"to cleanse by bathing; mid. to cleanse one’s self; to procure one’s self to be cleansed; met., of sin, Acts 22:16; 1 Cor. 6:11*"
Definition and meaning
to cleanse by bathing; mid. to cleanse one’s self; to procure one’s self to be cleansed; met., of sin, Acts 22:16; 1 Cor. 6:11*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἀπολούω
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of apolouo (G628) across the King James Bible.
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
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Common questions
Strong's G628 (apolouo) is a Greek word that means: to cleanse by bathing; mid. to cleanse one’s self; to procure one’s self to be cleansed; met., of sin, Acts 22:16; 1 Cor. 6:11* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word apolouo (G628) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G628 is apolouo, a Greek word defined as: to cleanse by bathing; mid. to cleanse one’s self; to procure one’s self to be cleansed; met., of sin, Acts 22:16; 1 Cor. 6:11*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
apolouo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.