νίπτω (niptō)
niptō
to wash
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb niptō means to wash a specific part of the body, such as hands, feet, or face. It is distinct from general bathing terms because it usually refers to cleaning just one area rather than the whole person. In the New Testament, this word appears thirteen times, with significant usage in the Gospels and the pastoral epistles.
Its meaning becomes clear through concrete examples. Jesus uses it when washing his disciples’ feet in John 13:5-6, an act of humble service. He also mentions it regarding ritual hand-washing in Matthew 15:2 and Mark 7:3, addressing traditions of purity. The word emphasizes the physical act of cleansing a particular limb.
Etymologically, niptō is a later form of the older verb nizo. While both mean to wash, niptō became the standard term for washing parts like hands or feet in Koine Greek. Translators typically render it simply as "wash," capturing its straightforward, physical sense without adding spiritual metaphor unless the context implies it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word niptō refers to the simple, physical act of washing a specific part of the body, such as hands or feet. Unlike terms for full bathing, this verb focuses on cleaning particular limbs, highlighting the tangible nature of care and service. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from ritual purity to intimate acts of humility.
Jesus used this word when He washed His disciples’ feet in John 13, turning a common household task into a profound lesson on servanthood. By lowering Himself to perform this duty, He showed that true leadership involves meeting others’ practical needs with gentleness. This act invites us to look beyond status and serve those around us with the same humble willingness.
When we encounter this term in Scripture, it reminds us that spiritual truths are often lived out in everyday actions. Whether it is washing away dust or offering comfort to a weary friend, these small gestures reflect the heart of Christ. We are encouraged to find holiness in the ordinary moments where we can care for one another.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- washed2×
- to wash2×
- to wash,1×
- they wash1×
- they shall wash1×
- she has washed,1×
- shall You wash1×
- having washed1×
- do wash. yourself1×
- do wash, yourself1×
- do wash yourself1×
- do wash1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νίψαι2×
- νίπτειν2×
- ἔνιψεν,1×
- ἔνιψεν1×
- ἔνιψα1×
- ἐνίψατο1×
- ἐνιψάμην1×
- νίψῃς1×
- νίψωνται1×
- νίψω1×
- νίψασθαι,1×
- νίψαι.1×
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.
This verse captures Jesus performing the physical act of washing feet, establishing the word’s connection to humble service.
-
John 13:8
Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”
Peter’s resistance highlights the shock value of the Master serving a servant, emphasizing the necessity of this cleansing for fellowship.
-
Matthew 15:2
“Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For they don’t wash their hands when they eat bread.”
The Pharisees use this term to critique ritual hand-washing, showing how the word applies to external purity traditions rather than internal heart condition.
-
I Timothy 5:10
being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work.
Paul lists washing saints’ feet as a mark of good works, demonstrating that this physical act remains a valid expression of hospitality and service in the early church.