### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ániptos**, represented by `{{G449}}`, means **unwashen** and describes a state of being "without ablution." It is derived from a negative particle and a word related to washing. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently in the context of ceremonial handwashing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G449}}` is used exclusively to describe the charge brought against Jesus's disciples by the Pharisees and scribes. They are criticized for eating bread with **unwashen** hands, which was considered "defiled" `{{G2839}}` according to their traditions [[Mark 7:2]]. The religious leaders directly questioned Jesus, asking why his disciples did not "walk according to the tradition of the elders" but instead ate with **unwashen** hands [[Mark 7:5]]. Jesus uses this accusation to teach a deeper truth, concluding that to eat with **unwashen** hands does not defile a person [[Matthew 15:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context surrounding the use of **unwashen**:
* `{{G2839}}` **koinós** (common, defiled, unclean, unholy): This word is used synonymously with `{{G449}}` to describe the disciples' hands, showing that the issue was one of ceremonial profanity, not literal dirtiness [[Mark 7:2]].
* `{{G2840}}` **koinóō** (to make (or consider) profane (ceremonially)): This is the action that the Pharisees believed was occurring. However, Jesus states that eating with unwashen hands does not **defile** a person [[Matthew 15:20]].
* `{{G4043}}` **peripatéō** (to live, deport oneself, follow): The Pharisees' question uses this word to imply that the disciples were not living correctly, framing their failure to wash as a deviation from the proper religious life [[Mark 7:5]].
* `{{G3201}}` **mémphomai** (to blame): This word describes the reaction of the Pharisees and scribes, who "found fault" with the disciples for their failure to adhere to this external ritual [[Mark 7:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G449}}` is revealed in the conflict it provokes. It is used to pivot from a discussion of external rituals to the nature of true purity.
* **Tradition vs. Truth:** The charge of having **unwashen** hands is rooted in "the tradition of the elders," not a divine command. The term's usage highlights the tension between human religious rules and spiritual reality [[Mark 7:5]].
* **The Source of Defilement:** The context of `{{G449}}` serves as a catalyst for Jesus's teaching that defilement is not external. It is not what goes into a person, such as food eaten with **unwashen** hands, but what comes out of the heart that truly defiles [[Matthew 15:20]].
* **Redefining Purity:** By declaring that eating with **unwashen** hands does not defile someone, Jesus reorients the concept of holiness, moving it away from outward performance and toward the inner state of a person. The fault found by the Pharisees [[Mark 7:2]] becomes the basis for a profound spiritual lesson.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G449}}` is more than a simple adjective for "unwashen." It functions as a key term in a pivotal debate about the nature of religious authority and spiritual purity. Its few appearances are concentrated in passages that contrast the superficiality of man-made traditions with the deeper, heart-level righteousness that is central to Jesus's teaching.
TRV