Original Word: σιμικίνθιον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: simikinthion
Pronunciation: see-mee-KEEN-thee-on
Phonetic Spelling: (sim-ee-kin'-thee-on)
Definition: an apron worn by artisans.
Meaning: A small apron or girdle, often used in the context of a servant's attire.

Word Origin: Derived from Latin "simia," meaning "ape" or "monkey," and "cinctus," meaning "girded" or "belted." The term likely refers to a type of apron or girdle.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for σιμικίνθιον, the concept of girding oneself for service can be related to Hebrew terms such as חֲגוֹרָה (chagorah • Strong's Hebrew 2290), meaning "girdle" or "belt," which is used in various contexts in the Old Testament to denote preparation for work or battle.

Usage: The term σιμικίνθιον is used in the New Testament to describe a garment associated with servitude or humility, particularly in the context of Jesus' actions during the Last Supper.

Context: The term σιμικίνθιον appears in the New Testament in the context of John 13:4-5, where Jesus, during the Last Supper, rises from the meal, lays aside His outer garments, and girds Himself with a towel. This act of girding Himself with a towel, or σιμικίνθιον, symbolizes servitude and humility, as Jesus proceeds to wash the feet of His disciples. This gesture is a profound demonstration of servant leadership and an example of humility and love that Jesus imparts to His followers. The σιμικίνθιον, therefore, is not merely a physical garment but a representation of the spiritual posture of service and selflessness that Jesus embodies and calls His disciples to emulate.

In the cultural context of the time, the act of washing feet was typically performed by the lowest servant in the household. By taking on this role, Jesus subverts societal norms and illustrates the kingdom principle that true greatness is found in serving others. The σιμικίνθιον, as a symbol of this service, becomes a powerful emblem of the Christian call to humility and love.

Word Origin
of Latin origin
Definition
(a workman's) apron
NASB Translation
aprons (1).

STRONGS NT 4612: σιμικίνθιον

σιμικίνθιον (or σημικίνθιον), σιμικινθιου, τό, (Latinsemicinctium (cf. Rich, Dict. of Antiq., under the word), from semi and cingo), a narrow apron, or linen covering, which workmen and servants were accustomed to wear: Acts 19:12 (A. V. aprons).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

apron.

Of Latin origin; a semicinctium or half-girding, i.e. Narrow covering (apron) -- apron.

Forms and Transliterations

σιμικινθια σιμικίνθια simikinthia simikínthia

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts