### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀποπλύνω (apoplýnō) `{{G637}}` is a compound word derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo), meaning "from" or indicating completion/separation, and the verb πλύνω (plynō) `{{G4230}}`, meaning "to wash, rinse, or cleanse." The combination yields a core meaning of "to rinse off" or "to wash thoroughly," emphasizing the complete removal of impurities or dirt from an object. The prefix ἀπό intensifies the action of washing, suggesting a definitive separation of the grime from the item being cleaned. Its semantic range is primarily focused on a physical act of purification, ensuring that something is made clean and free from residue.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀποπλύνω (apoplýnō) `{{G637}}` appears only once in the New Testament:
* [[Luke 5:2]]: "And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets." (καὶ εἶδεν δύο πλοῖα ἑστῶτα παρὰ τὴν λίμνην, οἱ δὲ ἁλιεῖς ἀπ᾽ αὐτῶν ἀποβάντες *ἔπλυνον* τὰ δίκτυα.)
In this sole instance, the word describes the pragmatic activity of fishermen after a night of work. Their nets, having been used in the lake, would naturally accumulate mud, weeds, debris, and perhaps small, unwanted catch. The act of "washing" (ἀποπλύνω) them was essential to remove these impurities, ensuring the nets were clean, tangle-free, and ready for their next use. The choice of ἀποπλύνω here, as opposed to a more general term for washing, underscores the thoroughness required to clean fishing nets effectively, highlighting a diligent and necessary part of their craft.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πλύνω (plynō) `{{G4230}}`:** This is the root verb from which ἀποπλύνω is formed. It means "to wash, rinse, or cleanse." It appears in [[Revelation 7:14]] describing those who "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb," indicating a profound spiritual cleansing.
* **λούω (louō) `{{G3068}}`:** Refers to washing the entire body, to bathe. It is used in contexts such as ritual purification or baptism, as seen in [[Acts 22:16]] where Ananias tells Paul, "Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins."
* **νίπτω (niptō) `{{G3538}}`:** Denotes washing parts of the body, particularly hands or feet. Examples include the Pharisees' custom of washing hands before eating ([[Mark 7:3]]) or Jesus washing the disciples' feet ([[John 13:5]]).
* **καθαρίζω (katharizō) `{{G2511}}`:** A broader term meaning "to cleanse, purify," which can apply to physical, ritual, or moral/spiritual purification (e.g., cleansing from leprosy, cleansing from sin). While ἀποπλύνω describes a specific method of physical cleansing, καθαρίζω encompasses a wider range of purification.
* **ἀπολούω (apolouō) `{{G628}}`:** Similar to ἀποπλύνω in its use of the ἀπό prefix, but derived from λούω. It means "to wash off" or "to wash oneself clean." This word is explicitly used in a spiritual sense in [[Acts 22:16]] for washing away sins through baptism, demonstrating the spiritual application of a physical cleansing concept.
### Theological Significance
Although ἀποπλύνω (apoplýnō) `{{G637}}` is found only in a literal context describing the washing of fishing nets, its connection to the broader biblical theme of "washing" lends it a subtle theological resonance.
* **Preparation and Diligence:** The act of washing nets in [[Luke 5:2]] underscores the diligence and thoroughness required in preparation for future endeavors. Just as fishermen painstakingly clean their tools, believers are called to be purified and prepared for God's service. This preparation often involves the removal of "debris" or sin that could hinder effective ministry.
* **Analogy for Spiritual Cleansing:** While ἀποπλύνω is physical, the concept of "washing" throughout Scripture frequently serves as a powerful analogy for spiritual purification, sanctification, and the removal of sin. The thoroughness implied by the ἀπό prefix in ἀποπλύνω can metaphorically point to the complete and definitive nature of the spiritual cleansing offered by God's grace. The related words, particularly πλύνω `{{G4230}}` and ἀπολούω `{{G628}}`, explicitly connect physical washing to the profound spiritual work of redemption and purification through Christ's sacrifice and baptism.
* **Human Action and Divine Grace:** In [[Luke 5:2]], the washing is a human action. However, in the broader theological landscape, ultimate spiritual cleansing is a divine work, often attributed to the atoning blood of Christ ([[Revelation 7:14]]) or the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The human act of physical cleansing can thus serve as a tangible, if humble, reflection of the deeper, spiritual purification wrought by God.
### Summary
ἀποπλύνω (apoplýnō) `{{G637}}` is a Greek verb meaning "to rinse off" or "to wash thoroughly," emphasizing a complete and definitive act of cleansing. Formed from ἀπό (away from, completely) and πλύνω (to wash), its sole occurrence in the New Testament is in [[Luke 5:2]], where it describes fishermen diligently washing their nets. This practical action highlights the necessity of thorough preparation and the removal of impediments for future work. While its direct biblical application is literal, ἀποπλύνω belongs to a family of Greek words for "washing" that are frequently employed metaphorically throughout Scripture to convey profound theological concepts of spiritual cleansing, purification from sin, and preparation for divine service. The thoroughness implied by ἀποπλύνω subtly reinforces the comprehensive nature of both physical and spiritual purification.
TRV