λουτρόν (loutron)
loutron
washing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun loutron refers to the act of bathing or the water used in that process. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both times in pastoral letters by Paul. The word describes a physical cleansing with water, serving as the concrete image for spiritual purification.
In Ephesians 5:26, Paul speaks of Christ sanctifying the church "by the washing of water with the word." Here, loutron is paired with the concept of divine speech, linking the physical act of bathing to the spiritual work of God. Similarly, Titus 3:5 connects this washing to regeneration, describing it as the "washing of regeneration" that saves believers not by their own righteous deeds but by God's mercy.
This term distinguishes the general concept of cleansing from the specific ritual or act of bathing. While other Greek words might refer to spiritual purity in abstract terms, loutron grounds the idea in the tangible experience of a bath. It reminds readers that salvation involves a real, thorough cleaning, much like water removes dirt from the body.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word loutron points to the simple, physical act of bathing. In Scripture, it is not used for a quick rinse but for a thorough cleansing that removes dirt and restores freshness. When Paul uses this term, he takes something we all understand—the relief of a clean body—and applies it to our souls. It reminds us that God’s work in us is real and complete, not just a vague idea.
In Ephesians 5:26, we see Christ cleansing the church with water and the Word. This suggests that spiritual purity comes from God’s truth, much like water cleanses the skin. Similarly, Titus 3:5 describes this washing as part of regeneration. It is not about our own efforts to be good enough, but about God’s mercy washing us clean. This image offers comfort: you do not have to scrub away your past; Christ does the work.
Knowing that salvation involves such a thorough cleansing can bring peace. You are not left with spiritual residue or half-measures. The same power that cleanses the body is at work in your heart, renewing you from the inside out. This assurance allows you to rest in what God has already done for you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- washing1×
- [the] washing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λουτρῷ1×
- λουτροῦ1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 5:26
that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
This verse links the physical act of washing with the spiritual power of God's Word, showing how truth purifies the believer.
-
Titus 3:5
not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Here the term highlights that salvation is a gift of mercy and regeneration, distinct from human works or merit.