The Greek word apoleíchō, represented by G621, is defined as to lick clean. It is a compound word derived from G575, meaning "off," and a base word meaning "to lick." This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the entirety of the Bible.
The single biblical use of G621 occurs in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The narrative describes the suffering of Lazarus, a beggar who was "desiring G1937 to be fed G5526 with the crumbs G5589 which fell G4098 from the rich man's G4145 table G5132." In this state of utter destitution, the scripture states, "moreover the dogs G2965 came G2064 and licked G621 his G846 sores G1668" Luke 16:21. The action powerfully illustrates the extremity of Lazarus's neglect and physical affliction.
Several related words from the context of Luke 16:21 help to illuminate the meaning of apoleíchō:
- G2965 kýōn (dog): The dogs are the agents performing the action of licking. This term is used literally here to describe the animals attending to Lazarus's sores Luke 16:21, but elsewhere it is used figuratively to warn believers to "beware of dogs" Philippians 3:2.
- G1668 hélkos (sore): This is the object that is being licked. It refers to an ulcer, highlighting Lazarus's painful condition. The word also appears in Revelation to describe the "grievous sore" that falls upon those who worship the beast Revelation 16:2.
- G4145 ploúsios (rich): This word describes the man whose wealth starkly contrasts with Lazarus's poverty. This contrast is the setting in which the dogs come to lick the beggar's sores Luke 16:21. While it denotes earthly wealth here, God is described as being rich in mercy Ephesians 2:4.
- G5589 psichíon (crumb): This word, meaning a little bit or morsel, emphasizes Lazarus's desperate hunger. His desire for even the crumbs from the table highlights the squalor in which he was found by the dogs Luke 16:21.
The theological significance of G621 is tied entirely to its singular, potent context.
- A Portrait of Extreme Suffering: The act of dogs licking a man's open sores G1668 is a graphic depiction of total helplessness and degradation. It places Lazarus in a position of being tended to only by street animals, which were often considered unclean Matthew 7:6.
- A Symbol of Human Neglect: While the rich man G4145 lives in luxury, Lazarus is ignored by his fellow man. The use of apoleíchō shows that the only physical interaction he receives is from dogs, starkly illustrating a failure of human compassion and mercy.
- The Great Reversal: This scene of profound earthly suffering, symbolized by the dogs licking his sores, sets the stage for the parable's main point. Lazarus's lowly state is dramatically reversed after death, providing a powerful lesson on eternal justice and the danger of ignoring the poor Luke 16:21.
In summary, apoleíchō G621 is a rare verb whose single biblical appearance delivers a powerful and lasting image. While its literal definition is simply to lick clean, its use in Luke 16:21 serves as a profound symbol of Lazarus's suffering, the rich man's indifference, and the great reversal of fortunes in the afterlife. The word demonstrates how a single, precise action can convey a deep theological message about mercy, judgment, and the values of God's kingdom.
TRV