Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words is essential for interpreting New Testament texts accurately. The word ἐντυλίσσω (entulíssō) is particularly significant as it appears in the context of the burial of Jesus, referring to the wrapping or folding of cloth. This verb not only provides insight into the customs and practices of the time but also reflects deeper theological themes about preparation, care, and the reverence given to the deceased. It also offers a glimpse into ancient Greek culture, where wrapping and folding were common practices in both daily life and religious rituals.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐντυλίσσω (entulíssō) [en-tu-LIS-so]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings: Derived from the prefix ἐν (en, “in”) and the verb τυλίσσω (tulíssō, “to wrap” or “to fold”), combining to mean “to wrap in” or “to fold up.”
• Part of Speech: Verb. It is a standard Greek verb with forms used in different tenses to convey the action of wrapping or folding.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To wrap in — to cover or enclose something, typically a body or an object, with cloth or another material.
• To fold up — to neatly fold something, often implying a careful or deliberate action, such as folding a cloth or a garment.

Similar Words: περιτυλίσσω (peritylísso) [pe-ri-tu-LIS-so], meaning “to wrap around,” conveys a similar action but with an emphasis on wrapping something completely. ἐπιστρέφω (epistréphō) [e-pi-STRE-fo], meaning “to turn around” or “to wrap,” can sometimes overlap in meaning but generally refers to more of a turning or rolling action.

Further Insights: ἐντυλίσσω is a verb that often implies a sense of care or precision in the act of wrapping or folding. Its use in the New Testament suggests more than just a physical action; it can also imply preparation and reverence. Understanding its conjugations helps clarify the context in which it is used, such as preparing Jesus’ body for burial.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐντυλίσσω is defined as “to wrap up in” or “to fold,” specifically referring to the act of wrapping or folding cloth. It is used in contexts involving preparation, such as the burial process in ancient Jewish customs.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐντυλίσσω as “to fold or wrap in,” highlighting its use in describing the burial customs of wrapping a body in linen cloth. The emphasis is on the careful and respectful preparation of a deceased person.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary explains ἐντυλίσσω as “to wrap” or “to fold up,” particularly in reference to the folding of Jesus’ grave clothes, underscoring the solemnity and ritual associated with this action.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon provides a broader definition of ἐντυλίσσω as “to wrap up” or “to fold,” applicable to various contexts, including the preparation of items or bodies.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance lists ἐντυλίσσω as “to wrap in” or “to fold up,” with a focus on its use in burial contexts, emphasizing the act of preparing a body for burial.

Scripture References

• Matthew 27:59 – “And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped (ἐνετύλιξεν) it in a clean linen cloth.”
• Luke 23:53 – “And he took it down, and wrapped (ἐνετύλιξεν) it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐντυλίσσω (G1794: entulíssō)

ἐντυλίσσω (entulíssō) is a Greek verb that primarily means “to wrap in” or “to fold up.” It is particularly relevant in Biblical studies for its use in the New Testament to describe the preparation of Jesus’ body for burial, providing insight into ancient Jewish burial customs. This term is also found in classical Greek literature, where it describes various acts of wrapping, folding, or enclosing, often with a sense of care or reverence. Understanding ἐντυλίσσω enriches one’s appreciation of the cultural and religious practices of the ancient world, highlighting themes of preparation, respect, and ritual.

Did You Know?

The practice of wrapping or folding, as indicated by the word ἐντυλίσσω, was not only a practical act in ancient times but also held deep symbolic meaning. In both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, the careful preparation and wrapping of a body signified respect for the deceased and a belief in the sanctity of life and death. This tradition can be seen reflected in modern practices of preparing a body for burial, showing the continuity of cultural values across millennia.