ὀθόνιον (G3608) — Greek Lexicon

ὀθόνιον

othónion

G3608 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ὀθον- small piece of linen, linen wrapping, bandage, cloth strip

Definition

A small piece or strip of linen cloth, typically used for wrapping, swathing, or binding, particularly in funerary or medical contexts. In the New Testament, especially refers to the strips of linen or cloths used to wrap a corpse for burial. The term can also be used more generically for fine linen garments or cloths in other contexts, but the primary sense is that of small linen wrappings or bandages.

Semantic Range

small linen cloth, cloth strip, bandage, burial wrapping, linen garments (in rare broader usage)

Root / Etymology

Diminutive form derived from ὀθόνη ('linen cloth' or 'sail'), likely via the presumed stem ὀθον- with the suffix -ιον to indicate a smaller item. The word specifically denotes smaller pieces made from linen fabric. Related to the broader term ὀθόνη found in earlier and contemporary Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ὀθόνη refers generally to fabric of fine linen, often for sails or large cloths. The diminutive ὀθόνιον emerges in Hellenistic and later Koine Greek as a reference to smaller linen items. In the New Testament, notably in the Gospels (Luke 24:12; John 19:40; 20:5-7), ὀθόνια (plural) refer specifically to the linen cloths or wrappings used to bind corpses after death, following Judean burial customs of the period. The Septuagint generally does not use this diminutive, preferring ὀθόνη or other terms. English translations as 'linen cloths' or 'linen wrappings' reflect the New Testament funerary context but may obscure the distinction between general linen garments and specialized funerary bindings. The term does not have an inherent religious or theological connotation; its significance in funerary contexts arises from historical practice. The use of a diminutive emphasizes their relatively small size compared to the larger linen sheets (e.g., σινδών) sometimes used in burials.

Translation Consistency

primary "linen" 5 occurrences

'Linen' is the natural, commonly used English word in New Testament contexts (e.g., 'linen cloths', 'grave clothes') and covers the primary sense of ὀθόνιον as small strips or wrappings of fine cloth used for burial or binding. It is neutral enough to cover related uses (bandage, garment) while remaining concise and consistent across all occurrences.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of a presumed derivative of ὀθόνη; a linen bandage:--linen clothes.

Root Family

ὀθόνιον (othonion) — small piece of linen, linen wrapping, bandage, cloth strip

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3608-01`	ὀθόνια	othonia	`N ACC N PL`	linen cloths	linen wrappings	linen wrappings	3
`G3608-02`	ὀθονίοις	othoniois	`N DAT N PL`	in linen cloths	with linen wrappings	with linen wrappings	1
`G3608-03`	ὀθονίων	othonion	`N GEN N PL`	linen cloths	of linen wrappings	linen wrappings	1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3608-01`	Luke 24:12	ὀθόνια	othonia	`N ACC N PL`	linen cloths	linen wrappings	linen wrappings
`G3608-02`	John 19:40	ὀθονίοις	othoniois	`N DAT N PL`	in linen cloths	with linen wrappings	with linen wrappings
`G3608-01`	John 20:5	ὀθόνια	othonia	`N ACC N PL`	linen cloths	linen wrappings	linen wrappings
`G3608-01`	John 20:6	ὀθόνια	othonia	`N ACC N PL`	linen cloths	linen wrappings	linen wrappings
`G3608-03`	John 20:7	ὀθονίων	othonion	`N GEN N PL`	linen cloths	of linen wrappings	linen wrappings

← G3607 Greek Lexicon G3609 →