Brief Overview of πλέκω (Strong’s G4120: plekō)

Strong’s G4120: A verb meaning to weave, braid, or intertwine. In ancient Greek culture, it described various forms of craftwork. In New Testament usage, it appears prominently in the Passion narrative, describing the crown of thorns woven for Jesus, carrying deep theological significance.

U- Unveiling the Word

πλέκω represents the act of weaving or braiding, but in the New Testament it takes on profound theological significance through its use in describing the crown of thorns placed on Jesus’s head. This cruel mockery of His kingship becomes a powerful symbol of His suffering and ultimate victory. Early church fathers often meditated on this word when discussing Christ’s passion, seeing in the woven thorns both the curse of sin and its redemption. Today, it reminds us of how Christ bore our curse and transformed symbols of mockery into signs of victory.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πλέκω, plekō, /PLEH-ko/
• Detailed pronunciation: PLEH-koh (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πλεκ- (plek-) meaning “to weave”
• Basic verb form without prefix or suffix
• Related to Indo-European *plek- “to plait”

D – Defining Meanings

• To weave
• To braid
• To intertwine

For compound words: Not a compound word, but serves as root for many compounds

Translation Options:

• To weave – Emphasizes the interlacing action
• To plait – Specifically for hair or crown making
• To braid – Modern equivalent for the action

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐμπλέκω (emplekō) /em-PLEH-ko/ – to entangle or involve
  See G1707
• συμπλέκω (symplekō) /sim-PLEH-ko/ – to interweave or engage with
  See G4822

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

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

Examples:
Present: πλέκω (I weave)
Future: πλέξω (I will weave)
Aorist: ἔπλεξα (I wove)
Perfect: πέπλεχα (I have woven)

• Cross-references to noun πλέγμα and adjective πλεκτός

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its technical crafting aspects. Thayer’s notes its broad application in various forms of weaving. LSJ documents extensive usage in crafts and textiles. Vine’s highlights its significance in the Passion narrative. Strong’s connects it to the concept of intertwining. LEH provides Septuagint usage in craft contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from textile trade documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand.” Matthew 27:29

Additional References:
Mark 15:17, John 19:2

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πλέκω reflects the profound irony of Christ’s passion—where a simple act of weaving becomes part of God’s redemptive plan. The crown of thorns, meant as mockery, becomes a symbol of Christ’s willing acceptance of our suffering and His ultimate victory. Through this cruel weaving, He wore our curse to give us His crown of life.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was used in ancient medical texts for suturing wounds.
2. Early Christian art often depicted angels unweaving the crown of thorns after the resurrection.
3. The word influenced modern botanical terms for intertwining plants.

Strong’s G4120: A verb describing the act of weaving or braiding, taking on profound theological significance in the New Testament through its use in describing the crown of thorns. Represents both human cruelty and divine redemption in the passion narrative.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: weaving, crown of thorns, passion narrative, crucifixion, Matthew, Mark, John, biblical Greek, craftsmanship, suffering, redemption, mockery​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​