4699. spoggos

Lexical Summary

spoggos: Sponge

Original Word: σπόγγος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: spoggos
Pronunciation: spong'-gos
Phonetic Spelling: (spong'-gos)
KJV: spunge
NASB: sponge
Word Origin: [perhaps of foreign origin]

1. a "sponge"

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

a sponge

Perhaps of foreign origin; a "sponge" -- spunge.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a sponge
NASB Translation
sponge (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4699: σπόγγος

σπόγγος, σπογγου, ὁ (perhaps akin is fungus; Curtius, § 575), from Homer down, sponge: Matthew 27:48; Mark 15:36; John 19:29.

Topical Lexicon

Scriptural Occurrences

Matthew 27:48; Mark 15:36; John 19:29

Cultural and Historical Background

Natural sea sponges, harvested around the Aegean and Mediterranean, were everyday cleaning and medical tools in the first-century world. Soldiers carried them moistened with sour wine (cheap, mildly antiseptic vinegar-water) for refreshment during long watches. Tying a sponge to a reed allowed contact with a crucified prisoner while keeping physical distance—both for safety and to maintain the spectacle’s intimidation.

Role in the Passion Narratives

1. Answer to Jesus’ final expressed need: “I am thirsty” (John 19:28).
2. Vehicle of prophecy fulfillment—especially Psalm 69:21.
3. Immediate prelude to “It is finished” (John 19:30), linking the smallest physical relief to the greatest spiritual victory.
4. Instrument that brings together compassion and ridicule: one runner offers help, the crowd still taunts (Mark 15:36).

Symbolic and Theological Significance

• Incarnational Reality—The felt thirst and received moisture confirm that the suffering was no illusion.
• Sovereign Fulfillment—An ordinary sponge, an ordinary drink, yet foreseen in Scripture centuries earlier.
• Passover Echo—John alone notes the stalk of hyssop, recalling Exodus 12:22 and hinting that the true Passover Lamb’s blood is being applied.
• Contrast of Kingdoms—Roman military issue meets the King of Kings; common vinegar precedes the cup of the New Covenant.

Early Church Reflection

Patristic writers highlighted the scene to prove that minute prophetic details were satisfied in Christ. Homilies often linked the hyssop-held sponge to the cleansing of hearts, urging believers to apply the merits of Christ’s sacrifice as readily as the soldier lifted the sponge.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Compassionate Action—The unnamed bystander “ran” (Matthew 27:48) models prompt mercy; believers serve Christ today by relieving human need (Matthew 25:40).
• Confidence in Scripture—If God governs sponges and sour wine, He surely governs the larger crises of life.
• Eucharistic Meditation—Remembering the vinegar-soaked sponge deepens gratitude whenever the church lifts the communion cup, a stark contrast between bitter suffering and shared blessing.

Summary

Though mentioned only three times, Strong’s Greek 4699 stands as a quiet witness to the meticulous fulfillment of prophecy, the genuine humanity of the Savior, and the call for practical mercy among His followers.

Forms and Transliterations

σπογγον σπόγγον σποδιάν σποδιάς σποδοειδείς σποδοειδή spongon spóngon

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 27:48 N-AMS
GRK: καὶ λαβὼν σπόγγον πλήσας τε
NAS: and taking a sponge, he filled
KJV: and took a spunge, and filled
INT: and having taken a sponge having filled [it] and

Mark 15:36 N-AMS
GRK: καὶ γεμίσας σπόγγον ὄξους περιθεὶς
NAS: and filled a sponge with sour wine,
KJV: and filled a spunge full of vinegar,
INT: and having filled a sponge with vinegar having put [it] on

John 19:29 N-AMS
GRK: ὄξους μεστόν σπόγγον οὖν μεστὸν
NAS: they put a sponge full
KJV: they filled a spunge with vinegar,
INT: of vinegar full a sponge therefore having filled

Strong's Greek 4699
3 Occurrences

σπόγγον — 3 Occ.