Lexical Summary théké: Receptacle, chest, case Original Word: θήκη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sheath. From tithemi; a receptacle, i.e. Scabbard -- sheath. see GREEK tithemi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tithémi Definition a receptacle NASB Translation sheath (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2336: θήκηθήκη, θήκης, ἡ (τίθημι); from (Aeschylus), Herodotus down; that in which a thing is put or laid away, a receptacle, repository, chest, box: used of the sheath of a sword, John 18:11; Josephus, Antiquities 7, 11, 7; Pollux 10 (31) 144. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Strong’s Greek 2336 (thēkē) denotes a receptacle designed to receive and protect an object—most prominently a sword. By extension the term can cover any chest, case, or box constructed for safe keeping. Within the New Testament record it surfaces only once, yet that single appearance bears considerable theological weight. Occurrence in the New Testament John 18:11 situates thēkē at the climax of the arrest narrative in Gethsemane: “Jesus commanded Peter, ‘Put your sword back into its sheath! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?’”. The sheath becomes a silent but potent witness to our Lord’s deliberate embrace of the Father’s redemptive plan. Historical Background 1. Military Sheaths in the First Century Theological and Devotional Themes 1. Submission versus Violence Peter’s unsheathed sword symbolizes human zeal; the Lord’s command to return it to the sheath asserts that redemption will not be accomplished by force. The incident complements Jesus’ teaching that “all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). The sheath functions as an object lesson: the weapon is present, yet rendered inactive so that prophecy may be fulfilled (Isaiah 53:7; John 18:9). The protective purpose of a sheath illustrates self-control—gifts and capacities remain useful, but only when submitted to divine timing (Ecclesiastes 3:8). Intertextual Connections • Isaiah 49:2 pictures Messiah as a “polished arrow” concealed “in His quiver.” The imagery parallels the sword in its sheath: power reserved until God’s appointed hour. Pastoral and Ministry Insights 1. Stewardship of Strength Believers may possess legitimate means of defense or influence, yet Christ’s example teaches readiness to lay them aside when the gospel’s progress requires suffering. Ephesians 6:17 urges Christians to wield “the sword of the Spirit.” John 18:11 reminds us that the same sword must sometimes be sheathed—Bible truth can wound when used rashly. Pastors and elders, like Peter, often act impulsively to protect the flock. The Lord’s rebuke encourages leaders to temper courage with submission, recognizing divine purposes that transcend immediate crises. Applications for Today • Personal Reflection: What “swords” (rights, abilities, arguments) need to be placed back in the sheath so that God’s greater purpose may emerge? Summary Though Strong’s 2336 surfaces but once in Scripture, its appearance at a pivotal gospel moment transforms a humble sheath into a symbol of restrained power, surrendered will, and Christ-centered obedience. Forms and Transliterations θήκαι θήκας θηκην θήκην θήκης theken thēkēn thḗken thḗkēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |