from ῥύπος; to soil, i.e. (intransitively) to become dirty (morally):--be filthy.
Transliteration:rhypóō
Pronunciation:rhoo-po'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ῥυπόω (rhypóō, `{{G4510}}`) derives from the noun ῥύπος (rhypós, `{{G4509}}`), meaning "filth," "dirt," or "refuse." Thus, the primary sense of ῥυπόω is "to soil" or "to make dirty." As noted in its base definition, it often functions intransitively, meaning "to become dirty." Crucially, the semantic range extends beyond mere physical defilement to encompass a profound moral and spiritual dimension, signifying "to become morally dirty" or "to be filthy" in character and conduct. This moral application is paramount in its biblical usage, indicating a state of spiritual corruption or impurity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ῥυπόω (rhypóō, `{{G4510}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the climactic chapters of the book of Revelation:
* **[[Revelation 22:11]]**: "Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and let the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and let the one who is holy, still keep himself holy."
In this verse, ῥυπόω (rhypóō) is used in the present imperative, passive (or middle) voice ("ὁ ῥυπαρὸς ῥυπανθήτω ἔτι," literally "the filthy one, let him be made filthy still" or "let him become filthy still"). The context is profoundly eschatological, part of the final, irreversible pronouncements concerning the ultimate destiny of humanity. The phrase is not an encouragement to sin, but rather a solemn declaration of divine judgment and the irreversible nature of one's moral condition at the end of time. Those who have chosen a path of moral defilement, characterized by "doing wrong" (ἀδικέω, `{{G91}}`), will find their character fixed in that state of "filthiness." This stands in stark contrast to those who are "righteous" (δίκαιος, `{{G1342}}`) and "holy" (ἅγιος, `{{G40}}`), whose righteous and holy states are likewise solidified. The parallelism highlights the absolute dichotomy between those aligned with God's character and those who persist in rebellion and impurity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The immediate lexical kin to ῥυπόω (rhypóō, `{{G4510}}`) is its root noun ῥύπος (rhypós, `{{G4509}}`), meaning "filth" or "dirt." Concepts closely related to ῥυπόω in the New Testament's broader theological landscape include:
* **Defilement/Pollution:**
* μιαίνω (miainō, `{{G3392}}`): to defile, pollute, often with ritual or moral connotations.
* μολύνω (molynō, `{{G3435}}`): to stain, defile, or pollute, often physically but also morally (e.g., [[Revelation 3:4]] regarding garments not defiled).
* ἀκάθαρτος (akathartos, `{{G169}}`): unclean, impure (adjective).
* ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsia, `{{G170}}`): uncleanness, impurity (noun).
* **Purity/Holiness (Antonyms):**
* καθαρός (katharos, `{{G2513}}`): clean, pure.
* ἁγνός (hagnos, `{{G53}}`): pure, holy.
* ἁγιότης (hagiotes, `{{G41}}`): holiness.
* δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē, `{{G1343}}`): righteousness.
The concept of "soiling one's garments" as a metaphor for moral defilement is a recurrent theme in Revelation ([[Revelation 3:4]], [[Revelation 7:14]], [[Revelation 22:14]]), underscoring the deep connection between outward appearance and inward character.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of ῥυπόω (rhypóō, `{{G4510}}`) in [[Revelation 22:11]] carries immense theological weight, particularly concerning moral purity and divine judgment.
1. **The Defiling Nature of Sin:** The word underscores that sin is not merely a transgression of a rule but an act that fundamentally pollutes and corrupts the human soul and character. It renders one "filthy" in the eyes of a holy God.
2. **Eschatological Fixity of Character:** The imperative "let the one who is filthy, still be filthy" signifies a crucial theological truth: at the close of history, the moral and spiritual state of individuals becomes irrevocably fixed. There will be no further opportunity for repentance, cleansing, or transformation for those who have persistently chosen a path of impurity and rebellion against God.
3. **Divine Judgment and Separation:** This declaration is an act of divine judgment. God, in His absolute holiness, relinquishes the wicked to the chosen state of their own moral corruption. It highlights the ultimate and eternal separation between those who have been purified by God's grace and those who remain in their self-chosen state of spiritual "filthiness."
4. **Contrast with Holiness and Righteousness:** The stark juxtaposition with "righteous" and "holy" emphasizes the absolute dichotomy in the spiritual realm. God's ultimate purpose is to bring forth a people who reflect His holiness, while those who refuse this transformation will remain in their defiled state.
### Summary
ῥυπόω (rhypóō, `{{G4510}}`) denotes "to soil" or "to become dirty," with a predominant moral and spiritual connotation of "being filthy." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Revelation 22:11]] is profoundly significant, articulating a solemn eschatological truth. In this context, it declares the final and irreversible state of those who have chosen a path of moral defilement, contrasting sharply with the fixed righteousness and holiness of God's redeemed. The word thus powerfully conveys the defiling nature of sin, the necessity of moral purity before a holy God, and the ultimate, unchangeable consequences of unrepentant wickedness in the face of divine judgment. It underscores the ultimate separation between those who embrace God's holiness and those who persist in spiritual "filthiness."
TRV