Quick NT Lexicon for Baptism

Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 1:07 PM [General]

Baptism of Neophytes - Masaccio (Cappella Brancacci, Florence)

G907: βαπτίζω, baptizō (TC=80), 1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge 2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging 3) to overwhelm

G908: βάπτισμα, baptisma (TC=22), 1) immersion, submersion a) of calamities and afflictions (Mar 10:38; Luk 12:50; cp. Mat 20:22) b) John's baptism, that purification c) of Christian baptism
G909: βαπτισμός, baptismos (TC=4), 1) washing, purification effected by means of water a) washing prescribed by the Mosaic law (Heb 9:10)

G910: βαπτιστής, baptistēs (TC=14), 1) a baptiser [immerser] 2) one who administers the rite of baptism 3) surname [nickname] of John, the forerunner of Christ

G911: βάπτω, baptō (TC=3), 1) to dip, dip in, immerse 2) to dip into dye, to dye, colour ("Not to be confused with 907, baptizo ..." - see box)

This word [baptizō] should not be confused with baptō (911). The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be 'dipped' (baptō) into boiling water and then 'baptised' (baptizō) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptising the vegetable, [sic!!!] produces a permanent change.
-- from Blue Letter Bible, βαπτίζω, baptizō - G907, Outline of Biblical Usage [emphasis and [notes] added by MdS]