Lexical Summary perideó: To bind around, to wrap around Original Word: περιδέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bind peri and deo; to bind around one, i.e. Enwrap -- bind about. see GREEK deo see GREEK peri NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peri and deó Definition to tie around NASB Translation wrapped around (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4019: περιδέωπεριδέω: pluperfect passive 3 person singular περιεδέδετο; (from Herodotus down); to bind around, tie over (cf. περί, III. 1]: τινα τίνι, John 11:44. (The Sept. Job 12:18; Plutarch, mor., p. 825 e. (i. e. praecepta ger. reipub. 32, 21; Aristotle, h. a. 9, 39, p. 628a, 14).) Topical Lexicon Concept Overview Strong’s Greek 4019 describes the action of binding something completely around, enclosing it so that movement is restricted. Its single New Testament occurrence, found in John 11:44, pictures the physical wrapping of Lazarus’ limbs in grave-cloths. The verb therefore conveys both literal restraint and an atmosphere of finality that death seemed to impose—until Jesus spoke. Historical Context: Jewish Burial Customs First-century Judean burials typically involved washing the body, anointing it with spices (John 19:40), and winding strips of linen around the limbs and torso. A separate cloth was tied around the head to keep the jaw closed. Such wrappings were tight enough to inhibit movement; bodies were then placed in rock-hewn tombs, often sealed with a stone (Mark 15:46). The verb of John 11:44 fits naturally within this cultural practice: Lazarus was secured in a way presumed irreversible, underscoring the magnitude of the miracle that followed. Biblical Setting: John 11:44 “The man who had died came out with his hands and feet bound with strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him and let him go.’” (John 11:44) The binding accentuates several features of the narrative: 1. Certainty of Death: The embalming-like procedure left no doubt that Lazarus had been dead four days (John 11:17, 39). Christological Implications The single use of this verb in connection with Jesus’ seventh sign in John reinforces the evangelist’s overarching purpose: “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:31). By undoing the grave’s bindings, Jesus previews His own resurrection, where grave-clothes are left behind in orderly fashion (John 20:6–7). The event therefore functions apologetically—demonstrating Jesus’ sovereignty over death—and pastorally—offering assurance of bodily resurrection for believers (John 11:25–26). Symbolism of Binding and Release Scripture frequently contrasts bondage with deliverance. While Strong’s 4019 is unique to John 11:44, related verbs such as δέω (“to bind,” Matthew 12:29) and λύω (“to loose,” John 11:44; Revelation 5:2) create a thematic tapestry: Thus Lazarus’ unwrapping becomes a living parable of salvation—moving from death to life, from confinement to freedom. Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Assurance of Resurrection: Just as the physical bindings could not preserve Lazarus in death, so nothing can thwart the life-giving word of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Related Passages and Themes • Isaiah 25:7–8—prophetic promise that the “shroud” of death will be destroyed. Summary Strong’s Greek 4019 crystallizes, in a single verse, the tension between mortal finality and divine authority. The binding of Lazarus’ limbs sets the stage for Jesus’ climactic command that not only liberates a friend from a tomb but also signals the gospel’s promise of freedom from sin and death for all who believe. Forms and Transliterations περιδραξαμένου περιεδεδετο περιεδέδετο περιέδησε περίεστιν περιόν περιόντες periededeto periedédetoLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 11:44 V-LIM/P-3SGRK: αὐτοῦ σουδαρίῳ περιεδέδετο λέγει ὁ NAS: and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. KJV: face was bound about with a napkin. INT: of him with a handkerchief bound about says |
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