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σιμικίνθιον

simikínthion

G4612 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A small garment worn around the waist, generally an apron or narrow cloth covering, particularly associated with the attire of artisans or laborers. In literary and documentary contexts, denotes a half-girdle or waistcloth, serving functional purposes such as protection of clothing or sign of a particular occupation.

Semantic Range

apron; half-girdle; narrow covering worn at the waist; workman's garment; cloth used for protection during labor

Root / Etymology

From Latin 'semicinctium' (semi- 'half' + 'cinctium' 'girdle'), indicating a garment or sash; entered Greek as a loanword during the Roman period.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The word σιμικίνθιον is a Latin loanword limited almost exclusively to later Greek, especially in Roman-era and early Christian sources. Its only attestation in the New Testament appears in Acts 19:12, where it refers to cloths or aprons associated with the apostle Paul, a known artisan (tentmaker). Such items were practical garments used in manual labor, particularly among craftsmen. In the Greco-Roman world, a 'semicinctium' was worn to cover and protect the clothing while working, distinct from larger or more decorative girdles. The translation 'apron' in modern English Bibles tries to capture the functional sense but may obscure the word's technical specificity and Latin origin.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Latin origin; a semicinctium or half-girding, i.e. narrow covering (apron):--apron.

Root Family

σιμικίνθιον (simikinthion) — to gird, to wrap around the waist, waist-covering garment

Root σιμικινθ- to gird, to wrap around the waist, to cover

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4612-01 σιμικίνθια simikinthia N ACC N PL aprons waist-wrapping work cloths waist-wrapping work cloths 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4612-01 Acts 19:12 σιμικίνθια simikinthia N ACC N PL aprons waist-wrapping work cloths waist-wrapping work cloths
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