The Greek word koinóō, represented by G2840, defines the act of making something ceremonially profane or unclean. It appears 17 times across 12 unique verses in the Bible. Its core meaning is to make or consider something profane, and it is translated as to defile, pollute, or call common.
In the Gospels, G2840 is used by Jesus to redefine the nature of purity. He teaches that it is not what enters the mouth that defileth a person, but what comes out of the heart (Matthew 15:11, Matthew 15:18). This principle is emphasized repeatedly, stating that evil things coming from within are what truly defile the man Mark 7:23. The term is also used in a ceremonial context, such as in Peter's vision where a voice from heaven commands, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common" (Acts 10:15, Acts 11:9). It is also used in the accusation against Paul, who was charged with having polluted the holy temple by bringing Greeks into it Acts 21:28.
Several related words provide a contrast to koinóō, highlighting the concepts of purity and holiness:
- G2511 katharízō (to cleanse, purge, purify): This word serves as a direct antonym. It is used in God's command to Peter, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common" Acts 10:15. The blood of Jesus Christ is said to cleanse us from all sin 1 John 1:7.
- G37 hagiázō (to make holy, purify, consecrate; sanctify): This describes the act of setting something apart as holy, the opposite of making it profane. In Hebrews, it is used to explain that Old Covenant sacrifices could sanctify the unclean for the purifying of the flesh Hebrews 9:13.
- G2514 katharótēs (cleanness (ceremonially); purification): This noun refers to the state of achieved cleanness. It appears in direct connection with G2840 to describe the goal of Old Testament rituals, which led to "the purifying of the flesh" Hebrews 9:13.
The theological weight of G2840 is significant, particularly in the transition from Old Covenant ceremony to New Covenant reality.
- Redefining Defilement: Jesus uses koinóō to pivot the focus of purity from external rituals to internal morality. The things that truly defile a person are not foods but the evil things which "come from within" the heart Mark 7:23.
- God's Authority to Cleanse: The use of koinóō in Peter's vision establishes God's absolute power to make clean what was previously considered common or unclean by ceremonial law, opening the way for the gospel to the Gentiles Acts 10:15.
- Ultimate Purity: The word emphasizes the absolute holiness required to enter God's presence. The description of the New Jerusalem states that nothing that defileth will be allowed to enter, signifying a final and perfect state free from all sin Revelation 21:27.
In summary, G2840 is a crucial term for understanding the biblical concept of defilement. Its meaning progresses from the ceremonial pollution of places and people under the law (Acts 21:28, Hebrews 9:13) to the internal, moral impurity that Jesus identified as the true source of uncleanness Matthew 15:18. It illustrates a major theological shift, teaching that true purity is a matter of the heart, is accomplished by God alone, and is essential for entering His eternal kingdom.
TRV