σάκκος (sakkos)
sakkos
sackcloth
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sakkos refers to a coarse cloth, typically woven from animal hair, which served both practical and symbolic purposes in the ancient world. As a material, it was used to make rough sacks for carrying goods like grain or money. However, its most significant appearance in Scripture is as a garment worn by those in deep distress.
In the New Testament, this rough fabric functions as a visible sign of mourning, penitence, or supplication. Jesus uses it metaphorically to describe the solemnity of judgment when he mentions cities like Chorazin and Capernaum wearing sackcloth (Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13). The imagery resurfaces powerfully in Revelation, where two witnesses are described clothed in sackcloth during their prophetic ministry (Revelation 11:3), linking the garment to a life of austere devotion and grief over sin.
The word derives from the Hebrew saq, appearing frequently in the Septuagint to translate the same concept. By clothing themselves in this uncomfortable material, individuals physically expressed their inner turmoil, setting aside fine linen for a texture that reminded them and others of mortality and humility.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Sackcloth was a rough, uncomfortable material made from goat or camel hair. In biblical times, people wore it to show deep sorrow or repentance. It was a physical sign that their hearts were broken over sin or tragedy. By choosing this coarse fabric, they set aside fine clothes to express humility before God.
Jesus used this imagery in Matthew 11:21 to describe the serious judgment awaiting cities that refused to change. He showed that true repentance involves a complete turning away from pride. The garment reminds us that our outer appearance can reflect an inner desire for mercy and restoration.
In Revelation, witnesses wore sackcloth while prophesying, linking this humble dress to a life of devotion. It teaches us that approaching God requires honesty about our brokenness. This simple cloth points to the hope found in turning back to Him with a sincere heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sackcloth3×
- sackcloth.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σάκκῳ2×
- σάκκους.1×
- σάκκος1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 11:21
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
This verse uses sackcloth to illustrate the depth of repentance that would have occurred if Tyre and Sidon had seen Jesus' miracles.
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Revelation of John 6:12
I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became as blood.
Here, the sun becoming black as sackcloth signals cosmic upheaval and the seriousness of God's judgment during the sixth seal.
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Revelation of John 11:3
I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
The two witnesses wear sackcloth to signify their austere devotion and prophetic ministry during a time of spiritual conflict.