[Greek] βάπτω (baptō), [French] immerger, [Latin] aspergere, [Old German] dunken: to dip, to steep, to moisten, to bathe, to stain; Lk.16:24, Jn.13:26, Rev. 19:13
Background Information:
Secular history: Blacksmiths dip the red-hot steel in water to temper it. Potters use this process in glazing earthen vessels. Clothing is dipped in dyeing solution. This can refer to slaying (dyeing a sword in blood) and dipping an object in poison. A ship draws water as the ship dips into it. The Greek essayist Plutarch makes reference to being covered in blood. He said, “To dip (steep) with Sardian dye.” Sardian dye was red. Tea is prepared by steeping (soaking) the tea leaves in water. In his recipe for preparing pickles, the Greek physician Nicander (200 B.C) succinctly summarized the difference between baptizing and dipping. The vegetable is briefly dipped into boiling water. Then the vegetable is lengthily immersed in a vinegar solution, becoming a pickle. The vegetable becomes changed.
Old Testament: An object is dipped, plunged, soaked, or bathed, usually for a particular use or purpose. They took Joseph’s tunic, and after slaughtering a got, dipped the tunic in its blood (Gen.37:31). Sprinkle the lintel and the two doorposts with this blood (Exo.12:22). Dipping his finger in the blood, he shall sprinkle it seven time before the Lord (Lev.4:6). Hazael took a cloth, dipped it in water, and spread it over the king’s face (2Kgs.8:15). Jonathon thrust out the end of the staff he was holding and dipped it into the honey (1Sam.14:27). He dipped his finger in the blood and put it on the horns of the altar (Lev.9:9). May he be the favorite among his brothers, as the oil of his olive trees run over his feet (Deu.33:24).
New Testament: As the rich man was suffering in torment in hell, he pleaded for Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool his tongue. Jesus points to Judas, whom He hands the morsel (bitter herbs) to. Judas becomes the one who betrays Him.
Scripture:
“Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.” Lk. 16:24
The rich man was sent to the netherworld where he was suffering torment in the flames.
“Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I dipped it.’ So He dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas.” Jn. 13:26
Jesus announces that someone will betray Him. The betrayer is the one whom Jesus hands over morsel.
“He wore a cloak that had been dipped in blood, and His name was called the Word of God.” Rev.19:13
This represents the crucified Christ.
Etymology: This term is related to the Latin verb tingere, meaning to tinge, to dye, and to soak. The Latin tinctus (dye) is the past participle of this verb. The Latin noun aspersio (sprinklng) is related to the Latin verb aspergere. The non-theological sense of aspersion means a bespattering with slander and derogatory criticism.
Conclusion:
Baptism, baptize, immerse, immersion, aspersion, tincture, dunk
It was interesting to discover to nuanced (even poetical) description of slaughter someone with a sword. A ship drawing water is also a very nuanced reference to dipping into water. The covenantal use of blood clearly illustrates the purposes of dipping or sprinkling blood. Likewise, Jesus dipping and handing off the morsel serves the very important purpose of identifying Judas’ betrayal. It is interesting to note that the use of this Greek term is never used for the purposes of baptism.