πλέκω (plekō)
plekō
to weave
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb plekō describes the physical act of weaving or plaiting strands together. It appears only three times in the New Testament, all within the passion narratives where Roman soldiers mock Jesus by braiding a crown of thorns (Matthew 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2). The word captures the deliberate, interlocking motion required to create something sturdy from flexible materials.
Its root sense involves twisting or binding elements into a unified structure. While often translated generally as "weave," the specific context of thorns suggests a rough, painful braiding rather than the creation of fine fabric. This usage highlights the contrast between the soldiers' cruel intent and the unintended symbolism of the object they fashioned.
Translators typically render plekō as "plaited" or "woven" to preserve this image of interlaced strands. The rare occurrence of the word in Scripture focuses attention on this single, vivid moment, using a common craft term to describe an act of humiliation that carries deep theological weight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word plekō describes the careful, interlocking motion of weaving strands together. In the Gospels, Roman soldiers used this common craft skill to braid thorns into a crown. It was an act meant to mock Jesus as King, turning a symbol of honor into one of pain and ridicule. The physical reality of sharp thorns pressing into skin underscores the depth of his humiliation.
Yet, this moment reveals a profound truth about Christ’s kingship. He did not wear a crown of gold or silk, but one woven from suffering. This image reminds us that true authority often looks like sacrificial love rather than worldly power. The very instrument of their cruelty became the sign of his identity.
When we face our own trials, we can look to this scene with hope. Jesus endured the sharpest pains so that we might receive peace. His willingness to bear such shame shows how deeply God values us. We are invited to trust in a King who understands suffering from the inside out.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having twisted together3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πλέξαντες3×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 27:29
They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
This verse highlights the deliberate mocking tone as the soldiers combine the woven crown with a reed scepter to parody royal dignity.
-
Mark 15:17
They clothed him with purple; and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on him.
Mark places the weaving action immediately after dressing Jesus in purple, emphasizing the visual contrast between regal attire and painful thorns.
-
John 19:2
The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple garment.
John’s account focuses on the soldiers' persistence in their cruel game, showing how they repeatedly subjected Jesus to this specific act of humiliation.