### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb λευκαίνω (leukaínō) is derived directly from the adjective `{{G3022}}` (leukos), meaning "white." As a verb, λευκαίνω signifies the action of "making white" or "to whiten." Its core semantic range encompasses both the process of causing something to become white and the resulting state of being whitened. This can apply literally to physical objects, but biblically, it extends profoundly to figurative and theological meanings, often symbolizing purification, righteousness, or divine glory. The action implies a change from a state of impurity or darkness to one of purity, brightness, or holiness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb λευκαίνω appears in the New Testament with significant contextual nuances:
1. **Physical Manifestation of Divine Glory:**
* [[Mark 9:3]]: In the account of the Transfiguration, the text states, "And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can whiten them." Here, λευκαίνω describes the supernatural, dazzling whiteness of Jesus' garments, which no human process could achieve. This serves as a visible manifestation of His inherent divine glory and purity, breaking through His earthly form. It underscores the miraculous and divine nature of the event.
2. **Spiritual Purification and Righteousness:**
* [[Revelation 7:14]]: This is a pivotal theological usage: "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." The phrase "made them white" (ἐλευκαίνοντες, a participle form of λευκαίνω) refers to the spiritual purification of believers. The profound paradox is that this whitening is achieved "in the blood of the Lamb," signifying that spiritual purity and righteousness are not attained through human effort but through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The "white robes" symbolize the justified and sanctified state of the redeemed before God.
While not using the verb λευκαίνω, the concept of "white" as a symbol of readiness for harvest in [[John 4:35]] ("Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest") metaphorically points to a state of readiness or maturity, aligning with the idea of a transformative process leading to a desired state, similar to how λευκαίνω denotes a state of being made ready or pure.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G3022}}` (λευκός / leukos):** The foundational adjective, "white," from which λευκαίνω is derived. It is used extensively throughout the New Testament to describe literal whiteness (e.g., snow, wool, sepulchers, angels' clothing) and symbolic whiteness (e.g., the righteous, glorified beings, purity, victory).
* **Washing & Cleansing:** The act of "making white" is frequently associated with washing or cleansing, particularly in the context of spiritual purification. The imagery in [[Revelation 7:14]] explicitly links washing and whitening, connecting to Old Testament purification rituals and the New Testament emphasis on spiritual cleansing through Christ's blood (e.g., [[Hebrews 9:14]], [[1 John 1:7]]).
* **Purity & Holiness:** Whiteness, as the result of λευκαίνω, consistently symbolizes purity, holiness, and righteousness in biblical thought. It represents a state of being undefiled and acceptable before God.
* **Glory & Transfiguration:** In the context of Jesus' Transfiguration, the "whitening" of His garments signifies His divine glory and heavenly nature, linking λευκαίνω to manifestations of divine majesty and revelation.
* **Atonement & Justification:** The most profound theological connection is to the atoning work of Christ. The "blood of the Lamb" as the agent that "makes white" the robes of believers points directly to the doctrine of justification, where sinners are declared righteous by God through faith in Christ's sacrificial death.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λευκαίνω is profound, touching upon core doctrines of Christian faith:
1. **Divine Purity and Glory:** In the Transfiguration account, λευκαίνω reveals the uncreated purity and inherent glory of Jesus Christ. The supernatural whiteness of His garments is an outward manifestation of His divine nature, a glimpse into the radiant holiness of God Himself.
2. **The Efficacy of Christ's Atoning Blood:** The most significant theological use is found in [[Revelation 7:14]]. The paradoxical truth that robes are "made white in the blood of the Lamb" is central to Christian soteriology. It powerfully conveys that human righteousness and purity before God are not achieved through human effort or merit, but solely through the cleansing, atoning power of Christ's sacrificial death. His blood, which represents His life poured out, purifies from sin, making the defiled pure and righteous in God's sight. This is a foundational image of justification.
3. **Sanctification and Transformation:** The act of "whitening" implies a transformative process. It is not merely a covering of sin but a deep spiritual cleansing that results in a new state of purity. For believers, this signifies sanctification—the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit conforming them to the image of Christ, progressively making them holier and more like Him.
4. **Eschatological Hope and Righteousness:** The white robes in Revelation also serve as an eschatological promise, representing the final, glorified state of the redeemed in heaven. It portrays a multitude standing before God, having been eternally purified and made righteous through Christ, offering assurance of ultimate victory over sin and death for those who persevere in faith.
### Summary
The Greek verb λευκαίνω (leukaínō), meaning "to make white" or "to whiten," carries significant theological weight in the New Testament. While literally describing the dazzling whiteness of Jesus' garments during the Transfiguration ([[Mark 9:3]]), signifying His divine glory, its most profound application is found in the book of Revelation. There, λευκαίνω describes the spiritual purification of believers, whose robes are "made white in the blood of the Lamb" ([[Revelation 7:14]]). This powerful imagery underscores the central Christian truth that righteousness and purity before God are achieved not through human works, but solely through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Derived from `{{G3022}}` (leukos, "white"), λευκαίνω consistently conveys themes of divine purity, transformative cleansing, justification, sanctification, and the eschatological hope of a redeemed people made holy by God's grace.
TRV