Brief Overview of σουδάριον (Strong’s G4676: soudarion)

Strong’s G4676: A Latin loanword (sudarium) adopted into Greek, referring to a cloth used for wiping sweat from the face, which evolved to include usage as a head covering or burial cloth. Its appearances in the New Testament span both practical daily use and significant moments in the Messiah’s ministry.

U- Unveiling the Word

The σουδάριον represents a common item that gained deeper significance in New Testament narratives. Originally a practical cloth for wiping sweat, it evolved to serve various purposes including burial customs. Its most profound theological significance appears in John 20:7, where it’s mentioned as part of the Messiah’s burial cloths, carefully folded after His resurrection. The early church saw this detail as evidence of the orderly, intentional nature of the resurrection. Today, this word reminds us how ordinary objects can become extraordinary testimonies to God’s work in our lives.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σουδάριον, soudarion, /suˈda.ri.on/
• Pronunciation Guide: “soo-DAH-ree-on”
• Part of Speech: Neuter Noun

Etymology:

• Borrowed from Latin sudarium (“sweat cloth”)
• Root: sudor (Latin for “sweat”)
• Suffix: -arium (Latin suffix indicating “belonging to” or “connected with”)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Cloth for wiping sweat
• Secondary meaning: Handkerchief
• Tertiary meaning: Burial face cloth

Translation Options:

• Handkerchief – Best captures everyday usage
• Face cloth – More specific to facial use
• Burial cloth – Appropriate in resurrection contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὀθόνιον (othonion) /o.θoˈni.on/ – Linen cloth, specifically burial wrappings – See G3608
• σινδών (sindōn) /sinˈdɔːn/ – Fine linen, burial shroud – See G4616
• κειρία (keiria) /keiˈri.a/ – Burial bandage – See G2750

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

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

Examples:

• Nominative/Accusative: σουδάριον (soudarion)
• Genitive: σουδαρίου (soudariou)
• Dative: σουδαρίῳ (soudariō)
• Plural: σουδάρια (soudaria)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s Latin origin and its evolution from practical use to burial customs. Thayer’s notes its dual function in daily life and burial practices. LSJ traces its adoption into Greek culture. Vine’s highlights its significance in John’s resurrection account. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its common usage in everyday life through papyri findings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Luke 19:20: “Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief [σουδάριον].'”

Additional References:
John 11:44, John 20:7, Acts 19:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The σουδάριον, though a simple cloth, plays a pivotal role in several Gospel narratives. Its presence in the empty tomb, carefully folded, serves as a powerful witness to the Messiah’s resurrection. This ordinary object reminds us that God often uses the simple and mundane to reveal His extraordinary power and purpose in bringing salvation to humanity.

D – Did You Know?

• The word continues in modern Greek as σουδάριο, maintaining its ancient meaning
• It appears in early Christian art depicting the resurrection scene
• Its careful folding in Jesus’ tomb was seen by early Christians as a sign of His deliberate victory over death

Strong’s G4676: A Latin loanword adopted into Greek, referring to a cloth used for wiping sweat or as a head covering. Its significance extends from practical daily use to profound theological contexts, particularly in the resurrection narrative where it serves as a witness to the Messiah’s victory over death.

Part of speech: Neuter Noun

Tags: cloth, burial, resurrection, Latin, loanword, practical items, Jesus tomb, handkerchief, Luke, John, Acts, burial customs, artifacts​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​