κράσπεδον (kraspedon)
kraspedon
edge
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kraspedon refers to the edge or border of a garment, specifically the tassels attached to the corners of a cloak. In the New Testament, this term describes the fringes that observant Jews wore on their outer robes, fulfilling the command in Numbers 15:38 and Deuteronomy 22:12 to attach blue cords as a reminder of God's laws.
These tassels appear in several healing narratives where physical contact with them becomes significant. In Matthew 9:20 and Mark 6:56, individuals reach out to touch the kraspedon of Jesus’ garment, believing that even this small piece of fabric carries healing power. The word highlights a tangible connection between the wearer’s identity and the divine commandments they sought to honor.
The term underscores the physicality of faith in these accounts. By touching the edge of the robe, people acknowledged Jesus as a teacher of the law while seeking mercy. This detail connects the everyday practice of Jewish piety with the miraculous events recorded in the Gospels, showing how ordinary objects served as points of encounter.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kraspedon refers to the tassels or fringes attached to the corners of a garment, a practice rooted in Old Testament commands to remind Israel of God's laws. In the Gospels, these edges become more than simple fabric details; they serve as points of contact for those seeking healing. When individuals reached out to touch Jesus' robe, they were not merely grabbing cloth but reaching for mercy and divine power.
For your faith today, this reminds us that God is accessible in the ordinary moments of life. You do not need grand gestures or perfect rituals to draw near to Him. Like those who touched the fringe of His garment, you can bring your brokenness, illness, or need directly to Jesus. He welcomes even the smallest act of trust with profound compassion and healing grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fringe4×
- tassels1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κρασπέδου4×
- κράσπεδα1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 9:20
Behold, a woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment;
This verse shows a woman’s persistent faith reaching out to touch the fringe, resulting in immediate physical healing.
-
Mark 6:56
Wherever he entered—into villages, or into cities, or into the country—they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well.
Here the fringe becomes a widespread source of hope, as many sick people were made well simply by touching it.
-
Luke 8:44
came behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak. Immediately the flow of her blood stopped.
The text highlights that touching the fringe stopped her bleeding immediately, emphasizing the power in that simple contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kraspedon mean in the Bible?
Why did people touch Jesus' garment fringe?
Is there a difference between kraspedon and other words for garment parts?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Behold, a woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment;
Matthew 14:36and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.
Matthew 23:5But they do all their works to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the fringes of their…