### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb λούω (loúō), Strong's `{{G3068}}`, fundamentally signifies "to bathe" or "to wash the entire body." This definition is critical, as it distinguishes λούω from other related terms of cleansing in the New Testament. Specifically, it contrasts with νίπτω (níptō, `{{G3538}}`), which refers to washing a part of the body (e.g., hands, feet, face), and πλύνω (plýnō, `{{G4150}}`), which is exclusively used for washing garments. Thus, λούω conveys the idea of a complete, comprehensive cleansing of the whole person, not merely a partial or superficial act. Its semantic range therefore extends from literal physical bathing to profound spiritual purification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of λούω in the New Testament consistently uphold its core meaning of full-body washing, often with significant theological implications:
* In [[John 13:10]], Jesus tells Peter, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean." Here, λούω (bathed) is contrasted directly with νίπτω (wash his feet). This illustrates that once a person has undergone a complete cleansing (symbolizing salvation or initial spiritual purification), only ongoing, partial cleansing (symbolizing daily repentance and forgiveness) is necessary for continued fellowship. The "completely clean" refers to the spiritual state achieved through Christ.
* [[Acts 9:37]] describes the preparation of Dorcas's body after her death: "they washed her." This is a straightforward reference to the physical cleansing of a deceased person's body, reflecting a common practice.
* In [[Acts 16:33]], the Philippian jailer takes Paul and Silas "and washed their wounds." While referring to specific injuries, the use of λούω here implies a thorough, comprehensive cleansing of the affected areas, perhaps indicating a full ablution of the injured parts of their bodies, rather than a mere superficial rinse.
* Perhaps the most profound theological usage appears in [[Hebrews 10:22]]: "let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." This passage is widely understood to refer to Christian baptism. The "washing of our bodies with pure water" (λούω) signifies the complete external and internal purification that accompanies conversion and baptism, symbolizing the cleansing from sin and the new life in Christ. It points to the efficacy of the New Covenant's provision for a true and lasting cleansing, in contrast to the repeated, incomplete washings of the Old Covenant.
* [[2 Peter 2:22]] uses λούω in a proverb: "A dog returns to its own vomit, and a sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire." Here, the physical act of washing (λούω) is depicted as insufficient to change the inherent nature of the animal. Metaphorically, it highlights that mere outward conformity or superficial cleansing without genuine inner transformation is ultimately futile for those who return to a life of sin after professing faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
The distinct meaning of λούω is best understood in contrast to:
* νίπτω (níptō, `{{G3538}}`): To wash a part of the body (e.g., [[John 13:5]], [[Matthew 15:2]]).
* πλύνω (plýnō, `{{G4150}}`): To wash garments (e.g., [[Luke 5:2]], [[Revelation 7:14]]).
Concepts closely associated with λούω include:
* **Purity and Cleansing:** The fundamental idea of being made clean, both physically and spiritually.
* **Sanctification:** The process of being set apart and made holy, often initiated by a decisive act of cleansing.
* **Baptism:** As seen in [[Hebrews 10:22]], λούω strongly evokes the imagery and theological significance of Christian baptism as an outward sign of inward purification.
* **Redemption and Forgiveness:** The ultimate source of the "washing" in a spiritual sense is the atoning work of Christ, which provides complete forgiveness and liberation from sin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λούω lies in its emphasis on *completeness* and *thoroughness* in the act of cleansing. Unlike the partial washings common in Jewish ritual law, λούω points to a definitive and comprehensive purification.
In the context of salvation, the "bathing" described in [[John 13:10]] and [[Hebrews 10:22]] signifies the profound and complete cleansing from sin that occurs when one is united with Christ. This is not a partial remission but a full removal of guilt and defilement, rendering the believer "completely clean" in God's sight. This spiritual bathing is a once-for-all event, foundational to the believer's standing before God.
Furthermore, the imagery in [[Hebrews 10:22]] strongly links λούω to Christian baptism, portraying it not merely as a symbolic act but as a powerful representation of the spiritual reality of new birth and a cleansed conscience. It underscores the definitive break from a life of sin and the entry into a new covenant relationship with God.
The contrast with 2 Peter 2:22 highlights the critical distinction between outward, superficial cleansing and genuine, inward transformation. True spiritual "bathing" results in a changed nature and a life that does not return to the "mire" of sin, underscoring the need for a radical, holistic work of grace.
### Summary
The Greek verb λούω (loúō, `{{G3068}}`) denotes the act of washing or bathing the entire body, distinguishing it sharply from washing only a part of the body (νίπτω, `{{G3538}}`) or washing garments (πλύνω, `{{G4150}}`). This emphasis on a complete cleansing carries profound theological weight in the New Testament. While used for literal physical washing, λούω most significantly symbolizes the comprehensive spiritual purification and forgiveness provided by Christ through His atoning work. It is particularly associated with the imagery of Christian baptism in [[Hebrews 10:22]], representing the definitive cleansing from sin and the initiation into a new life in Christ. This "whole-person" cleansing signifies a radical and transformative work of grace, contrasting with any superficial or incomplete change.
TRV