### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀπολούω (apoloúō, `{{G628}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀπό (apó, `{{G575}}`), meaning "from," "away from," or indicating completion, and the verb λούω (loúō, `{{G3068}}`), meaning "to wash" or "to bathe the entire body." The combination thus signifies "to wash thoroughly," "to wash completely away," or "to cleanse fully."
While its literal sense denotes a physical washing, its primary usage in the New Testament is figurative. It conveys the spiritual reality of having sins "washed away" or "remitted." The reflexive sense implied in its definition ("have remitted (reflexively)") suggests that the individual is the beneficiary of this cleansing, either by actively participating in the means of grace (e.g., baptism) or by being the passive recipient of God's cleansing action. The prefix ἀπό intensifies the action of washing, emphasizing the complete removal and separation from defilement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀπολούω (apoloúō, `{{G628}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, yet each occurrence is profoundly significant, illustrating its spiritual application:
1. **[[Acts 22:16]]**: In this passage, Ananias instructs Saul (who would become Paul) following his encounter with the risen Christ: "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Here, ἀπολούω is presented as a command to Saul, directly linking the act of baptism with the spiritual washing away of sins. The imperative "wash away thy sins" implies a volitional act on Saul's part, even though the actual cleansing is a divine work. It underscores the necessity of responding to God's call through the prescribed means. The phrase "calling on the name of the Lord" further emphasizes faith and invocation as integral to this process.
2. **[[1 Corinthians 6:11]]**: Paul, addressing the Corinthian believers and contrasting their former lives of unrighteousness with their present state, declares: "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." In this context, ἀπολούω is in the passive voice ("ye are washed"), indicating that the cleansing is an action performed *upon* the believers by God. It stands as the initial act in a transformative triad—washed, sanctified, justified—all accomplished "in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." This verse highlights the divine initiative and power in delivering believers from the defilement of sin and setting them apart for God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding ἀπολούω (apoloúō, `{{G628}}`) includes several related terms that illuminate its meaning and theological implications:
* **λούω (loúō, `{{G3068}}`)**: The base verb, meaning to wash or bathe the whole body. ἀπολούω intensifies this, emphasizing a complete removal.
* **νίπτω (níptō, `{{G3538}}`)**: To wash parts of the body, such as hands or feet, distinct from the full-body washing implied by λούω.
* **καθαίρω (kathaírō, `{{G2508}}`)** and **καθαρίζω (katharízō, `{{G2511}}`)**: Both mean "to cleanse" or "to purify," often with a focus on ceremonial or moral purity. While similar in outcome, ἀπολούω specifically evokes the imagery of washing away defilement.
* **βαπτίζω (baptízō, `{{G907}}`)**: To baptize, immerse. As seen in [[Acts 22:16]], baptism is the outward sign and act of obedience associated with the inward washing away of sins.
* **ἁγιάζω (hagiazō, `{{G37}}`)**: To sanctify, to make holy. In [[1 Corinthians 6:11]], being "washed" precedes and enables "sanctification," indicating that cleansing from sin is foundational to being set apart for God.
* **δικαιόω (dikaioō, `{{G1344}}`)**: To justify, to declare righteous. Also paired with "washed" in [[1 Corinthians 6:11]], signifying God's declaration of righteousness based on the removal of sin's guilt.
* **ἄφεσις (aphesis, `{{G859}}`)**: Remission, forgiveness, release. This concept is central to the figurative meaning of ἀπολούω, as the washing results in the remission of sins.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀπολούω (apoloúō, `{{G628}}`) is profound, touching upon core doctrines of salvation:
1. **Divine Initiative and Efficacy**: In [[1 Corinthians 6:11]], the passive voice "ye are washed" underscores that the ultimate power and efficacy of cleansing from sin reside with God. It is a work of grace, accomplished "in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." This divine action is not merely superficial but a deep, transformative purification.
2. **Human Response and Obedience**: While God is the agent of cleansing, [[Acts 22:16]] reveals a necessary human response. Saul is commanded to "arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins." This highlights the interplay between divine grace and human obedience, where faith is expressed through acts like baptism, which serve as the means by which God's cleansing work is appropriated.
3. **Complete Cleansing from Sin**: The prefix ἀπό ("away from," "completely") is crucial. It signifies a thorough and definitive removal of the defilement and guilt of sin, not merely a covering or a partial cleaning. This complete washing is foundational for a new life in Christ, enabling believers to be sanctified and justified.
4. **Foundation for New Life**: Being "washed" is presented as the initial and indispensable step in the believer's spiritual journey. It marks a decisive break from the former life of unrighteousness and prepares the individual for sanctification (being set apart for God) and justification (being declared righteous before God). This spiritual washing is the gateway to a life lived in communion with God.
5. **Connection to Christ's Atonement**: Although not explicitly stated within the definition of ἀπολούω, the spiritual washing away of sins is ultimately made possible by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His blood is the ultimate cleanser (cf. [[Revelation 1:5]], [[1 John 1:7]]), and the spiritual washing described by ἀπολούω is the application of the benefits of His finished work.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀπολούω (apoloúō, `{{G628}}`) signifies a complete and thorough washing, specifically employed in the New Testament to denote the spiritual cleansing and remission of sins. Its two occurrences, in [[Acts 22:16]] and [[1 Corinthians 6:11]], reveal a dynamic interplay between divine action and human response. In Acts, it is linked to baptism as the outward act associated with the washing away of sins through calling on the Lord's name. In 1 Corinthians, it describes a past, definitive divine act of purification performed upon believers, foundational to their sanctification and justification. The "ἀπό" prefix underscores the complete removal of sin's defilement, marking a decisive break from the old life and inaugurating a new existence in Christ. This profound spiritual washing, rooted in God's grace and Christ's atoning work, is essential for salvation and the commencement of a holy life.
TRV