σπαργανόω (sparganoō)
sparganoō
to wrap
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sparganoō means to wrap an infant tightly in strips of cloth, specifically for the purpose of swaddling. It describes the physical act of binding a newborn’s limbs to keep them warm and secure, a common practice in the ancient world that is mentioned only twice in the New Testament (Luke 2:7, 12). The word derives from sparganon, referring to the actual bands or strips used in this process.
Its usage in Luke highlights the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth. By noting that Mary laid him in a manger because there was no room, and later referencing the sign of the baby wrapped in these cloths, the text emphasizes his complete dependence and vulnerability as an infant. This specific term distinguishes the careful wrapping of a newborn from general covering or dressing, pointing to the tenderness of the care provided despite the lack of space.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sparganoō describes the intimate act of swaddling an infant. In Luke’s account, Mary wraps her newborn son in strips of cloth before placing him in a manger. This simple gesture highlights both his vulnerability as a helpless baby and the tender care provided by his mother, even in humble surroundings.
For believers today, this image offers comfort. Just as the infant was securely held and protected, God’s love provides a safe refuge for us in times of uncertainty. The details of Jesus’ birth remind us that He entered our world fully human, experiencing the fragility of infancy. This truth grounds our faith in the reality of His incarnation.
When we reflect on this scene, we are invited to trust in the One who was once so small and dependent. His humility invites us to approach God with simplicity and confidence, knowing that He understands human weakness from the inside out.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wrapped in swaddling cloths1×
- swaddled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐσπαργάνωσεν1×
- ἐσπαργανωμένον1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:7
She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
This verse records the physical act of swaddling, emphasizing the tenderness of Mary’s care amidst the lack of space at the inn.
-
Luke 2:12
This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”
Here the wrapped baby serves as a specific sign for the shepherds, confirming the identity of the child through this humble detail.