Lexical Summary soudarion: Handkerchief, face cloth, napkin Original Word: σουδάριον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance handkerchief, napkin. Of Latin origin; a sudarium (sweat-cloth), i.e. Towel (for wiping the perspiration from the face, or binding the face of a corpse) -- handkerchief, napkin. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition a handkerchief, a head cloth (for the dead) NASB Translation cloth (1), face-cloth (1), handkerchief (1), handkerchiefs (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4676: σουδάριονσουδάριον, σουδαριου, τό (a Latin word,sudarium, from sudor, sweat; cf. Buttmann, 18 (16)), a handkerchief, i. e. a cloth for wiping the perspiration from the face and for cleaning the nose: Luke 19:20; Acts 19:12; also used in swathing the head of a corpse (A. V. napkin), John 11:44; John 20:7. (Cf. BB. DD., under the word Topical Lexicon Meaning and Everyday Use in the First Century The word denotes a small linen cloth normally employed to wipe perspiration from the face, cover the head, or bind a corpse. In the Greco-Roman world such cloths were common among laborers and travelers, while in Jewish burial custom they served as part of the wrappings that honored the deceased. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 19:20 – the servant hides his master’s mina “in a piece of cloth.” These four scenes span parable, miracle, resurrection, and apostolic ministry, demonstrating the breadth of the Spirit’s work through ordinary objects. Symbolism in Burial Narratives In John 11:44 the cloth binding Lazarus’ face testifies that his resurrection is genuine; he is still wrapped as a corpse when life is restored. The removal of the cloth signals full liberation from death’s grip. At the empty tomb (John 20:7) the carefully folded cloth underscores divine order and intentionality; the Lord’s body was not stolen. The separation of the head-cloth from the other linens speaks of completion—death’s trappings are set aside, never to be needed again. Role in Apostolic Healing Ministry Acts 19:12 records an extraordinary extension of Paul’s ministry: “even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his body were brought to the sick, and the diseases left them and evil spirits departed.” The cloths themselves possessed no inherent power; rather, God honored faith in the risen Christ by granting healing through secondary means. The episode echoes the hem of Jesus’ garment (Matthew 9:20-22) and Peter’s shadow (Acts 5:15), underlining that the Lord remains the true healer. Parabolic Illustration of Stewardship In Luke 19:20 the servant’s concealment of the mina in a cloth depicts neglectful stewardship. What was meant to be invested is immobilized. The cloth that could serve constructive, even life-giving purposes in other contexts becomes an emblem of wasted opportunity. The same object that carries blessing in Acts 19 becomes a symbol of unfaithfulness when misused. Theological Reflections • God works through the ordinary. A simple handkerchief can mediate deliverance or condemn idleness, depending on the heart that wields it. Practical Applications for Believers Today 1. Offer everyday resources to God; He can employ the commonplace for kingdom purposes. Forms and Transliterations σουδαρια σουδάρια σουδαριον σουδάριον σουδαριω σουδαρίω σουδαρίῳ soudaria soudária soudario soudariō soudaríoi soudaríōi soudarion soudárionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 19:20 N-DNSGRK: ἀποκειμένην ἐν σουδαρίῳ NAS: I kept put away in a handkerchief; KJV: kept laid up in a napkin: INT: laid up in a handkerchief John 11:44 N-DNS John 20:7 N-ANS Acts 19:12 N-ANP Strong's Greek 4676 |
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