### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apoplýnō**, represented by `{{G637}}`, means **to rinse off** or **wash**. It is a very specific term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. The word is formed from the Greek words `ἀπό` (off) and `πλύνω` (to wash), indicating an action of washing something to remove what is on it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G637}}` in scripture is found in a narrative moment just before Jesus calls his first disciples. The fishermen{G231}, having disembarked from their ships{G4143}, are seen **washing** their nets{G1350} by the lake [[Luke 5:2]]. This action portrays the ordinary, daily work of fishermen cleaning their tools after a night of labor, setting a scene of mundane activity that is about to be interrupted by a divine call.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{G637}}` is enriched by the words surrounding it in its only appearance:
* `{{G231}}` **halieús** (a sailor...a fisher): This identifies the men performing the action as **fishermen**. They are the subjects who were washing their nets, and are later called by Jesus to become "fishers of men" [[Matthew 4:19]].
* `{{G1350}}` **díktyon** (a seine (for fishing):--net): This specifies the object being washed. The **nets** are the central tool of the fishermen's trade, and they are mentioned frequently in the calling of the disciples, such as when they are left behind to follow Jesus [[Matthew 4:20]] or let down at his command [[Luke 5:4]].
* `{{G576}}` **apobaínō** (literally, to disembark): This word describes the fishermen having "gone out of" their ships. It sets the scene on the shore, establishing that the men had concluded their work on the water before beginning the task of **washing** their gear [[Luke 5:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G637}}` is derived entirely from its narrative context, as it portrays a moment of transition.
* **A Divine Encounter in an Ordinary Task:** The act of **washing** nets highlights the ordinary, everyday reality of the fishermen's lives. It is into this scene of routine labor that Jesus arrives, demonstrating that his call often comes amidst the mundane duties of life [[Luke 5:2]].
* **The End of a Profession:** This act of cleaning nets after a night of catching nothing represents the conclusion of the disciples' former way of life. They are performing their final duties as fishermen just before Jesus calls them to a new purpose [[Matthew 4:19]].
* **Leaving the Tools Behind:** Immediately following this scene, the disciples are called to follow Jesus. In response, they leave their **nets** `{{G1350}}`, the very tools they were just **washing**, to embark on a new mission ([[Matthew 4:20]], [[Mark 1:18]]). The act of washing gives way to an act of abandonment for a higher calling.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G637}}` **apoplýnō** is a highly specific word whose importance comes from its singular, context-setting use. While simply meaning **to rinse off**, it marks the pivotal moment when the disciples' old life of labor gives way to a new spiritual calling. It illustrates how a simple, descriptive action can establish the setting for one of the most significant events in the Gospels: the call to leave the nets behind and become fishers of men.
TRV