Lexical Summary schoinion: cord, rope Original Word: σχοινίον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance small cord, rope. Diminutive of schoinos (a rush or flag-plant; of uncertain derivation); a rushlet, i.e. Grass-withe or tie (generally) -- small cord, rope. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindim. of schoinos (a rush) Definition a rope (made of rushes) NASB Translation cords (1), ropes (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4979: σχοινίονσχοινίον, σχοινιου, τό (diminutive of the noun σχοῖνος, ὁ and ἡ, a rush), from Herodotus down, properly, a cord or rope made of rushes; universally, a rope: John 2:15; Acts 27:32. Topical Lexicon Overview of biblical usage The term appears only twice in the Greek New Testament, each time denoting lightweight but strong strands twisted together for specific purposes. In John 2:15 it is fashioned into a whip; in Acts 27:32 it secures a ship’s lifeboat. The contexts differ—Temple precinct versus violent storm at sea—yet both scenes present decisive action that safeguards God-ordained purposes. John 2:15 – a whip of cords “So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” (John 2:15) 1. Zeal for sacred space: By crafting the whip, Jesus momentarily employed ordinary materials to restore reverence in His Father’s house. The mildness of reed-cords underscores that His forcefulness was moral rather than cruel; the object served to direct animals and startle profiteers, not to injure people. Acts 27:32 – ropes of deliverance “So the soldiers cut the ropes of the lifeboat and set it adrift.” (Acts 27:32) 1. Trust in God’s word: Paul had proclaimed, “Not one of you will perish” (Acts 27:22). Cutting the ropes prevented sailors from abandoning ship, compelling everyone to rely on the divine promise. Historical-cultural insights • Materials: Mediterranean cordage was commonly made from rushes, palm fibers, flax, or esparto grass. Such ropes were inexpensive, quickly braided, and readily available in markets and aboard ships. Thematic and theological reflections 1. Purity and protection: In both passages cords function to preserve what is holy or to safeguard life. Scripture often portrays binding and loosening as spiritual metaphors (Matthew 16:19; 18:18). Practical ministry applications • Church discipline must be exercised with measured firmness, aiming at restoration rather than harm, mirroring the cord-whip’s limited force. Related Old Testament imagery • Cords of love (Hosea 11:4) contrast with cords of discipline, revealing both tenderness and firmness in God’s dealings. Summary Though mentioned only twice, this small word threads through weighty themes: the sanctity of worship, the integrity of leadership, and the intersection of divine sovereignty with human responsibility. Whether fashioned into a whip that purges corruption or severed to secure salvation amid storm, these cords remind believers that God weaves even the simplest strands into the fabric of His redemptive plan. Forms and Transliterations σχοινια σχοινία σχοινίοις σχοινίον σχοίνισμα σχοινίσματα σχοινίσματά σχοινίσματος σχοινισμός σχοινίω σχοινιων σχοινίων σχοίνόν σχοίνος σχοίνων schoinia schoinía schoinion schoiniōn schoiníon schoiníōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 2:15 N-GNPGRK: φραγέλλιον ἐκ σχοινίων πάντας ἐξέβαλεν NAS: a scourge of cords, and drove KJV: of small cords, he drove INT: a whip of cords all he drove out Acts 27:32 N-ANP Strong's Greek 4979 |
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