Lexical Summary keiria: Wrappings, bands, strips of cloth Original Word: κειρία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance graveclothes. Of uncertain affinity; a swathe, i.e. Winding-sheet -- graveclothes. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a bandage, grave-clothes NASB Translation wrappings (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2750: κειρίακειρία, κειριας, ἡ, a band, either for a bed-girth (Schol. ad Aristophanes av. 817 κειρία. εἶδος ζώνης ἐκ σχοινίων, παρεοικος ἱμάντι, ἡ δεσμουσι τάς κλίνας, cf. Proverbs 7:16; (Plutarch, Alcib. 16, 1)), or for tying up a corpse after it has been swathed in linen: in the latter sense in John 11:44; (others take it here of the swathings themselves). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Background Strong’s Greek number 2750 refers to the linen strips or bands used to wrap a corpse prior to burial. In first-century Judea such cloths were wound tightly around the body, with separate wrappings for the head and sometimes aromatics between the layers (John 19:39-40). The practice combined reverence for the deceased with the hope of future resurrection (Daniel 12:2), emphasizing both dignity in death and expectation of life beyond the grave. Biblical Occurrence The term appears once in the Greek New Testament: Ancient Jewish Burial Customs Burial typically took place the same day as death (Deuteronomy 21:23; Acts 5:6). The body was washed, anointed with spices, and tightly wrapped from head to toe. Tombs were often rock-hewn caves sealed with a stone (Isaiah 22:16; Matthew 27:60). The linen bands both secured the limbs and preserved the dignity of the deceased until the flesh decayed, after which bones were collected into an ossuary. The use of linen rather than wool avoided Levitical impurity concerns (Leviticus 19:19). Symbolism in John 11:44 1. Evidence of True Death – The wrappings certify that Lazarus had undergone customary burial, refuting any notion of resuscitation prior to Jesus’ arrival (John 11:17). Foreshadowing of Christ’s Resurrection John deliberately contrasts Lazarus’ exit with Jesus’ later resurrection. Lazarus needed assistance to shed the linens; Jesus left His graveclothes neatly folded (John 20:6-7), indicating a victory over death in which no external help was required. The comparison underlines Jesus as “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20) and validates His claim, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Applications for Christian Life and Ministry • Discipleship – Like Lazarus, new believers often emerge still encumbered by vestiges of their former life; the community is called to assist in removing these hindrances (Galatians 6:1-2). Related Biblical Imagery • “Clothed with garments of salvation” (Isaiah 61:10) – Exchange of graveclothes for festal attire mirrors conversion. Conclusion The single New Testament use of Strong’s 2750, though brief, carries rich theological weight. The graveclothes of Lazarus affirm the reality of death, magnify the authority of Jesus over the grave, foreshadow the empty linens of Christ’s own resurrection, and supply enduring lessons for the church’s ministry of liberation, hope, and embodied faith. Forms and Transliterations κειριαις κειρίαις keiriais keiríaisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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