3012. lention

Lexicon

lention: Towel, linen cloth

Original Word: λέντιον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: lention
Pronunciation: LEN-tee-on
Phonetic Spelling: (len'-tee-on)
Definition: Towel, linen cloth
Meaning: a towel, apron, coarse cloth.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

towel.

Of Latin origin; a "linen" cloth, i.e. Apron -- towel.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
a linen cloth, a towel
NASB Translation
towel (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3012: λέντιον

λέντιον, λεντιου, τό (a Latin word,linteum), a linen cloth, towel (Arrian peripl. mar. rubr. 4): of the towel or apron, which servants put on when about to work (Suetonius, Calig. 26), John 13:4f; with which it was supposed the nakedness of persons undergoing crucifixion was covered, Ev. Nicod. c. 10; cf. Thilo, Cod. Apocrypha, p. 582f.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Of Latin origin, from the word "linteum," meaning linen cloth.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Hebrew equivalents for λέντιον, as it is a term specific to the Greek New Testament context. However, the concept of washing and purification can be related to various Hebrew terms associated with cleansing rituals, such as רחץ (rachats) meaning "to wash" or טהר (taher) meaning "to be clean."

Usage: The term λέντιον is used in the New Testament to describe a linen cloth or towel, specifically in the context of washing and drying feet.

Context: The Greek word λέντιον appears in the New Testament in the context of the Last Supper, specifically in the Gospel of John. It is used to describe the towel that Jesus used during the act of washing His disciples' feet. This act is a significant demonstration of humility and servanthood, as recorded in John 13:4-5 (BSB): "So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel that was around Him."

The use of λέντιον in this passage highlights the cultural practice of foot washing in the ancient Near East, where travelers would often arrive with dusty feet from their journeys. It was customary for a servant to perform the task of washing the feet of guests. However, Jesus' use of the λέντιον to wash His disciples' feet serves as a profound lesson in humility and love, emphasizing the call to serve one another selflessly.

The act of Jesus using a λέντιον is symbolic of His role as a servant leader, setting an example for His followers to emulate. This moment is pivotal in understanding the nature of Christ's ministry and the call to discipleship, where greatness is defined by service and humility.

Forms and Transliterations

ελέπισε ελέπισεν λεντιον λέντιον λεντιω λεντίω λεντίῳ λέξεως λέξιν λέξις lentio lentiō lentíoi lentíōi lention léntion

Englishman's Concordance

John 13:4 N-ANS
GRK: καὶ λαβὼν λέντιον διέζωσεν ἑαυτόν
NAS: and taking a towel, He girded
KJV: and took a towel, and girded himself.
INT: and having taken a towel he girded himself

John 13:5 N-DNS
GRK: ἐκμάσσειν τῷ λεντίῳ ᾧ ἦν
NAS: and to wipe them with the towel with which
KJV: to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith
INT: to wipe [them] with the towel with which he was

Strong's Greek 3012
2 Occurrences

λεντίῳ — 1 Occ.
λέντιον — 1 Occ.