σχοινίον (schoinion)
schoinion
rope
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun schoinion refers to a cord or rope, specifically one woven from rushes. As a diminutive of schoinos, which denotes the rush plant itself, the word highlights the material origin of the object rather than just its function. This distinction matters because it evokes a tangible, everyday item familiar to ancient audiences, grounding the text in physical reality.
Scripture uses this specific term in only two instances, both involving dramatic scenes of binding and release. In John 2:15, Jesus fashions a whip from these cords to drive merchants out of the temple, an act that combines authority with improvised tools. Later, in Acts 27:32, soldiers cut the ship’s lifeboat loose using similar ropes to ensure the survival of all on board during a storm.
Translators typically render schoinion as "rope" or "cord," capturing its sturdy yet simple nature. The choice of rush-made material suggests availability and utility rather than luxury. These brief occurrences remind readers that biblical narratives often hinge on ordinary objects used for extraordinary purposes, whether for cleansing sacred space or preserving life in peril.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word schoinion refers to a simple rope made from woven rushes. It is not a symbol of grand power or luxury, but a tool crafted from what was readily available in the ancient world. This humility in material reminds us that God often uses ordinary means to accomplish extraordinary ends.
In John 2:15, Jesus uses these cords to make a whip, clearing the temple with decisive authority. Here, a humble rope becomes an instrument of justice and purification. It shows that holiness requires action, even when it involves simple, everyday items.
Later in Acts 27:32, soldiers cut similar ropes to save lives during a storm. In this context, the same type of cord becomes a tool for preservation and mercy. Whether used for cleansing or saving, these ropes point to how God works through the tangible realities of our lives to bring order and safety.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ropes1×
- cords1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σχοινίων1×
- σχοινία1×
Key Verses
-
John 2:15
He made a whip of cords and drove all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers’ money and overthrew their tables.
This occurrence matters because it shows Jesus using a humble rush rope to create a whip, demonstrating that divine authority can work through simple, improvised tools to restore holiness.
-
Acts 27:32
Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat and let it fall off.
This verse highlights the practical use of such ropes in a crisis, where cutting them was essential for survival, showing how ordinary objects play critical roles in preserving life during peril.