λούω

I wash, bathe

Definition

The verb λούω primarily means 'to wash' or 'to bathe' the entire body, often implying a full immersion. In its literal sense, it describes the physical washing of a body, as in the preparation of Tabitha's body for burial (Acts 9:37). In a religious or ritual context, it can refer to ceremonial washing, such as the washing of regeneration mentioned in Titus 3:5 (though a related noun is used). Most significantly, it is used metaphorically for spiritual cleansing from sin, as when Christ 'washed us from our sins' (Revelation 1:5) and in the call to draw near with hearts 'sprinkled clean' and bodies 'washed with pure water' (Hebrews 10:22).

Biblical Usage

Λούω appears six times in the New Testament, used in both literal and metaphorical senses. Literally, it describes washing a corpse (Acts 9:37) and a prisoner washing his wounds (Acts 16:33). In John 13:10, Jesus uses it metaphorically for a complete, once-for-all cleansing, contrasting it with the partial washing (νίπτω) of the feet. The metaphorical use dominates in the epistles, describing definitive spiritual cleansing in Hebrews 10:22, 2 Peter 2:22, and Revelation 1:5, emphasizing a thorough washing accomplished by Christ.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek verb λούω, meaning 'to wash' or 'to bathe.' It is a primary verb with a root sense of washing by immersion. Cognates include the noun λουτρόν (G3067, 'a bath, washing'), which appears in Ephesians 5:26 and Titus 3:5. The word group consistently carries the connotation of a full, thorough washing rather than a partial cleansing.

Semantic Range

Λούω is theologically significant as it often denotes the complete, once-for-all cleansing from sin provided through the work of Jesus Christ. In Revelation 1:5, it describes Christ's act of liberation and purification of his people. This contrasts with ritual or partial washings, pointing to the thorough inner transformation of regeneration and sanctification (Hebrews 10:22, Titus 3:5). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the definitive nature of salvation's cleansing, which is not merely external but a whole-person renewal.

In the Greco-Roman world, λούω typically referred to bathing the entire body, often in a public bathhouse (βαλανεῖον) or a river. This full-body washing differed from merely washing hands (νίπτω) or specific parts. In Jewish context, full-body washings were part of ritual purification for major defilement (Leviticus 14-15). The New Testament authors use this culturally understood concept of a complete bath to powerfully illustrate the thorough spiritual cleansing found in Christ.

νίπτω (niptō, G3538) — to wash a part of the body (e.g., hands, feet, face); a partial or daily cleansing. ἀπολούω (apolouō, G628) — to wash off or wash away; used for spiritual washing in Acts 22:16 and 1 Corinthians 6:11. βαπτίζω (baptizō, G907) — to dip, immerse; primarily used for the rite of baptism, but shares the conceptual field of immersion and cleansing.

Word Details

Scripture References