blot out, wipe out

Definition

The terms “blot out” and “wipe out” are expressions that mean to completely remove or destroy something or someone.

• These expressions can be used in a positive sense, as when God “blots out” sins by forgiving them and choosing not to remember them.
• It is also often used in a negative sense, as when God “blots out” or “wipes out” a people group, destroying them because of their sin.
• The Bible talks about a person’s name being “blotted out” or “wiped out” of God’s Book of Life, which means that the person will not receive eternal life.

Translation Suggestions

• Depending on the context, these expressions could be translated as “get rid of” or “remove” or “completely destroy” or “completely remove.”
• When referring to blotting someone’s name out of the Book of Life, this could be translated as “removed from” or “erased.”

Bible References

• Deuteronomy 29:20
• Exodus 32:30-32
• Genesis 7:23
• Psalm 51:1

Word Data

• Strong’s: H4229, H8045, G18130