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G911 · Greek · New Testament
βάπτω
baptō
Verb
to dip; to plunge into; to dye

Definition

Baptō (βάπτω) means "to dip, plunge into a liquid, to immerse briefly, to dye." It is the root of baptizō (G907) but has a more limited and literal sense. In the NT it appears in Luke 16:24 (Lazarus dipping his finger in water), John 13:26 (Jesus dipping the bread), and Revelation 19:13 (Christ's robe dipped in blood).

Usage & Theological Significance

The three NT uses of baptō span the mundane and the majestic. In Luke 16:24, the rich man begs Lazarus to baptō his finger in water — a small mercy in agony, contrasted with the great mercy he refused during his lifetime. In John 13:26, Jesus dips the psōmion (bread morsel) and gives it to Judas — a final act of grace to the betrayer. In Revelation 19:13, Christ's robe is dipped in blood — the blood of His enemies (Isaiah 63:3) or His own blood (atonement). The word that began with a finger in water ends with the conquering King whose robe tells the story of history.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 16:24 Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue.
John 13:26 Jesus answered, 'It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it.'
Revelation 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
Isaiah 63:3 I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

Related Words

External Resources

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