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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential in biblical studies to capture the depth and nuances that might be lost in translation. The Greek noun κράσπεδον (kraspedon) is particularly significant because it appears in key New Testament passages that highlight the cultural and religious practices of the time. This word is closely associated with Jewish clothing customs, specifically the tassels or fringes worn on garments as a sign of piety and observance of the Mosaic Law. Its usage in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 9:20, where a woman touches the “hem” of Jesus’ garment, reflects both cultural and theological meanings.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κράσπεδον (kraspedon) [KRAHS-peh-don]

Etymology: The etymology of κράσπεδον comes from the combination of words possibly related to κρασ- (edge) and πέδον (ground or base), referring to something at the edge or base of a garment. This meaning aligns with its use to describe the border or fringe of a garment that touches the ground.

Part of Speech: Noun. κράσπεδον is a neuter noun of the second declension. It frequently appears in the nominative and accusative cases, both singular and plural, depending on its use in a sentence.

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Defining Meanings

Hem or Fringe: The primary meaning of κράσπεδον is “hem” or “fringe” of a garment. This term is often used to describe the decorative and functional tassels or fringes attached to the garments of Jewish men as commanded in the Torah (Numbers 15:38).

Border of a Garment: It can also refer more broadly to the “border” or “edge” of a garment, encompassing any decorated or fringed part, not just tassels. This usage underscores the visual and symbolic importance of the garment’s boundary.

Tassels with Symbolic Significance: In some contexts, κράσπεδον emphasizes the tassels’ symbolic meaning, representing the wearer’s adherence to Jewish law and piety. It served as a physical reminder of the commandments and the holiness required by the law.

Exploring Similar Words

πτερύγιον (pterygion) [pte-RY-gee-on]: This word refers to a “little wing” or “edge,” often used metaphorically or to describe small appendages. Unlike κράσπεδον, it is not specific to garments and lacks the cultural and religious connotations associated with Jewish attire.

χειρών (cheirōn) [khe-ROHN]: Meaning “edge” or “extremity,” this term is more general and can refer to any border or edge, not specifically linked to clothing or religious significance.

πέταλον (petalon) [peh-TAH-lon]: Refers to a “leaf” or “thin plate,” often used for the metal plates in ancient Greek armor. It differs from κράσπεδον in that it does not refer to fabric or garment-related items.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: κράσπεδον is a neuter noun of the second declension. It appears in singular and plural forms, adjusting its ending based on the case and number it assumes in the sentence.

Declension: The declension of κράσπεδον follows the typical pattern for neuter nouns in the second declension.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The term κράσπεδον is well-documented in several Greek lexicons, each providing a nuanced understanding of its use in New Testament and classical contexts. In the New Testament, it is most commonly used to refer to the fringes or tassels on the garments of Jewish men, as required by the Mosaic Law, symbolizing adherence to God’s commandments. These tassels served as visual and tactile reminders of the Law, and touching them, as in Matthew 9:20, indicated a desire for healing or divine intervention. Classical Greek texts often use κράσπεδον in a more general sense to describe the edge or hem of various garments, without the specific religious connotations. Theological implications of the word in the New Testament also suggest themes of faith, purity, and divine authority, as seen when people sought to touch Jesus’ garment’s κράσπεδον for healing.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 9:20: “And behold, a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem (κράσπεδον) of his garment.”

Matthew 14:36: “And besought him that they might only touch the hem (κράσπεδον) of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.”

Mark 6:56: “And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border (κράσπεδον) of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.”

Luke 8:44: “Came behind him, and touched the border (κράσπεδον) of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κράσπεδον (kraspedon) holds significant importance in understanding the New Testament and Jewish cultural practices. Its primary meanings relate to the fringe or hem of garments, a symbol of piety and adherence to the Law in Jewish tradition. The word’s presence in the New Testament highlights key moments where individuals sought healing through faith, believing that touching Jesus’ garment would bring divine intervention. Studying this word also illuminates broader themes in both Jewish and Greek contexts, such as the intersection of faith, culture, and divine power.

Did You Know?

Did you know? The κράσπεδον was not only a visual symbol of faithfulness but also served as a tactile reminder for Jewish men to keep God’s commandments.

Did you know? The act of touching the κράσπεδον in the New Testament stories was a significant expression of faith, indicating trust in Jesus’ divine authority to heal.

Did you know? The Jewish practice of wearing fringes or tassels (κράσπεδον) on garments, as mentioned in the Torah, continues in some Jewish communities today as part of the Tallit, a prayer shawl.