### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2867}}` (koniáō) derives from κόνις (kónis), meaning "dust." Its primary semantic range encompasses the act of applying a coating, specifically with lime or plaster, to "whitewash" or "whiten" a surface. This action inherently implies a superficial covering, intended to create an outward appearance of cleanliness, purity, or newness, often masking an underlying reality. Thus, its core meaning carries a strong connotation of external presentation, which may or may not align with internal truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G2867}}` (koniáō) appears only once in the New Testament, in a highly charged exchange:
* **[[Acts 23:3]]**: "Then Paul said to him, 'God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck.'"
In this dramatic scene, Paul is on trial before the Sanhedrin. When Ananias, the high priest, orders Paul to be struck on the mouth for his opening statement, Paul unleashes this scathing rebuke. By calling Ananias a "whitewashed wall" (τεῖχος κεκονιαμένον, *teichos kekoniamenon*), Paul employs a potent metaphor. A whitewashed wall might appear pristine and solid on the outside, but it could conceal decay, instability, or even corruption within. Paul's accusation highlights Ananias's hypocrisy: as the high priest, he represents the embodiment of the Law and righteousness, yet he flagrantly violates the very law he is sworn to uphold by ordering an unlawful assault. The metaphor powerfully exposes the disconnect between Ananias's outward religious authority and his inner moral corruption and unjust actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κόνις (kónis):** The root noun, meaning "dust" or "powder," from which `{{G2867}}` is derived. This underscores the material nature of whitewashing, often involving lime dust.
* **Hypocrisy:** The central concept conveyed by the "whitewashed" metaphor. This theme is prominent throughout the Gospels, particularly in Jesus' condemnations of the Pharisees for their external piety contrasting with internal spiritual decay (e.g., [[Matthew 23:27]], where the concept of "whitewashed tombs" is used, though a different Greek word for "whitewash" is employed, the semantic connection is undeniable).
* **Deception/Pretense:** The act of misleading others by presenting a false or superficial appearance. The whitewashed wall is a symbol of this deception.
* **Justice and Injustice:** The context of [[Acts 23:3]] is a legal proceeding where justice is perverted. The "whitewashed wall" metaphor underscores the profound injustice committed by one who outwardly represents the law.
* **Outward vs. Inward:** A recurring biblical theme emphasizing that God looks at the heart, not merely external appearances ([[1 Samuel 16:7]]).
### Theological Significance
The single, powerful use of `{{G2867}}` in [[Acts 23:3]] carries significant theological weight:
* **Divine Judgment on Hypocrisy:** Paul's prophetic declaration, "God will strike you," immediately follows his use of the "whitewashed wall" metaphor. This links the act of superficiality and injustice directly to divine retribution. It underscores God's intolerance for hypocrisy, especially from those in positions of religious authority.
* **Authenticity over Appearance:** The word highlights the profound biblical truth that true righteousness and spiritual integrity are matters of the heart and genuine conduct, not merely outward show or formal adherence to religious practices. God sees through pretense.
* **Critique of Corrupt Leadership:** The high priest, the supreme religious authority, is exposed as a "whitewashed wall," signifying the corruption that can permeate even the highest echelons of religious power when justice and true piety are abandoned for self-interest or arbitrary rule.
* **Prophetic Rebuke:** Paul's use of `{{G2867}}` serves as a powerful prophetic rebuke, reminiscent of Old Testament prophets who condemned Israel's leaders for their unrighteousness and spiritual adultery. It demonstrates the boldness required to speak truth to power, even at personal risk.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G2867}}` (koniáō), meaning "to whitewash" or "to whiten," is found only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 23:3]]. Here, Paul uses it metaphorically to describe the high priest Ananias as a "whitewashed wall," a scathing indictment of his hypocrisy and injustice. The term powerfully conveys the idea of a deceptive outward appearance that conceals inner corruption or moral decay. Theologically, `{{G2867}}` underscores God's condemnation of hypocrisy, the critical importance of authenticity and inner righteousness over superficial displays, and serves as a stark warning against the abuse of religious or judicial authority. It reinforces the biblical principle that true character is revealed by actions, not merely by external status or presentation.
TRV