Lexical Summary othonion: Linen cloth, linen wrapping Original Word: ὀθόνιον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance linen clothes. Neuter of a presumed derivative of othone; a linen bandage -- linen clothes. see GREEK othone NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindim. of othoné Definition a piece of fine linen NASB Translation linen wrappings (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3608: ὀθόνιονὀθόνιον, ὀθονιου, τό (diminutive of ὀθόνη, which see), a piece of linen, small linen cloth: plural strips of linen cloth for swathing the dead, Luke 24:12 (T omits; L Tr brackets WH reject the verse); John 19:40; John 20:5-7. (In Greek writings of ships' sails made of linen, bandages for wounds, and other articles; the Sept. for סָדִין, Judges 14:13; for פִּשְׁתֶּה or פֵּשֶׁת, Hosea 2:5(7),9(11).) Topical Lexicon Occurrences in the New Testament Strong’s Greek 3608 designates the “linen cloths” used in wrapping the Lord’s body after His crucifixion and discovered in His empty tomb. The term appears five times: Luke 24:12; John 19:40; John 20:5; John 20:6; and John 20:7 (plural genitive form). Together these verses create a unified testimony. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus “wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom” (John 19:40). On resurrection morning the same cloths lay undisturbed, visible first to Peter (Luke 24:12) and then to both Peter and John (John 20:5-7), while the separate face-cloth was “rolled up, lying separate from the linen cloths” (John 20:7). Historical and Cultural Background First-century Jewish burials normally involved: 1. Washing the body. The linen was normally torn into long, narrow strips and wound around torso and limbs. Such cloths signified dignity and honor. In many households only priests or the wealthy could afford the quantity and quality of material used for Jesus (compare Isaiah 53:9). Distinction Between Linen Cloths and the Face Cloth John carefully differentiates between the ὀθόνια (linen wrappings) and the σουδάριον (face-cloth). The body wrappings lay flat, evidencing no hurried unbinding, while the face-cloth was rolled up separately. The evangelist’s precision rebuts suggestions of grave robbery: thieves would not leave expensive linen behind, nor would they pause to fold a head-covering. Prophetic and Theological Significance 1. Fulfillment of Scripture: Isaiah foretold that Messiah’s grave would be “with a rich man” (Isaiah 53:9). The costly linen supplied by Joseph met that prophecy. Apologetic Witness to the Resurrection The linen cloths provide tangible, testable details that strengthen the historicity of the resurrection: Though later centuries have debated relics such as the Shroud of Turin, the canonical emphasis remains on the empty wrappings as incontrovertible proof that “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6). Typological Connections Old Testament sanctuaries were lined with fine linen, symbolizing purity (Exodus 26:1). Priests likewise wore linen when ministering before the LORD (Leviticus 16:4). In Jesus the true High Priest, the linen of burial becomes the final priestly garment worn in His sin-atoning work; His resurrection renders the cloths obsolete, foreshadowing the white robes granted to the redeemed (Revelation 7:14). Pastoral and Ministry Reflections • Hope in Bereavement: As mourners once wrapped Jesus in linen, believers may now wrap the grieving in comfort, affirming that for those in Christ, grave clothes never have the last word (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Thus Strong’s Greek 3608, though a humble term for linen fabric, threads through the Gospel narrative as a witness to Jesus’ honorable burial, His bodily resurrection, and the unassailable hope secured for all who believe. Forms and Transliterations οθονια οθόνια οθόνιά ὀθόνια οθονιοις οθονίοις ὀθονίοις οθονιων οθονίων ὀθονίων οιακίζει othonia othónia othoniois othoníois othonion othoniōn othoníon othoníōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 24:12 N-ANPGRK: βλέπει τὰ ὀθόνια μόνα καὶ NAS: in, he saw the linen wrappings only; KJV: he beheld the linen clothes laid INT: he sees the linen clothes only and John 19:40 N-DNP John 20:5 N-ANP John 20:6 N-ANP John 20:7 N-GNP Strong's Greek 3608 |
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