ἐκμάσσω

I wipe, wipe off thoroughly

Definition

ἐκμάσσω means to wipe or wipe off thoroughly, often implying a complete or vigorous action of drying or cleaning. In the New Testament, it consistently describes the act of wiping with a cloth or one's hair, emphasizing thoroughness and care. In Luke 7:38 and 7:44, it refers to a woman wiping Jesus' feet with her hair, signifying deep humility and devotion. In John 12:3, Mary wipes Jesus' feet with her hair after anointing them, while John 13:5 depicts Jesus wiping the disciples' feet with a towel during the Last Supper, highlighting servanthood. John 11:2 also references Mary's act, tying it to her identity.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears five times in the New Testament, exclusively in Luke and John's Gospels, always in narratives involving feet-wiping as an act of service or devotion. In Luke 7:38 and 7:44, it illustrates repentance and honor toward Jesus. In John 12:3 and 11:2, it accompanies anointing, foreshadowing Jesus' burial. In John 13:5, Jesus uses the word to model humble leadership, wiping disciples' feet with a towel. The pattern shows it's used in emotionally charged, intimate settings of care and humility.

Etymology

Derived from ἐκ (ek), meaning 'out' or 'thoroughly,' and the root μασσω (massō), meaning 'to wipe' or 'knead.' The prefix intensifies the action, conveying a sense of wiping out or off completely. Cognates include ἀπομάσσω (apomassō, G631), which also means to wipe off but with a nuance of removal. The compound emphasizes thoroughness, fitting its biblical contexts of careful, attentive wiping.

Semantic Range

ἐκμάσσω is theologically significant as it appears in key moments of humility, service, and devotion toward Jesus. In Luke 7, it illustrates forgiveness and heartfelt worship; in John 12-13, it connects to Jesus' impending death and his example of servant leadership. Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by highlighting the intentional, thorough nature of these acts, underscoring themes of cleansing, submission, and love in the Christian life.

In first-century Jewish culture, wiping feet was a lowly task typically done by servants, as feet were dirty from travel. Using one's hair, as in Luke 7:38 and John 12:3, was a striking act of personal humility, since a woman's hair was often associated with dignity. Jesus' action in John 13:5 reverses social roles, modeling radical servanthood. The thorough wiping implied by ἐκμάσσω would have been seen as attentive and respectful, differing from modern casual cleaning.

ἀπομάσσω (apomassō, G631) — to wipe off, often with a sense of removing something; ἐκτρίβω (ektribō, G1597) — to rub out or wipe away, more forceful or destructive.

Word Details

Scripture References