriptive, its use in Luke 16:21 is theologically significant. It paints a stark, visceral picture of human suffering and neglect, contrasting the extreme poverty of Lazarus with the opulent indifference of the rich man. This vivid detail underscores Jesus's teaching on wealth, compassion, and the ultimate reversal of fortunes in the afterlife. Understanding the Greek emphasizes the raw, humiliating reality of Lazarus's condition, making the parable's moral and eschatological warning more powerful.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, dogs were not typically beloved pets but scavengers that roamed streets and dumps. Their licking of wounds, while perhaps having a mild cleansing effect, would have been seen as a deeply degrading and unclean act, adding to a person's shame and social ostracization. This cultural perception intensifies the portrayal of Lazarus's complete wretchedness and abandonment.
λείχω (leichō, G3028) — the simpler base verb meaning 'to lick,' without the compounded sense of 'off' or 'clean.'
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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