Brief Overview of ῥαφίς (Strong’s G4476: rhaphis)

Strong’s G4476: A feminine noun referring to a needle, particularly a sewing needle. Derived from ῥάπτω (rhaptō, “to sew”), it specifically denotes a pointed metal implement used for sewing. Most notably used in Jesus’s famous teaching about wealth and salvation, comparing the difficulty of a rich person entering heaven to a camel passing through a needle’s eye.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word ῥαφίς carries deep significance in New Testament teaching, particularly in Jesus’s memorable metaphor about wealth and salvation. As a common household implement, the needle represented something familiar to Jesus’s audience, making His teaching both relatable and profound. The stark contrast between the tiny eye of a needle and the massive size of a camel created a powerful image of impossibility, emphasizing the serious spiritual dangers of wealth attachment. Early church fathers like Clement of Alexandria and John Chrysostom frequently referenced this metaphor when discussing the relationship between material wealth and spiritual life. Today, this word continues to challenge believers to examine their relationship with material possessions and their dependence on God.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥαφίς, rhaphis, /hraf-ece/
• Detailed pronunciation: hrah-FEESS (with emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: ῥάπτω (rhaptō) – “to sew”
• Suffix: -ις (-is) – feminine noun formation suffix
• The suffix transforms the verbal action into a concrete noun representing the tool used for the action

D – Defining Meanings

• A sewing needle
• A pointed metal implement used for stitching
• By extension, any narrow opening or passage

For compound words:
This is not a compound word, but its formation from ῥάπτω with the -ις suffix creates a tool noun.

Translation Options:

• “needle” – most precise and common translation, directly corresponding to the implement
• “sewing needle” – provides helpful clarity about specific type
• “needle’s eye” – specifically in context of Jesus’s teaching

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βελόνη (belonē) /bel-on-ay/ – another word for needle, but more general; can refer to any pointed implement
  See G956
• τρύπημα (trypēma) /troo-pay-mah/ – specifically refers to a hole or eye of a needle
  See G5169

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a feminine noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Example morphological forms:

• Nominative singular: ῥαφίς
• Genitive singular: ῥαφίδος
• Dative singular: ῥαφίδι
• Accusative singular: ῥαφίδα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines ῥαφίς specifically as a sewing needle, while Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to ῥάπτω. LSJ provides additional classical usage examples in everyday contexts. Vine’s notes its specific use in Jesus’s teaching about wealth. Strong’s connects it to the concept of puncturing. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence showing its common usage in domestic contexts. The lexicons consistently emphasize its literal meaning while acknowledging its powerful metaphorical usage in Jesus’s teaching.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle [ῥαφίς] than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24

Additional References:
Mark 10:25
Luke 18:25

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ῥαφίς, though seemingly simple as “needle,” carries profound theological significance through Jesus’s teaching. It reminds us that salvation comes not through human achievement or wealth but through God’s grace alone. This humble household tool became a powerful symbol of the radical nature of God’s kingdom, where human impossibilities give way to divine possibilities, proclaiming that salvation is God’s work, not ours.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word ῥαφίς appears in ancient medical texts, referring to surgical needles.
2. Some ancient manuscripts contain detailed illustrations of various types of ῥαφίς, showing different sizes and uses.
3. The metaphor of the needle’s eye has influenced architecture, with some Middle Eastern cities having narrow gates called “needle’s eyes.”

Strong’s G4476: A feminine noun referring to a needle, particularly a sewing needle. Derived from ῥάπτω (rhaptō, “to sew”), it specifically denotes a pointed metal implement used for sewing. Most notably used in Jesus’s famous teaching about wealth and salvation, comparing the difficulty of a rich person entering heaven to a camel passing through a needle’s eye.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: needle, sewing, wealth, Jesus teachings, kingdom of God, salvation, metaphor, impossible, possible with God, camel, needle’s eye​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​