κειρία (keiria)
keiria
graveclothes
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun keiria refers to bands or strips used for binding, specifically describing the graveclothes that wrapped a corpse. In John 11:44, it denotes the linen strips in which Lazarus was bound before his resurrection. The term highlights the physical reality of death and burial, emphasizing how completely the body was secured.
Its etymology is uncertain, but it likely derives from a root meaning to bind or tie. This distinguishes it from generic words for cloth; keiria specifically denotes the functional strips used for wrapping or securing. The word appears only once in the New Testament, making its usage in Lazarus’ story particularly vivid and precise.
Translators render it as "graveclothes" or "linen strips," capturing both the material and its purpose. This single occurrence underscores the tangible nature of Jesus’ miracle: He did not merely restore a spirit but freed a body bound by death’s finality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word keiria describes the linen strips used to bind Lazarus in the tomb. These were not loose shrouds but tight wrappings that secured his body against movement. This detail shows how complete death had become for him, leaving no room for doubt about his condition.
When Jesus called Lazarus forth, He did not simply release a spirit. He freed a man bound by physical restraints. The miracle involved both the restoration of life and the loosening of these bonds. It reminds us that Jesus cares for the whole person—body and soul alike.
This moment offers hope when we feel trapped by circumstances that seem unbreakable. Just as Lazarus was released from his bindings, we can trust that Christ has power to loosen whatever holds us back in fear or despair.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with linen strips,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κειρίαις,1×
Key Verses
-
John 11:44
He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Free him, and let him go.”
This verse uses keiria to describe the specific linen strips binding Lazarus, highlighting the physical reality of his death before Jesus’ command to unbind him.