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Unveiling the Word

The Greek word ὀθόνη (othonē), found in Acts 10:11, holds a particular significance in the New Testament as it appears in Peter’s vision. In this vision, a large sheet filled with various animals descends from heaven, symbolizing a divine message of inclusion. This word serves as a metaphorical backdrop to one of the key turning points in early Christian theology: the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith. Understanding othonē deepens our appreciation of the cultural and theological shifts taking place in the early church and helps us grasp the broader implications of Peter’s vision in the Book of Acts.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὀθόνη (othonē), pronounced o-THO-nay.

Etymology: The word othonē likely derives from a term used in ancient Greek for fine linen or cloth, typically referring to a piece of fabric used in various domestic settings, such as a sheet or sail. The word’s origin points to the material culture of ancient Greek life, where such cloths were common household items.

Part of Speech: othonē is a noun, feminine in gender. In grammatical terms, it belongs to the first declension, which is characterized by certain patterns of endings used to mark cases in singular and plural forms.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Sheet or Cloth: The primary meaning of othonē is “sheet” or “cloth,” typically a large piece of fabric. In Acts 10:11, it is used to describe the sheet that descends from heaven in Peter’s vision, holding various animals.

2. Sail: In other contexts, othonē can refer to a sail of a ship. This meaning extends to the practical use of large cloths in navigation, a common practice in ancient Mediterranean maritime culture.

Exploring Similar Words

1. σάκκος (sakkos) [pronunciation: SAK-kos]: This word means “sackcloth” or a coarse fabric often worn in mourning or repentance. While sakkos denotes a rough, utilitarian cloth, othonē usually refers to finer fabric, used for household or symbolic purposes.

2. λίνον (linon) [pronunciation: LEE-non]: Refers to “linen,” a fabric material made from flax. It can be used similarly to othonē, but linon refers more specifically to the material, while othonē refers to the object made from fabric, such as a sheet.

3. ἱμάτιον (himation) [pronunciation: hi-MA-tee-on]: A word for a “cloak” or “garment.” Unlike othonē, which is a large flat piece of fabric, himation typically refers to a wearable item, though both words emphasize the importance of cloth in ancient culture.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, othonē follows the first declension pattern in Greek. It has the following morphological features:

• Case, Number, Gender: Othonē is a feminine noun and can appear in singular or plural forms. In the nominative case (subject of a sentence), it appears as othonē, while in the genitive (showing possession), it becomes othonēs.

• Declension: First declension, which includes nouns that typically end in -ē in the nominative singular and follow set patterns in their inflections.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Othonē is consistently understood across Greek lexicons as a word referring to a cloth, sheet, or sail. Thayer’s lexicon highlights its domestic and symbolic use in Acts 10, where the descending sheet represents divine revelation and the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles. LSJ focuses on the broader meaning of othonē in classical Greek, noting its frequent use for sails, indicating the word’s maritime associations. BDAG also explores how othonē takes on a theological significance in Acts, serving as the vehicle through which God reveals his will to Peter. Strong’s Concordance emphasizes the practical meaning of othonē as a large piece of cloth, often used in daily life.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 10:11: “He saw heaven opened, and something like a large sheet [ὀθόνη] being let down to earth by its four corners.” This passage is central to Peter’s vision, where othonē refers to the symbolic sheet containing animals of all kinds.

2. Acts 11:5: “I saw a vision: something like a large sheet [ὀθόνη] being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was.” In this recounting of the same vision, othonē again refers to the divine sheet, symbolizing inclusion.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Herodotus Histories “The sails [ὀθόνη] of the ships were raised.”

Plato Republic “The fabric [ὀθόνη] used for clothing was of the finest quality.”

Septuagint Isaiah 30:28 “The breath of the Lord is like a rushing stream, like a sail [ὀθόνη] filled with wind.”

Noteworthy Summary

Othonē serves as an important symbol in Acts 10:11, representing divine revelation and the inclusion of all people in God’s plan. Its meaning as a sheet or sail connects both to practical and theological elements in Greek culture, illustrating how ordinary objects take on profound significance in biblical narratives. The word’s use in maritime contexts also highlights the versatility of fabric in the ancient world, whether for domestic use or sailing.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient Greek culture, large sheets like othonē were often used for multiple purposes, including sails and household coverings.

2. The vision of Peter with the descending sheet (othonē) was pivotal in early Christian theology, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles.

3. Othonē appears in both secular Greek texts and biblical contexts, illustrating its versatility as a word in both daily and symbolic life.