λευκαίνω (leukainō)
leukainō
to bleach
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb leukainō means to bleach or make something white. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in vivid imagery related to purity and judgment. Mark 9:3 uses it to describe how Jesus’ clothes became dazzling white, whiter than any earthly launderer could achieve, signaling a divine transformation. Similarly, Revelation 7:14 speaks of robes that have been whitened, symbolizing spiritual cleansing through Christ’s sacrifice.
This word carries a strong sense of active change — not just appearing white, but being made so by an external force. Its root connects to leukos, meaning "white," and it often appears in contexts where purity is contrasted with defilement. Unlike passive descriptions of color, leukainō implies intentional action, whether divine or symbolic.
Translators typically render it as "whiten" or "make white," though the theological weight goes beyond mere appearance. In both Mark and Revelation, whiteness represents holiness and victory over sin. The rarity of this word underscores its power — when it appears, it marks a moment of profound spiritual significance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word leukainō describes a dramatic change, like fabric being bleached to a brilliant white. In Mark 9:3, it shows Jesus’ clothes becoming whiter than any human launderer could achieve. This moment reveals His divine glory shining through His humanity. It reminds us that true purity comes from God alone, not from our own efforts.
In Revelation 7:14, the same word describes robes made white in the Lamb’s blood. This image points to the cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice. When we face guilt or shame, this verse offers hope. Our sins are not just covered; they are transformed by grace into something clean and new.
Leukainō teaches us that God actively changes us. He does not leave us in our old state but makes us new. This promise encourages us to trust Him with our deepest flaws. His power is greater than any stain we carry.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to whiten.1×
- made white1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐλεύκαναν1×
- λευκᾶναι.1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 9:3
His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.
The verb highlights Jesus’ divine glory by describing a whiteness beyond human capability, signaling His unique identity.
-
Revelation of John 7:14
I told him, “My lord, you know.” He said to me, “These are those who came out of the great suffering. They washed their robes and made them white in the Lamb’s blood.
It emphasizes that spiritual purity is achieved through the active cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice, not human effort.