ἐκκαθαίρω
ekkathairō
to cleanse
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
SupportedThe Greek word ἐκκαθαίρω (ekkathairō) is a verb that translates to "to cleanse." This verb is used in the New Testament only twice. Given its limited usage, its meaning is clear and direct: it denotes the act of making something or someone free from impurities or contaminants. The range of usage is relatively narrow, suggesting that in these two instances, the author wanted to emphasize the concept of cleansing in a straightforward manner. This word does not convey nuanced or complex shades of meaning; instead, it offers a simple and explicit idea. In the context of the Bible, the significance of ἐκκαθαίρω lies in its association with the idea of spiritual purity or cleansing from sin, although this conclusion is based solely on the context of the occurrences of this word and may not be universally applicable.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text
Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.
2 Timothy 2:21If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.