ῥιπτέω

rhiptéō /hrip-teh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom a derivative of ῥίπτω
Meaningto toss up
KJV usagecast off.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word rhiptéō, represented by G4495, means to toss up or cast off. This term is exceptionally rare in the Bible, appearing only 1 time across 1 unique verse in scripture. Its specific meaning is derived from its singular, dramatic context.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole use of G4495 is found in Acts, where it captures a moment of extreme public agitation. As the crowd became enraged, they "cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air" Acts 22:23. In this narrative, the action of casting off garments is a physical expression of the crowd's uncontrollable fury and rejection of the message being delivered.

Related Words & Concepts

Two other words used in the same verse help illustrate the chaotic scene:

  • G2905 kraugázō (to clamor:--cry out): This word describes the vocal part of the crowd's outburst, happening at the same time they cast off their clothes. It is often used to describe the shouting of a mob, as when the crowd demanded "Crucify him" John 19:15.
  • G906 bállō (to throw): Used to describe the crowd throwing dust into the air Acts 22:23, this word signifies a more general and often violent act of casting. It is used in contexts like casting out the "great dragon" Revelation 12:9 and perfect love casting out fear 1 John 4:18.

Theological Significance

The significance of G4495 is rooted entirely in its narrative function within its single appearance.

  • A Sign of Rage: The act of casting off clothes is a physical manifestation of violent emotion. It is presented as part of a trio of furious actions—crying out, casting off clothes, and throwing dust—that together paint a vivid picture of a mob's frenzy Acts 22:23.
  • An Act of Rejection: In this context, to cast off is not merely to remove an item but to forcefully and symbolically reject a person and their message. The action visually communicates the crowd's complete and utter dismissal of what they have just heard.

Summary

In summary, G4495 is a highly specific verb that, while appearing only once, offers a powerful and descriptive detail. Its singular use in the book of Acts to mean cast off provides a unique glimpse into the physical expression of intense anger and rejection. Paired with the surrounding actions of crying out and throwing dust, it helps to create one of the most vivid scenes of crowd fury in the New Testament.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 8 occurrences, inflected in 7 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Neuter 1×
  • Perfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

1 verse, all in Acts.

Verse Explorer

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