Lexical Summary ekmasso: To wipe off, to wipe away Original Word: ἐκμάσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wipe. From ek and the base of massaomai; to knead out, i.e. (by analogy) to wipe dry -- wipe. see GREEK ek see GREEK massaomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and masso (to knead) Definition to knead out, by anal. to wipe dry NASB Translation wipe (1), wiped (3), wiping (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1591: ἐκμάσσωἐκμάσσω; imperfect ἐξεμασσον; 1 aorist ἐξεμαξα; to wipe off, to wipe away: with the accusative of object and dative of instrument, Luke 7:38, 44; John 11:2; John 12:3; John 13:5. (Sophocles, Euripides, Hippocrates, Aristotle, others, Sir. 12:11; Baruch 6 (ep. Jer.) 12, 23 (13, 24).) Topical Lexicon Term Overview The verb behind Strong’s Greek 1591 appears only five times and is always directed toward the feet of Jesus or His disciples. In every instance the action conveys loving, humble attention that accompanies either cleansing or anointing. The contexts combine hospitality, repentance, worship, and Jesus’ own example of servant–leadership. Cultural and Historical Background First-century travel left feet dusty and sore. A host customarily provided water for guests to wash, or a servant would perform the task (Genesis 18:4; 1 Samuel 25:41). To wipe the feet dry was the final, personal touch of that ministry. When performed by the homeowner or a woman of the house—and especially when hair rather than cloth was used—it signaled extraordinary honor and self-abasement. New Testament Usage • Luke 7:38 – A woman known for sin “began to wet His feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair,” dramatizing repentance and gratitude for forgiveness the Lord would shortly pronounce (Luke 7:48–50). Themes of Humble Service and Hospitality In Luke 7 and John 13 the wiping act brings shame upon proud hosts who omitted basic hospitality. The Gospel accounts elevate lowly service, declaring it the true measure of greatness in the kingdom (Matthew 20:26–28). By drying the disciples’ feet Himself, Jesus redefines leadership as costly self-giving, culminating at the cross. Expressions of Devotion and Worship Both the anonymous woman in Galilee and Mary in Bethany convert a menial chore into lavish worship. Their hair—an emblem of personal glory—is laid down at Jesus’ feet (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:15). The verb therefore becomes a vehicle of total surrender: nothing is withheld, not even one’s dignity. Discipleship and Cleansing John 13 links physical wiping to spiritual purification. Peter’s protest and Jesus’ reply (“Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me,” John 13:8) show that true discipleship requires submitting to Christ’s cleansing initiative. Afterward believers extend similar grace to one another: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:17). Liturgical and Pastoral Applications Many Christian traditions practice foot-washing on Maundy Thursday, reenacting the tableau of John 13. Whether formal or informal, the rite reminds the church that fellowship is maintained through ongoing acts of tender service and forgiveness (Galatians 5:13). Pastors have also used the Luke 7 narratives to counsel repentant sinners: genuine sorrow leads to concrete, love-filled actions that honor Christ. Summary Strong’s Greek 1591 describes no mere wiping of dust or tears; it portrays devoted hearts bowing to serve the Lord of glory. In every Gospel scene the action points beyond itself—to forgiveness offered, worship rendered, and a pattern of humble ministry entrusted to all who call Jesus Master and Teacher. Forms and Transliterations εκμαξασα εκμάξασα ἐκμάξασα εκμασσειν εκμάσσειν ἐκμάσσειν εκμετρηθήσεται εκμετρήσουσιν εκμιανθήναι εκμυελιεί εξέμαξε εξεμαξεν ἐξέμαξεν εξέμασσε εξεμασσεν ἐξέμασσεν εξεμιάνθη ekmassein ekmássein ekmaxasa ekmáxasa exemassen exémassen exemaxen exémaxenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 7:38 V-IIA-3SGRK: κεφαλῆς αὐτῆς ἐξέμασσεν καὶ κατεφίλει NAS: with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair KJV: and did wipe [them] with the hairs INT: head of her she was wiping [them] and was kissing Luke 7:44 V-AIA-3S John 11:2 V-APA-NFS John 12:3 V-AIA-3S John 13:5 V-PNA Strong's Greek 1591 |
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