### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ψώχω (psṓchō, `{{G5597}}`) carries the primary meaning "to rub," specifically to rub something *out* or *off*. Its base definition, as a prolongation from the same root as ψάλλω (psállō, `{{G5567}}`), suggests a tactile action involving friction. While ψάλλω often refers to plucking strings or singing, the shared etymological root points to a fundamental concept of manipulation by touch. However, ψώχω specifies a more forceful, triturating action—to rub kernels from husks with the fingers or hand. This implies a process of separation or extraction through friction, distinguishing it from a mere casual touch. The nuance is not simply "to touch," but "to rub *away*," "to rub *clean*," or "to rub *out*."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ψώχω (psṓchō, `{{G5597}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 6:1]]**: "On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them."
* In this sole occurrence, ψώχω vividly describes the action of the disciples. They are not merely plucking grain but actively "rubbing" (ἔψωχον, imperfect active indicative of ψώχω) the heads of grain in their hands. This action is crucial because it directly relates to the process of preparing food from raw grain. To "rub" the grain in this context is to separate the edible kernels from the husks, a miniature, manual form of threshing or winnowing.
* The significance of this act lies in its timing: "on a Sabbath." The Pharisees immediately seize upon this action, accusing the disciples of doing what is "unlawful on the Sabbath" (ποιεῖν οὐκ ἔξεστιν τοῖς σαββάτοις). From their perspective, the act of rubbing the grain was tantamount to threshing, a form of work forbidden on the Sabbath according to their interpretation of the Law. This seemingly simple action thus becomes the catalyst for a significant theological discourse by Jesus concerning the true purpose and meaning of the Sabbath.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ψάλλω (psállō, `{{G5567}}`):** As noted in the base definition, ψώχω is a prolongation from the same root as ψάλλω. While ψάλλω typically means "to pluck" (especially strings of an instrument) or "to sing to the harp," the shared root suggests an underlying concept of tactile manipulation or striking. ψώχω specifies this manipulation as a rubbing action for separation, whereas ψάλλω implies a plucking or vibrating action.
* **Agricultural Labor:** The act described by ψώχω is a small-scale, personal agricultural labor. It connects to broader concepts of harvesting (θερίζω, `{{G2325}}`), threshing (ἀλοάω, `{{G257}}`), and winnowing, all of which were regulated by Sabbath law. The disciples' action, though minor, mirrors the forbidden activities of larger-scale agricultural work.
* **Sabbath Observance:** The context of [[Luke 6:1]] places ψώχω directly within the debate surrounding Sabbath laws. The word itself highlights the specific manual labor that the Pharisees deemed unlawful. This brings into focus the tension between strict legalistic interpretation and the compassionate application of divine law.
* **Necessity:** The disciples rub the grain to eat, implying hunger and necessity. This concept is central to Jesus' defense, as He cites examples where human need superseded ritualistic adherence (David eating the showbread, priests working in the temple).
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of ψώχω (psṓchō, `{{G5597}}`) in the New Testament holds profound theological weight, serving as a pivotal point for Jesus' teaching on the Sabbath.
1. **The Lord of the Sabbath:** The seemingly mundane act of "rubbing" grain becomes the specific point of contention that allows Jesus to declare His authority over the Sabbath. By defending His disciples, Jesus challenges the rigid, burdensome interpretations of the Mosaic Law prevalent among the Pharisees. He asserts that "The Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath" [[Luke 6:5]], indicating that the Sabbath was made for humanity's benefit, not as an oppressive burden.
2. **Human Need vs. Ritual Law:** The disciples' hunger justifies their action. Jesus prioritizes human well-being and basic sustenance over a meticulous, unbending adherence to ritualistic regulations. The act of ψώχω underscores the compassionate nature of God, who desires mercy over sacrifice, and whose laws are designed for life and flourishing, not for legalistic bondage.
3. **The Spirit of the Law:** While the Pharisees focused on the letter of the law (the *act* of rubbing/threshing), Jesus emphasizes the spirit of the law. The disciples were not engaged in commercial labor or wanton disregard for the Sabbath; they were simply satisfying a legitimate need. This highlights Jesus' consistent teaching that the heart and intent behind an action are paramount.
### Summary
The Greek verb ψώχω (psṓchō, `{{G5597}}`) precisely describes the action of "rubbing" kernels from husks, a specific triturating motion for separation. Its singular, yet highly significant, occurrence in [[Luke 6:1]] provides the immediate context for Jesus' profound teaching on the Sabbath. The disciples' act of ψώχωing grain, though a simple means of satisfying hunger, was deemed unlawful labor by the Pharisees. This mundane action thus becomes the focal point for Jesus to reveal His authority as "Lord of the Sabbath," to underscore the priority of human need and divine compassion over rigid legalism, and to emphasize the spirit of the Law over its letter. ψώχω therefore, while descriptive of a physical act, serves as a crucial theological touchstone in the narrative of Jesus' ministry.
TRV