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G633 · Greek · New Testament
ἀπονίπτω
aponipho
Verb
To wash off / Wash one's hands

Definition

A verb meaning 'to wash off' or 'to wash one's hands of something.' Used once in Matthew 27:24 for Pilate washing his hands to declare his innocence in Jesus's condemnation.

Usage & Theological Significance

Aponipho (G633) appears in Matthew 27:24: 'So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands (apenipsato tas cheiras) before the crowd, saying, 'I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.'' The gesture alludes to the OT ritual of Deuteronomy 21:6-7 where elders washed hands to declare innocence in an unsolved murder. Pilate's gesture is theologically rich in irony: he performs a Jewish ritual to absolve himself of a Jewish execution, while the Jewish crowd accepts the blood-guilt he rejects. Yet his disclaimer changes nothing -- he made the decision.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 27:24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands (apenipsato tas cheiras) before the crowd.
Matthew 27:25 And all the people answered, 'His blood be on us and on our children!'
Deuteronomy 21:6 And all the elders of that city nearest to the slain man shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Isaiah 1:18 'Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.'

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