### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pygmḗ**, represented by `{{G4435}}`, refers to the clenched hand or fist. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Based on its definition as "the fist as a weapon," its single usage as an adverb, translated as **oft**, implies a vigorous or thorough washing, as if scrubbing with the fist.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4435}}` is in [[Mark 7:3]], which describes a custom of the **Pharisees** `{{G5330}}` and all the **Jews** `{{G2453}}`. They would not **eat** `{{G2068}}` unless they first **wash** `{{G3538}}` their **hands** `{{G5495}}` "oft." This act was not for simple hygiene but was a matter of **holding** `{{G2902}}` fast to the **tradition** `{{G3862}}` of the **elders** `{{G4245}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify its meaning:
* `{{G3538}}` **níptō** (to wash): This is the action that `{{G4435}}` modifies. It is used for washing parts of the body, such as when Jesus washed the disciples' feet to teach a lesson in humility and service [[John 13:14]].
* `{{G3862}}` **parádosis** (tradition): This provides the motivation for the washing. The term can refer to human precepts, which can be vain deceit [[Colossians 2:8]], or to apostolic teachings delivered to the church [[1 Corinthians 11:2]].
* `{{G5330}}` **Pharisaîos** (Pharisee): This identifies the group practicing the ritual. They were a separatist Jewish sect noted for their focus on external righteousness, which led to rebukes for omitting weightier matters of the law like judgment and mercy [[Matthew 23:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4435}}` is tied to the conflict between divine law and human custom.
* **Ritualistic Observance:** The use of `{{G4435}}` is entirely within the context of ritual purity. The washing it describes is an act based on the **tradition** `{{G3862}}` of men, not a command from God [[Mark 7:3]].
* **Human vs. Divine Authority:** The surrounding context shows how these practices could lead to rejecting God's commandments in order to keep one's own **tradition** `{{G3862}}`, effectively making the word of God of no effect ([[Mark 7:9]], [[Mark 7:13]]).
* **External vs. Internal Purity:** The vigorous external washing described by `{{G4435}}` is part of a broader critique of the **Pharisees** `{{G5330}}`, who focused on cleaning the "outside of the cup" while their inward part was full of wickedness [[Luke 11:39]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4435}}` is a highly specific term whose only scriptural use highlights a central theme in the Gospels. It describes the vigorous, ritualistic hand-washing of the **Pharisees** `{{G5330}}`, an act rooted in the **tradition** `{{G3862}}` of the **elders** `{{G4245}}`. This single word serves as an entry point to understanding the biblical contrast between outward religious rituals and the internal purity of heart that God requires.
TRV