ἐμβάπτω (embaptō)
embaptō
to dip in
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb embaptō describes the simple, physical act of dipping something into a liquid. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both within the Synoptic Gospels, where it grounds the narrative in tangible detail rather than abstract theology. The word combines the prefix em-, meaning "in," with baptō, meaning "to dip" or "dye." This etymology highlights a localized action: an object is submerged briefly into a specific medium.
In Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:20, Jesus uses this term to identify his betrayer. He explains that the one who dips his hand in the bowl with him will betray him. Here, embaptō refers to the shared meal custom of dipping bread or vegetables into a communal dish. The image is intimate and ordinary, contrasting sharply with the gravity of the impending betrayal. By focusing on this mundane gesture, the text emphasizes the personal nature of the treachery.
While baptisma often carries heavy theological weight regarding initiation or cleansing, embaptō remains strictly descriptive in these instances. It does not imply a full immersion or a ritual washing, but rather a partial submersion for a specific purpose, such as tasting or sharing food. This distinction keeps the focus on the immediate context of the Last Supper, where the act of dipping serves as the marker of fellowship and, consequently, of betrayal.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἐμβάπτω (embaptō) captures a simple, physical act: dipping something into a liquid. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the accounts of the Last Supper. Jesus uses this term to describe the ordinary gesture of sharing bread or food from a common bowl. It is a moment of intimacy and fellowship among friends.
Yet this mundane action carries profound weight. Jesus identifies His betrayer through this shared meal, showing that betrayal often arises within close relationships. The word does not imply ritual washing or full immersion, but rather a brief, personal contact. It reminds us that our daily interactions hold deep significance.
In your own life, consider how small gestures of sharing and connection can reveal the true state of your heart. Whether in joy or sorrow, these moments of closeness matter to God. May you find grace in the simple acts of fellowship that bind us together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- is dipping1×
- having dipped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμβάψας1×
- ἐμβαπτόμενος1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:23
He answered, “He who dipped his hand with me in the dish will betray me.
This verse uses embaptō to identify Judas through the intimate act of sharing a dish, highlighting how betrayal emerges from close fellowship.
-
Mark 14:20
He answered them, “It is one of the twelve, he who dips with me in the dish.
Here, Jesus repeats the description of dipping with Him in the dish, emphasizing the personal nature of the treachery among the twelve.