Brief Overview of σπαργανόω (Strong’s G4683: sparganoo)

Strong’s G4683: A verb meaning to wrap in swaddling clothes, specifically used in the birth narrative of Jesus. This common practice of wrapping newborns in strips of cloth carried deep cultural significance, symbolizing both proper care and the child’s acceptance into the family.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σπαργανόω represents an essential aspect of ancient childcare, appearing significantly in Luke’s nativity account. The act of swaddling demonstrated both practical care and symbolic acceptance of a newborn. In the case of Jesus, this ordinary action carries profound theological significance – the infinite God submitting to human limitations, wrapped in humble cloths. The early church saw deep meaning in this detail: the King of Kings accepting human weakness and limitation. Today, it continues to speak of the Messiah’s complete identification with humanity from His very first moments.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπαργανόω, sparganoo, /spar.gaˈno.ɔː/
• Pronunciation Guide: “spar-gah-NO-oh”
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: σπάργανον (sparganon, “swaddling band”)
• Suffix: -όω (-oō) verbalization suffix
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *sper- (“to turn, wrap”)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: To wrap in swaddling clothes
• Secondary meaning: To bind with strips of cloth
• Extended meaning: To wrap tightly (infants)

Translation Options:

• Swaddle – Most precise technical term
• Wrap in strips of cloth – More descriptive translation
• Bind in swaddling clothes – Traditional rendering

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐντυλίσσω (entulissō) /en.tyˈlis.sɔː/ – To wrap up, enfold – See G1794
• περιβάλλω (periballō) /pe.riˈbal.lɔː/ – To throw around, clothe – See G4016
• ἐνδύω (enduō) /enˈdy.ɔː/ – To put on, clothe – See G1746

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

• Present Active: σπαργανόω (sparganoo)
• Aorist Active: ἐσπαργάνωσα (esparganōsa)
• Perfect Passive: ἐσπαργάνωμαι (esparganōmai)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its technical nature in infant care. Thayer’s notes its cultural significance in ancient childcare practices. LSJ provides evidence of its use in medical contexts. Vine’s highlights its special significance in Luke’s narrative. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in family contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Luke 2:7: “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths [σπαργανόω], and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Additional References:
Luke 2:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σπαργανόω beautifully illustrates the humility of the incarnation – the Creator of all things accepting the limitations of human infancy. This word reminds us that our Savior fully entered the human experience, beginning with the most helpless state of infancy, to bring us salvation.

D – Did You Know?

• Swaddling was believed to promote straight limb growth in ancient medicine
• The swaddling of Jesus was given as a sign to the shepherds
• The practice continues in many cultures today, largely unchanged

Strong’s G4683: A verb denoting the act of wrapping an infant in swaddling clothes, particularly significant in Luke’s nativity narrative. This common childcare practice carried cultural and medical significance, while theologically symbolizing the Messiah’s complete identification with human experience.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: nativity, infancy, Jesus birth, Luke, incarnation, swaddling, childcare, humility, Christmas, shepherds, manger​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​