### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1794 (ἐντυλίσσω, *entylíssō*) is derived from the preposition ἐν (in, into) and a root akin to εἱλίσσω (to roll, to wrap, `{{G1667}}`). Its core meaning denotes the action of "wrapping in," "enfolding," or "winding up in" something. This implies a complete covering or enclosure, often with a sense of carefulness or thoroughness. Unlike a mere covering, ἐντυλίσσω suggests the act of rolling or twisting material around an object to fully encase it. The nuance lies in the immersive nature of the wrapping, where the object is fully enveloped within the material.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐντυλίσσω appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the context of the burial and resurrection of Jesus:
1. **[[Matthew 27:59]]**: "And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud."
Here, the verb describes Joseph of Arimathea's act of preparing Jesus' body for burial. The "clean linen shroud" (σινδών) signifies a respectful and honorable interment, consistent with Jewish burial customs. The use of ἐντυλίσσω emphasizes the complete enfolding of the body, indicating a meticulous and reverent act of preparation by a devout follower. This act underscores the reality of Jesus' death and the solemnity of His burial.
2. **[[John 20:7]]**: "and the face-cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a separate place."
This occurrence is particularly significant. After Mary Magdalene reports the empty tomb, Peter and John enter. John notes the grave clothes (ὀθόνια) lying, and then specifically mentions the face-cloth (σουδάριον) that had been on Jesus' head. The verb ἐντυλίσσω here is in the perfect participle passive (ἐντετυλιγμένον), indicating a completed action with lasting results: the face-cloth was not merely cast aside but was found in a state of being "folded up" or "rolled up" in a distinct location. This detail has profound implications for understanding the resurrection. It suggests an orderly departure rather than a hasty theft or desecration. A body stolen would likely leave the grave clothes in disarray, or taken with the body. The careful, deliberate arrangement of the face-cloth, distinct from the other grave clothes, points towards a supernatural event, a deliberate act of the resurrected Christ, leaving behind a silent testimony to His triumph over death.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἐντυλίσσω includes several related terms that describe actions of covering, binding, or concealing:
* εἱλίσσω (heilíssō, `{{G1667}}`): "to roll up," "to wrap around." This is the root word from which ἐντυλίσσω is likely derived, with the added prefix ἐν- emphasizing the "in" or "into" aspect of the wrapping.
* κρύπτω (kryptō, `{{G2928}}`): "to hide," "to conceal." While ἐντυλίσσω primarily describes the act of wrapping, the result often involves concealment.
* δέω (deō, `{{G1210}}`): "to bind," "to tie." This refers more to securing with ropes or bonds, whereas ἐντυλίσσω focuses on enveloping with fabric.
* θάπτω (thaptō, `{{G2290}}`): "to bury." The act of ἐντυλίσσω (wrapping) is an integral part of the burial process in the ancient world.
* συντάσσω (syntássō, `{{G4929}}`): "to arrange," "to put in order." While not directly synonymous, the orderly state implied by ἐντυλίσσω in [[John 20:7]] resonates with the concept of arrangement.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐντυλίσσω is deeply intertwined with the passion and resurrection narratives of Jesus Christ.
Firstly, in [[Matthew 27:59]], the act of wrapping Jesus' body underscores the **reality of His death**. It confirms that a human body, truly deceased, was prepared for burial according to custom. This detail is crucial for the doctrine of the atonement, as it affirms that Christ truly died to pay the penalty for sin. The reverent wrapping by Joseph of Arimathea also speaks to the **dignity and care** afforded to the body of the Lord, even in death, reflecting a deep respect for His person.
Secondly, and perhaps most profoundly, the use of ἐντυλίσσω in [[John 20:7]] provides a subtle yet powerful **testimony to the resurrection**. The face-cloth found "folded up" or "rolled up" in its own place, separate from the other grave clothes, presents a scenario inconsistent with a body stolen by grave robbers or disciples. Such an act would typically result in disarray or the removal of the clothes with the body. Instead, the orderly state of the grave clothes, particularly the carefully ἐντυλίσσω face-cloth, suggests a deliberate, unhurried departure from the tomb. It implies that Jesus did not merely "wake up" and escape, but rather passed through the grave clothes in a transformed, resurrected body, leaving them behind as a silent witness to His triumph over death. This detail speaks to the **divine power and intentionality** of the resurrection, serving as a quiet but compelling piece of evidence for the empty tomb and the new life of Christ.
### Summary
The Greek verb G1794 (ἐντυλίσσω) denotes the action of "wrapping in" or "enfolding." Though appearing only twice in the New Testament, its occurrences are profoundly significant. In [[Matthew 27:59]], it describes the reverent wrapping of Jesus' body in a linen shroud, affirming the reality of His death and burial. More remarkably, in [[John 20:7]], it characterizes the face-cloth in the empty tomb as being "folded up" or "rolled up" in an orderly fashion. This seemingly minor detail provides powerful, subtle evidence for the resurrection, suggesting a deliberate, supernatural departure rather than a theft or hasty abandonment. Thus, ἐντυλίσσω contributes to the biblical narrative by both confirming the finality of Christ's death and subtly testifying to the miraculous nature of His triumphant resurrection.
TRV