The Greek word leukaínō, represented by G3021, means to whiten or make white. It is derived from the word λευκός, meaning white. Appearing only 3 times in 2 unique verses, its rarity underscores its significant use in describing a divine or supernatural whitening process.
In the biblical narrative, G3021 is used in two distinct and powerful contexts. In the account of the Transfiguration, the raiment of Jesus became a brilliant white that no earthly process could replicate, as "no fuller on earth can white them" Mark 9:3. This usage points to a divine glory. In Revelation, the term describes a spiritual cleansing, where a great multitude has "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" Revelation 7:14. This paradoxically presents blood as the agent of ultimate purification for those who have come through great tribulation Revelation 7:14.
Several related words clarify the unique meaning of G3021:
- G3022 leukós (white): As the root word, it establishes the fundamental concept of whiteness and purity seen in Jesus's transfigured raiment and the robes of the saints (Mark 9:3, Revelation 7:9).
- G1102 gnapheús (a cloth-dresser): This word, translated as "fuller," is used to create a benchmark for earthly cleaning, highlighting that the whitening of Jesus's garments was supernaturally superior to any human effort Mark 9:3.
- G4150 plýnō (to "plunge", i.e. launder clothing): This term for washing is paired directly with leukaínō to describe the two-fold process of spiritual cleansing for the redeemed Revelation 7:14.
- G129 haîma (blood): Used paradoxically as the purifying agent, the blood of the Lamb is what makes the robes of the saints white, signifying atonement and redemption Revelation 7:14.
The theological weight of G3021 centers on the theme of divine transformation.
- Supernatural Glory: The use of leukaínō in the Transfiguration signifies a purity and brilliance that is not of this world. It is a manifestation of divine nature, surpassing any whitening process a fuller on earth G1093 could achieve Mark 9:3.
- Redemptive Purity: In Revelation, the act to make robes white G3021 is not a physical act but a spiritual one. It is accomplished in G1722 the blood G129 of the Lamb G721, illustrating that justification is possible only through Christ's atoning sacrifice Revelation 7:14.
- The State of the Vindicated: Those whose robes are made white are identified as the ones who have come G2064 out of great tribulation G2347. This indicates that enduring suffering in faith leads to a state of ultimate purification and righteousness before God Revelation 7:14.
In summary, G3021 is a specific and impactful term for a whitening that transcends the physical realm. It is used to illustrate both the inherent divine glory of Christ and the spiritual purification granted to believers through His sacrifice. By contrasting this divine whitening with the limited abilities of an earthly fuller Mark 9:3 and identifying the blood of the Lamb as its source Revelation 7:14, scripture uses leukaínō to define a holiness that comes from God alone.
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