NAS Word Usage – Total: 5

1. to anoint or wash in every part
   1. to besmear: i.e. cover with lime (to whitewash or plaster)
2. to wipe off, wipe away
   1. to obliterate, erase, wipe out, blot out

The Greek Language and Biblical Interpretation

Greek was a widely spoken language during the time the New Testament was written. Understanding Greek words can give us better comprehension of the texts we read in the Bible. “Exaleipho” is one such word that, when translated, provides insights into the depth of God’s message.

What Does Exaleipho Mean?

The Greek word “Exaleipho” (ἐξαλείφω) is a verb that means “to wipe out” or “to blot out.” It is a combination of two parts: “ex” (ἐξ), meaning “out of,” and “aleipho” (ἀλείφω), which means “to anoint” or “to smear.” When put together, “Exaleipho” conveys the idea of wiping something away completely. It’s used in Greek to describe actions like erasing writing from a parchment or removing stains.

In the context of the Bible, “Exaleipho” is used to symbolize the removal of sin, guilt, or even memories from existence, illustrating God’s power to cleanse and forgive totally.

Scriptural References to Exaleipho

To fully understand the impact of “Exaleipho,” let’s look at some key verses where this word is employed.

Acts 3:19 – Sins Blotted Out

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19, NIV)

In this verse, Peter addresses the crowd, emphasizing repentance and conversion. The phrase “your sins may be wiped out” uses the word “Exaleipho.” Here, it describes God’s merciful act of completely removing sins. This metaphor paints a vivid picture of God erasing our transgressions, leaving no trace behind.

Colossians 2:14 – The Written Code Canceled

“He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:14, NLT)

Paul speaks about the legal debt of our sins being canceled. The term “canceled” here is derived from “Exaleipho.” It signifies how Christ’s sacrifice nullifies the written record of our debts (sins), symbolically wiping them clean from God’s sight.

Revelation 3:5 – Names Not Blotted Out

“The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” (Revelation 3:5, NIV)

In this promise to the faithful in Sardis, Jesus guarantees that their names will never be “blotted out” from the book of life. The use of “Exaleipho” signifies an unerasable permanence for those who overcome, ensuring their eternal security.

Theological Implications of Exaleipho

The consistent use of “Exaleipho” throughout the New Testament highlights several theological themes:

Total Forgiveness

“Exaleipho” assures believers of total forgiveness. When God “exaleipho” our sins, it means they are completely wiped away, not just for a moment but eternally. This absolute erasure reinforces the completeness of Christ’s atonement.

Divine Grace

The word also underscores the concept of divine grace. It’s not just about forgiveness, but about the extent to which God is willing to forget our sins. It moves beyond human capacity, depicting a divine intervention that transcends human limitations.

Eternal Security

In Revelation, “Exaleipho” denotes the stability and security of salvation. It’s a promise to believers that nothing can erase their names from the book of life, assuring them of their eternal status with God.

The Symbolism of Wiping Out

The imagery invoked by “Exaleipho” is powerful. In ancient times, writing was done on materials like papyrus or parchment, and ink could be wiped away with water to reuse the materials. Much like this ink that leaves the surface clean and ready for new writing, “Exaleipho” signifies the removal of our sins, leaving us renewed and clean.

This metaphor connects us to the ancient practices and underscores how comprehensive God’s forgiveness is described in the Bible.

Real-life Application

Understanding “Exaleipho” encourages us to embrace the facets of Christian faith deeply:

1. For Personal Forgiveness: Recognize that God’s forgiveness wipes away your sins entirely. This knowledge can free you from the chains of guilt and shame.
2. For Interpersonal Relationships: Just as God wipes away our sins, we are called to forgive others, aspiring to a form of holy “exaleipho” in our relationships.
3. For Assurance: Rest in the assurance that, as a believer, your name remains in the book of life, giving you eternal security and peace.

Conclusion

The Greek word “Exaleipho” is a small but profound key to understanding biblical forgiveness and grace. It’s not just about wiping out sins; it’s about a divine promise of complete and total cleansing. Through understanding “Exaleipho” in the biblical context, we gain deeper insights into God’s love, grace, and the assurances He gives to believers.

Whether you are a casual reader or a serious Bible student, grasping the meaning of “Exaleipho” can enrich your spiritual journey, helping you appreciate the depth of divine forgiveness and eternal security bestowed upon believers.

In understanding the power and depth of “Exaleipho,” we can more fully appreciate the profound gift of redemption and grace offered through Jesus Christ, enabling us to live more freely and confidently in our faith.