Brief Overview of σάκκος (Strong’s G4526: sakkos)

Strong’s G4526: From Hebrew שַׂק (saq), denoting coarse cloth made of goat or camel hair, worn as a sign of mourning, repentance, or extreme distress. In biblical usage, it symbolizes deep spiritual contrition and genuine repentance before God.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term σάκκος carries profound significance in biblical tradition as a visible symbol of repentance and mourning. First appearing in Matthew 11:21, where Jesus contrasts cities that refused to repent with hypothetical pagan responses, it represents genuine contrition before God. The wearing of sackcloth was a powerful external sign of internal spiritual transformation. Early church fathers saw in this practice a model for true repentance. Today, while the physical practice may be less common, σάκκος continues to symbolize the genuine humility and contrition needed in approaching God.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σάκκος, sakkos, /sak’-kos/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sak” (like ‘sack’), “kos” (like ‘coast’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Hebrew שַׂק (saq)
• Probably of Egyptian origin
• Adopted into many languages
• No Greek prefixes or suffixes

D – Defining Meanings

• Sackcloth
• Coarse garment for mourning
• Symbol of repentance
• Rough fabric of goat/camel hair

For compound words:
Not a compound word – it’s a loan word from Hebrew

Translation Options:

• “sackcloth” – traditional biblical translation
• “mourning clothes” – functional meaning
• “penitential garment” – religious significance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τρίχινος (trichinos) /trikh’-ee-nos/ – made of hair See G5155 – related material
• πένθος (penthos) /pen’-thos/ – mourning See G3997 – related practice
• μετάνοια (metanoia) /met-an’-oy-ah/ – repentance See G3341 – related concept

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: σάκκος
• Genitive singular: σάκκου
• Dative singular: σάκκῳ
• Accusative singular: σάκκον

Cross-references:

• No direct verbal or adjectival forms in NT

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σάκκος’s role in mourning rituals. Thayer’s traces its Semitic origins. LSJ documents its use in secular contexts. Vine’s highlights its spiritual significance. Strong’s connects it to Hebrew usage. LEH notes its frequent appearance in prophetic literature. Moulton and Milligan show its continued use in Hellenistic culture.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. (Matthew 11:21)

Additional References:
Luke 10:13
Revelation 6:12
Revelation 11:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word σάκκος powerfully illustrates the outward expression of inward repentance. In Christ’s teaching, it represents the genuine contrition that leads to transformation. This proclaims the good news that King Jesus calls us not to mere external shows of piety but to true heart change, offering forgiveness to all who genuinely turn to Him in repentance.

D – Did You Know?

1. Sackcloth was often combined with ashes in ancient mourning rituals.
2. The word σάκκος has influenced vocabulary in many modern languages.
3. Early Christian ascetics sometimes wore sackcloth as a continuous practice.

Strong’s G4526: From Hebrew שַׂק (saq), denoting coarse cloth made of goat or camel hair, worn as a sign of mourning, repentance, or extreme distress. In biblical usage, it symbolizes deep spiritual contrition and genuine repentance before God.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: sackcloth, repentance, mourning, contrition, Matthew’s Gospel, prophetic signs, Revelation, ancient customs, spiritual transformation, penitence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​