ψώχω (psōchō)
psōchō
to rub
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb psōchō means simply to rub or rub to pieces. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 6:1, where it describes the disciples plucking and rubbing heads of grain in a field on the Sabbath.
This rare word is a variant form of psēchō, sharing the same root idea of friction. Its usage here highlights the physical action involved in preparing food, which became the basis for the Pharisees’ accusation that the disciples were working by breaking the grain.
Because it occurs so infrequently, the word does not carry a broad range of theological nuance. Instead, it serves as a precise descriptor of a mundane agricultural task, grounding the conflict in Luke’s narrative in a tangible, everyday activity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word psōchō describes a simple, physical act: rubbing grain between the palms to remove the husks before eating. In Luke’s Gospel, this mundane action becomes the flashpoint for a conflict with religious leaders who viewed even preparing food on the Sabbath as work. Jesus’ disciples were not stealing or harvesting; they were satisfying hunger in a way that was both necessary and gentle.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God sees the small details of daily life. He knows when you are tired, hungry, or seeking relief from a long day. The Sabbath was made for human good, not to burden those who are weary. When religious rules feel heavy, remember that Jesus defends the right to rest and eat without guilt.
This passage invites us to trust in a Father who cares about our basic needs. It is okay to seek comfort in simple things like food and rest. God’s grace covers the ordinary moments of life, turning them into opportunities to experience His provision and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rubbing [them]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ψώχοντες1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 6:1
Now on the second Sabbath after the first, he was going through the grain fields. His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate, rubbing them in their hands.
This verse uses psōchō to describe the specific physical motion of rubbing grain, which the Pharisees interpreted as unlawful work on the Sabbath.