G3586

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding key Greek words provides depth and clarity to scripture interpretation. One such word, ξύλον (xylon), occurs in Matthew 26:47, where it references a wooden object, particularly a club or stick. However, xylon also appears in other important contexts, most notably in reference to the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. This word bridges the literal use of wood in daily life with profound theological significance. Its use in the New Testament reflects both ancient cultural practices surrounding woodcraft and the symbolic power of wooden objects in the early Christian narrative.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ξύλον (xylon), pronounced ksoo-lon.

Etymology: The word xylon comes from the root word for wood or tree. It generally refers to any object made from wood, whether a stick, tree, or piece of lumber. The term was commonly used in both secular and religious contexts in the ancient Greek world.

Part of Speech: Xylon is a neuter noun. It is used to describe various wooden objects and structures, from clubs and ships to crosses. It is flexible in meaning depending on the context, such as in Matthew 26:47 where it refers to a club used in the arrest of Jesus. The same word is used metaphorically and theologically in other passages to refer to the cross of Christ.

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Defining Meanings

1. Wood, Timber, or Tree: The primary meaning of xylon is wood or timber, referring to the material itself. It can also mean a tree, indicating both the source and the product made from it.

2. Object Made of Wood (Club, Staff, Cross): In practical terms, xylon refers to any object fashioned from wood, such as a stick, staff, or club, as seen in Matthew 26:47. In other contexts, such as Acts 5:30, it is used to describe the cross upon which Jesus was crucified, adding a deep theological dimension to the word.

3. Instrument of Punishment: In some instances, xylon can denote an object used for punishment, particularly in the form of the cross (as in 1 Peter 2:24). This is the most significant usage in Christian theology.

Exploring Similar Words

1. δένδρον (dendron) [pronunciation: den-dron]: This word specifically refers to a living tree, whereas xylon can describe both living trees and objects made of wood. The distinction lies in dendron referring solely to the natural form of a tree.

2. σταυρός (stauros) [pronunciation: staw-ros]: This word refers to a stake or a cross, specifically the kind used for crucifixion. While xylon is sometimes used to describe the cross, stauros is the more technical term for the instrument of crucifixion.

3. ῥάβδος (rhabdos) [pronunciation: hrab-dos]: Meaning “rod” or “staff,” rhabdos refers to a similar wooden object but usually in the context of authority or discipline, unlike xylon, which can be a more general term for any wooden object.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Xylon is a neuter noun that follows the second declension in Greek. It changes form based on case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) and number (singular, plural). In Matthew 26:47, it is in the accusative singular (ξύλον), referring to a club. The word can also be used in the plural (ξύλα) to refer to multiple pieces of wood or wooden objects.

Declension: As a second declension noun, xylon follows the regular patterns of neuter nouns in Greek, with the singular nominative and accusative forms being identical (xylon), and the genitive singular ending in -ου (ξύλου).

For a detailed guide to understanding Greek grammar, click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In biblical lexicons, xylon is noted for its wide range of meanings. In secular contexts, it simply refers to wood or wooden objects, such as tools or furniture. In biblical usage, however, the word takes on greater theological significance. In the New Testament, xylon is used to describe the cross in passages like Acts 5:30 and 1 Peter 2:24. This use of xylon connects Jesus’ death with a well-known symbol of punishment and suffering, often used to refer to wooden stakes or crosses in Roman executions. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 26:47 – “While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs [ξύλων] sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people.”

2. Acts 5:30 – “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree [ξύλου].”

3. 1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree [ξύλον], that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Plato Laws “The ships were constructed from xylon (wood) of the finest quality.”

Herodotus Histories “They built their shields from xylon (wood) and prepared for battle.”

Septuagint Genesis 6:14 “Make yourself an ark of gopher wood [ξύλου].”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word xylon (Strong’s G3586) carries rich meanings, from the everyday use of wood and wooden objects to the profound theological imagery of the cross in the New Testament. In Matthew 26:47, xylon is used to describe a wooden club used by the crowd arresting Jesus, representing an ordinary object used for violence. In other passages, it is a symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, highlighting the transformation of a common material into an instrument of salvation. Understanding xylon deepens our appreciation of both the practical and theological dimensions of the New Testament.

Did You Know?

1. Xylon is used 19 times in the New Testament, most often in reference to the cross of Christ.

2. The word xylon is related to the English word “xylophone,” which means “wood sound.”

3. In classical literature, xylon was commonly used to describe the construction of ships, tools, and furniture in ancient Greek society.