σινδών (sindōn)
sindōn
linen
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sindōn refers to a specific type of fine, costly linen cloth in the New Testament. Unlike common household linen, this material was prized for its quality and softness, often used for special garments or wrapping the deceased. The sources indicate it likely had foreign origins, possibly Egyptian, reflecting its status as an imported luxury item.
Its most striking usage appears in the burial narratives of Jesus. Matthew 27:59, Mark 15:46, and Luke 23:53 all describe Joseph of Arimathea wrapping Jesus’ body in a clean sindōn sheet. This detail highlights the honor and care given to Jesus’ body, using high-quality material for his burial. In Mark 14:51-52, the same word describes a young man fleeing Gethsemane naked, wrapped only in a sindōn cloth, emphasizing vulnerability and sudden departure.
Translators typically render sindōn as "linen" or "fine linen," capturing its material nature without specifying exact weave. The word appears only five times in the New Testament, concentrated in the passion narratives, where it serves as a tangible marker of Jesus’ humanity and burial preparation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sindōn points to fine, costly linen, a material reserved for special occasions or honoring someone of high status. In the New Testament, it appears primarily in the accounts of Jesus’ burial. Joseph of Arimathea used this clean, high-quality cloth to wrap Jesus’ body, showing deep respect and care even in death. This detail reminds us that our bodies are valued and that we are honored by God.
Interestingly, the same word describes a young man who fled Gethsemane leaving his garment behind in fear and confusion. This contrast highlights human vulnerability. Yet, the use of sindōn for Jesus’ burial offers hope: despite the shame and pain of the cross, Jesus was treated with dignity. His resurrection confirms that God’s honor for us is not based on our strength but on His love.
When we reflect on this word, we see how God uses ordinary materials to convey profound truths. The fine linen speaks of a Savior who was fully human yet fully honored by the Father. It invites us to trust in a God who cares for every detail of our lives, even in our most vulnerable moments.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- linen cloth2×
- a linen cloth2×
- in a linen cloth1×
- a linen cloth,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σινδόνι3×
- σινδόνα2×
- σινδόνα,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 27:59
Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth
This verse highlights the honor given to Jesus’ body by using clean, costly linen, showing that His death was met with reverence.
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Mark 14:51
A certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth thrown around himself over his naked body. The young men grabbed him,
The young man’s sindōn cloth emphasizes his sudden vulnerability and fear as he flees Gethsemane naked.
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Mark 15:46
He bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth and laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of a rock. He rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.
Joseph’s use of a purchased linen cloth demonstrates his personal investment in providing a dignified burial for Jesus.