Brief Overview of σινδών (Strong’s G4616: sindōn)

Strong’s G4616: A fine linen cloth, particularly used for wrapping the dead. Originally from Sindhu (India), denoting high-quality fabric. Most significantly used in the Gospels to describe the burial cloth of Jesus and carries deep cultural and theological significance in burial customs.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σινδών represents more than just fabric – it embodies reverence, dignity, and proper burial customs in ancient Near Eastern culture. In the New Testament, it gains profound significance through its use in Jesus’ burial, symbolizing both the reality of His death and the honor accorded to Him by Joseph of Arimathea. The early church saw deep symbolism in this fine linen, connecting it to purity, sacrifice, and the physical reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. Today, it reminds us of the careful attention paid to Jesus’ body, affirming both His genuine death and the reverence shown to Him.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σινδών, sindōn, sin-DOHN
• Detailed Pronunciation: σιν (sin) δών (dōn) – stress on second syllable
• Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine

Etymology:

• From Sindhu (India), referring to the origin of fine linen
• Possibly related to Sanskrit sindhu (river, sea)
• Adapted through trade routes into Greek usage

D – Defining Meanings

• Fine linen cloth
• Burial shroud
• High-quality fabric garment

Translation Options:

• Fine linen – emphasizing the quality of the material
• Burial cloth – highlighting its funerary context
• Linen shroud – combining both material and purpose

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὀθόνιον (othonion, o-THON-ion) – See G3608: Linen strips used for burial
• βύσσος (byssos, BOOS-sos) – See G1040: Fine linen, particularly valuable type
• ἱμάτιον (himation, hi-MAT-ion) – See G2440: Outer garment or cloak

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Accusative (σινδόνα), Genitive (σινδόνος), Dative (σινδόνι)
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

The word follows regular third declension patterns for feminine nouns. Its case endings indicate its function in the sentence, whether as subject, object, or showing possession.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use as burial cloth in Jewish customs. Thayer’s notes its origin from India and high value. LSJ documents its broader use in Greek culture for fine clothing. Vine’s highlights its specific use in Jesus’ burial narrative. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in both daily life and burial contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 27:59: “Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean [linen cloth] [σινδών].”

Additional References:
Mark 14:51, Mark 14:52, Mark 15:46, Luke 23:53

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σινδών carries profound significance in witnessing to Jesus’ death and burial. The use of this expensive burial cloth shows the honor given to our Lord even in death, while its mention in all synoptic gospels emphasizes the historical reality of His death and burial. This points to the good news that Jesus truly died and was buried, making His resurrection all the more glorious.

D – Did You Know?

• Σινδών was so valuable it was sometimes used as currency in ancient trade
• The term specifically appears in all three synoptic gospels’ burial narratives
• The young man fleeing naked in Mark’s gospel left behind a σινδών, suggesting it was also used as sleepwear

Strong’s G4616: A fine linen cloth, particularly used for wrapping the dead. Originally from Sindhu (India), denoting high-quality fabric. Most significantly used in the Gospels to describe the burial cloth of Jesus and carries deep cultural and theological significance in burial customs.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: burial, linen, cloth, jesus-death, burial-customs, joseph-of-arimathea, textiles, passion-narrative, burial-shroud, indian-trade, funeral-customs, material-culture​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​