Pastoral Protection: φαιλόνης (Strong’s G5341: phailonēs) Guards Sacred Scripture

Strong’s G5341: A noun meaning “cloak” or “traveling case,” possibly for books. Used in Paul’s final letter requesting personal items. Significant in showing apostolic concern for preserving Scripture and personal necessities. May have served to protect valuable manuscripts and writings.

U- Unveiling the Word

The noun φαιλόνης represents either a traveling cloak or a case for carrying books and manuscripts. In its sole New Testament appearance, it appears in Paul’s final letter to Timothy, requesting its return along with books and parchments. This seemingly mundane request carries profound significance, showing the apostle’s concern for both physical comfort and the preservation of sacred writings. The early church saw in this word evidence of Paul’s continued scholarly work even in prison. Today, φαιλόνης reminds us of the importance of both practical provision and careful stewardship of spiritual resources.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φαιλόνης, phailonēs, fay-lon’-ace
• Pronunciation Guide: fay (as in “fake”) + lon (as in “lone”) + ace (as in “ace”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Likely borrowed from Latin paenula
• Hellenized form of a Roman garment name
  No Greek morphological components as it is a borrowed term

D – Defining Meanings

• Traveling cloak
• Book case
• Manuscript carrier
• Protective covering

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a borrowed term

Translation Options:

• “Cloak” – emphasizes garment interpretation
• “Case” – stresses document protection function
• “Portfolio” – captures dual purpose possibility

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἱμάτιον (himation, him-at’-ee-on) – outer garment See G2440
• χιτών (chitōn, khee-tone’) – tunic See G5509
• θήκη (thēkē, thay’-kay) – case, repository See G2336

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

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

Examples:

• Nominative: φαιλόνης
• Genitive: φαιλόνου
• Dative: φαιλόνῃ
• Accusative: φαιλόνην

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide varied insights into φαιλόνης. BDAG presents both garment and case interpretations. Thayer’s notes its likely Latin origin. LSJ documents its use for both clothing and document storage. Vine’s particularly emphasizes its practical significance in Paul’s ministry. Strong’s connects it to traveling gear. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in practical contexts for both garments and containers. The term’s precise meaning has been debated since early church times.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Timothy 4:13: “Bring the cloak [φαιλόνης] that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φαιλόνης beautifully illustrates how God cares for both physical and spiritual needs. Whether a cloak or document case, it shows Paul’s attention to practical necessity while prioritizing Scripture and ministry materials. The good news is that King Jesus cares for His servants’ complete wellbeing, from basic needs to spiritual resources. This word reminds us that seemingly ordinary items can serve sacred purposes in God’s kingdom work.

D – Did You Know?

1. Early church traditions varied on whether it was a garment or document case.
2. Some scholars believe it may have contained portions of early Scripture.
3. The word influenced ecclesiastical garment terminology in some traditions.

Strong’s G5341: A noun meaning “cloak” or “traveling case,” possibly for books. Used in Paul’s final letter requesting personal items. Significant in showing apostolic concern for preserving Scripture and personal necessities. May have served to protect valuable manuscripts and writings.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: cloak, manuscript-case, Paul, Timothy, books, parchments, preservation, practical-needs, ministry-resources, Scripture, protection, apostolic-care, prison-ministry, personal-items, stewardship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​