ἐκμάσσω (ekmassō)
ekmassō
to wipe off
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekmassō means to wipe off or away, describing the physical act of cleaning a surface with a cloth. It appears in only five verses, primarily within the Gospels of Luke and John, where it captures intimate moments of service and care.
In Luke 7:38 and 44, Jesus observes a sinful woman wiping his feet with her tears and drying them with her hair, while Mary of Bethany uses a pound of costly ointment to anoint him before wiping his feet (John 12:3). The most striking instance is in John 13:5, where Jesus personally takes a towel to wash and wipe the disciples’ feet, reversing social roles to model humble service.
This word emphasizes thoroughness; the prefix ek- suggests wiping completely rather than just touching. Unlike general terms for cleaning, ekmassō implies a deliberate, personal action that removes dirt or moisture entirely. It highlights the tangible nature of Jesus’ ministry, showing how divine love is expressed through simple, physical acts of humility and attention to human need.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekmassō describes a thorough wiping away, often using a cloth or hair to remove moisture or dirt. In the Gospels, this action appears in moments of deep intimacy and service. When Jesus washes the disciples' feet in John 13:5, He uses a towel to wipe them clean, showing that true leadership involves humble care for others.
This physical act reveals how divine love meets human need. It is not just about cleaning; it is about restoring dignity and connection. Whether through tears or ointment, the wiping signifies a complete removal of what burdens us. We see this in Mary’s devotion and Jesus’ service, reminding us that God values personal attention and gentle acts of kindness.
For your faith, this word invites you to look for opportunities to serve with humility. It encourages you to offer care that is thorough and heartfelt, mirroring the way Jesus cared for His followers. In a world that often values status, this simple act of wiping feet stands as a powerful example of love in action.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wiped [them].1×
- wiped1×
- to wipe [them]1×
- she was wiping [them]1×
- having wiped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξέμασσεν1×
- ἐξέμαξεν.1×
- ἐξέμαξεν1×
- ἐκμάσσειν1×
- ἐκμάξασα1×
Key Verses
-
John 13:5
Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Jesus uses a towel to wipe the disciples' feet, modeling humble service and reversing social expectations.
-
Luke 7:38
Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
A sinful woman wipes Jesus' feet with her hair, showing repentance through intimate physical care.
-
John 12:3
Therefore Mary took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.
Mary anoints and wipes Jesus' feet with costly ointment, demonstrating profound devotion and honor.