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ῥύπος (rhupos)

rhupos

filth

G4509 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun rhupos refers to physical dirt or filth, describing something that is visibly dirty or squalid. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 1 Peter 3:21, where Peter contrasts external washing with internal purity. The text uses the word to describe the removal of impurity from the flesh, highlighting a distinction between cleaning the body and cleansing the conscience before God.

Its usage in the Septuagint often translates Hebrew words for uncleanness or excrement, reinforcing its association with things that are ritually or morally defiling. By employing this concrete term, the author emphasizes that baptism is not merely a ritual washing of dirt but a spiritual appeal to God for a clear conscience, rooted in the resurrection of Christ.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word rhupos describes visible dirt or squalid grime that clings to the skin. In 1 Peter 3:21, this concrete term highlights a vital distinction between external washing and internal purity. The text clarifies that baptism is not about scrubbing away physical filth from the body. Instead, it points to a deeper spiritual reality concerning the state of your heart before God.

This passage invites you to look beyond surface-level rituals. It reminds us that true cleansing comes through a clear conscience and trust in Jesus Christ. The power lies not in the water itself, but in the resurrection that makes such spiritual renewal possible. You are invited to seek this inner peace and integrity in your daily walk.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • of [the] filth,1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • ῥύπου,1×

Key Verses

  • I Peter 3:21
    This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

    This verse uses rhupos to explicitly distinguish between the physical removal of dirt and the spiritual appeal for a clean conscience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does rhupos mean in the Bible?

Rhupos refers to physical dirt, filth, or squalid grime. It describes something visibly dirty that requires cleaning. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to contrast external washing with internal spiritual purity.

Where does this word appear in Scripture?

It appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 3:21. The author uses it to explain that baptism is not merely about removing physical dirt from the body but about seeking a good conscience toward God.

How is rhupos different from general sin?

While sin refers to moral failure, rhupos specifically denotes filth or defilement. In 1 Peter 3:21, it serves as a concrete image for external impurity, which is then contrasted with the internal cleansing of the conscience through Christ.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

I Peter 1 verse
I Peter 3:21

This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a…