ῥυτίς (rhutis)
rhutis
wrinkle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun rhutis refers to a wrinkle or fold in the skin, specifically describing the physical lines that appear on the face with age. It is a precise term for the marks of time on the body, capturing the natural process of human aging rather than any specific disease or injury.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Ephesians 5:27, where Paul describes the church as something without spot or wrinkle. The usage is metaphorical, applying a physical trait to a spiritual condition. Here, rhutis represents a flaw or defect that mars perfection, suggesting that the community of believers is to be presented in a state of complete integrity and purity.
The sources note that while the literal meaning is strictly anatomical, the figurative sense points to a blemish in character or standing. By using this concrete image, the text emphasizes the high standard of holiness expected of the church, free from the imperfections that typically accumulate over time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rhutis describes the fine lines that appear on skin as we age. It is a simple, physical mark of time. In Ephesians 5:27, Paul uses this image to describe the church. He says Christ wants to present her without spot or wrinkle. This means He desires a community free from moral flaws and spiritual blemishes.
For your faith, this is a message of hope. You do not have to hide your imperfections. Jesus works to cleanse and restore. He takes the marks of our past mistakes and heals them. His goal is to present us holy and blameless. This promise assures us that God’s grace can cover every flaw.
When you feel worn down by life, remember this hope. Christ is actively working in you. He is not finished with His work yet. Trust in His power to make you whole. His love covers every wrinkle of the soul.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wrinkle1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥυτίδα1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 5:27
that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without defect.
This verse uses rhutis metaphorically to show that Christ desires the church to be completely pure, without any moral blemish or defect.