Lexical Summary rhutis: Wrinkle Original Word: ῥυτίς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wrinkle. From rhoumai; a fold (as drawing together), i.e. A wrinkle (especially on the face) -- wrinkle. see GREEK rhoumai HELPS Word-studies 4512 rhytís – properly, bunched up, contracted; (figuratively) "a wrinkle, from aging" (Souter). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from rhusos (shrivelled, wrinkled) Definition a wrinkle NASB Translation wrinkle (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4512: ῤυτίςῤυτίς, ῥυτιδος, ἡ ( Ρ᾽ΥΩ, to draw together, contract), a wrinkle: Ephesians 5:27. (Aristophanes, Plato, Diodorus 4, 51; Plutarch, Lucian, Anthol., others.) Topical Lexicon Conceptual Overview Strong’s Greek 4512 (ῥυτίδα, rhutída) denotes a “wrinkle,” a tiny fold or creasing that mars an otherwise smooth surface. Scripture employs the term metaphorically to describe anything that blurs pristine perfection, particularly in the moral and relational beauty of the redeemed community. Usage in Scripture Only occurrence: Ephesians 5:27 – “so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.” Paul situates ῥυτίδα between “spot” (σπῖλος) and “blemish” (τί τοιουτοῦ), forming a triad that intensifies the call to absolute purity for the bride of Christ. Historical and Cultural Background 1. Greco-Roman Context Theological Significance 1. Eschatological Presentation Christ’s purpose is not simply forgiveness but final glorification; ῥυτίδα underscores a future in which every residual effect of sin—no matter how fine or hidden—is eradicated (Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). The participles in Ephesians 5:26-27 (“cleansing,” “presenting”) bind the removal of wrinkles to ongoing sanctification through “the washing of water with the word.” A wrinkle-free bride magnifies the Groom’s grace; her spotless condition is evidence of His sanctifying love (John 17:19; Hebrews 10:14). The same God who demanded unblemished sacrifices now fashions an unblemished people (Romans 12:1). ῥυτίδα highlights continuity between covenantal worship and new-covenant holiness. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Pastoral Care Related Biblical Themes and Cross-References Spotless purity: Song of Solomon 4:7; 1 Peter 1:19 Bride imagery: Isaiah 62:5; Revelation 21:2 Garment metaphors: Isaiah 61:10; Colossians 3:12 Glorification: Romans 8:29-30; Jude 24 Conclusion ῥυτίδα serves as a vivid reminder that Christ’s redemptive work aims at nothing less than flawless beauty in His people. The eradication of every “wrinkle” portrays the consummation of grace, inviting believers to pursue holiness now in anticipation of the radiant unveiling yet to come. Forms and Transliterations ρυτιδα ρυτίδα ῥυτίδα rhytida rhytída rutidaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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