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.
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.
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.
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.
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