Lexical Summary kraspedon: Fringe, tassel, hem, border Original Word: κράσπεδον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance border, fringe, tassel Of uncertain derivation; a margin, i.e. (specially), a fringe or tassel -- border, hem. HELPS Word-studies 2899 kráspedon – the hem (border, trim) of a garment. 2899 (kráspedon) refers to the embroidered border of a garment, especially with conspicuously large tassels. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a border, tassel NASB Translation fringe (4), tassels (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2899: κράσπεδονκράσπεδον, κρασπέδου, τό, in classical Greek the extremity or prominent part. of a thing, edge, skirt, margin; the fringe of a garment; in the N. T. for Hebrew צִיצִית, i. e. a little appendage hanging down from the edge of the mantle or cloak, made of twisted wool; a tassel, tuft: Matthew 9:20; Matthew 14:36; Matthew 23:5; Mark 6:56; Luke 8:44. The Jews had such appendages attached to their mantles to remind them of the law, according to Numbers 15:37f. Cf. Winers RWB under the word Saum; (B. D. under the phrase, Topical Lexicon Entry Title: Kráspedon (Strong’s Greek 2899) Fringe in Covenant Symbolism The Greek term kráspedon refers to the hanging fringe or tassel sewn to the outer garment. This feature traces directly to the covenant command that every Israelite was to place tassels with a blue cord on the corners of their garments “so that you may remember and obey all My commandments” (Numbers 15:38-40). Thus the fringe functioned as a visible reminder of allegiance to the Lord and His word. Deuteronomy 22:12 repeats the instruction, embedding the practice deeply in Jewish identity by the time of Jesus. Scriptural Appearances of Kráspedon 1. Matthew 23:5 exposes hypocritical religion: “They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels”. The Pharisees advertised piety by enlarging the very symbol meant to spur humble obedience. Faith and Healing at the Hem The narrative emphasis does not lie in the fabric itself but in the Person wearing it. The fringe, originally a covenant reminder, becomes in the Gospels a point of contact where human faith meets divine compassion. Physical healing thereby serves as a sign of the greater spiritual restoration Messiah provides. The episodes affirm that saving power flows from Christ to those who reach for Him, regardless of social standing or ceremonial uncleanness. Contrast between Authentic Piety and Ostentation Jesus’ rebuke of ostentatious tassels (Matthew 23:5) contrasts sharply with the quiet faith of the woman in Matthew 9. True righteousness is inward and God-ward, while external embellishment, though employing the same symbol, can mask unbelief. The identical kráspedon thus simultaneously exposes hypocrisy and showcases genuine trust, underscoring Scripture’s cohesive message that “man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (echoing 1 Samuel 16:7). Link with Old Testament Tassels Because the fringe connects the Old Covenant command with New Covenant fulfillment, it displays the unity of Scripture. Jesus wore the prescribed tassels, demonstrating His perfect obedience to the Law, even as He embodied the Law’s goal: “Christ is the end of the Law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4). This harmony preserves the continuity of God’s redemptive plan from Torah to Gospel. Implications for Christian Worship and Lifestyle Believers today are not required to attach literal tassels, yet the principle endures: visible, daily reminders that steer the heart toward obedience. Whether through Scripture memorization, gathered worship, or the ordinances, the Church is called to cultivate practices that constantly direct attention to Christ. The kráspedon accounts encourage ministries that create accessible points of contact—prayer lines, hospitality, personal evangelism—through which seekers may “touch” the Savior by faith. Echoes in Church History and Jewish Tradition Early Christian writers such as Justin Martyr appealed to the healing at the hem as evidence of Jesus’ messianic identity foretold in Malachi 4:2 (“healing in His wings,” with “wings” interpreted as garment corners). Jewish tradition continues to treat the tallit’s tassels (tzitzit) as a cherished covenant sign. The Gospels neither abolish nor trivialize that heritage; instead, they illuminate its fullest meaning in Christ, whose righteousness covers and cures all who believe. Summary Kráspedon embodies a tapestry of biblical themes: covenant memory, genuine piety, faith-activated healing, and the seamless unity of Scripture. Its five New Testament occurrences invite every generation to move beyond outward forms to heartfelt trust in the One whose garment edge still signals mercy for those who reach out in faith. Forms and Transliterations κρασπεδα κράσπεδα κρασπέδοις κρασπεδου κρασπέδου κρασπέδων kraspeda kráspeda kraspedou kraspédouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 9:20 N-GNSGRK: ἥψατο τοῦ κρασπέδου τοῦ ἱματίου NAS: Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; KJV: [him], and touched the hem of his INT: touched the fringe of the clothing Matthew 14:36 N-GNS Matthew 23:5 N-ANP Mark 6:56 N-GNS Luke 8:44 N-GNS Strong's Greek 2899 |
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