Brief Overview of σιμικίνθιον (Strong’s G4612: simikinthion)

Strong’s G4612: A Latin loanword (semicinctium) referring to a worker’s apron or handkerchief. In Acts, these items from Paul’s body became conduits of healing power, demonstrating how God can use ordinary objects to display His extraordinary power through His servants.

U- Unveiling the Word

σιμικίνθιον represents common workwear transformed into instruments of divine power. Its appearance in Acts 19:12 shows God working through ordinary items associated with Paul’s ministry. Early church writers saw in this a demonstration that God’s power can work through humble means. Today, it reminds us that God often uses ordinary things and people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σιμικίνθιον, simikinthion, see-mee-KIN-thee-on
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on third syllable: ‘see’ as in see, ‘mee’ as in me, ‘KIN’ as in kin, ‘thee’ as in thee, ‘on’ as in on
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Latin semicinctium
• semi- (half) + cinctus (girded)
• Hellenized form of Latin term

D – Defining Meanings

• Worker’s apron
• Artisan’s cloth
• Service handkerchief

For compound words:
Latin components:

• semi- (half)
• cinctus (girded)

Translation Options:

• “Apron” – Most common translation
• “Handkerchief” – Alternative rendering
• “Work cloth” – Functional description

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σουδάριον (soudarion, soo-DAR-ee-on) – handkerchief See G4676
• λέντιον (lention, LEN-tee-on) – towel See G3012
• ὀθόνιον (othonion, o-THO-nee-on) – linen cloth See G3608

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: 2nd

Examples:
Singular: σιμικίνθιον (nom/acc), σιμικινθίου (gen)
Plural: σιμικίνθια (nom/acc), σιμικινθίων (gen)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its nature as worker’s garment. Thayer’s notes its Latin origin. LSJ provides limited documentation due to rare usage. Vine’s connects it to Paul’s manual labor. Strong’s highlights its use in miracles. Moulton-Milligan shows evidence in trade documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.” Acts 19:12

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Trade Documents	“The craftsman wore a work apron while laboring.”
Business Records	“Cost of one worker’s cloth recorded.”
Roman Reports	“Artisans identified by their aprons.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

σιμικίνθιον reminds us that God often works through humble means and ordinary objects. The transformation of Paul’s work clothes into instruments of healing demonstrates how God’s power can flow through common things when consecrated to His service. This encourages us that God can use anything – and anyone – surrendered to Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word reflects the multicultural nature of the Roman Empire.
2. It specifically referred to light garments worn by working classes.
3. Early church traditions developed around preserving apostolic items.

Strong’s G4612: A Latin loanword (semicinctium) referring to a worker’s apron or handkerchief. In Acts, these items from Paul’s body became conduits of healing power, demonstrating how God can use ordinary objects to display His extraordinary power through His servants.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: apron, handkerchief, Paul’s ministry, healing miracles, Ephesus, work clothes, divine power, miracles, Acts, worker’s garments, ordinary objects, healing ministry​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​