### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epirrháptō**, represented by `{{G1976}}`, means to **sew on** or stitch upon. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a powerful metaphor about the incompatibility of old and new systems.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G1976}}` is in [[Mark 2:21]], where it describes the action of sewing a piece of new cloth onto an old garment. The verse states, "No man also **seweth** a piece of new cloth on an old garment" [[Mark 2:21]]. The reason given is that the new patch, or the "fulness" `{{G4138}}` it provides, will pull away `{{G142}}` from the old fabric, creating a worse `{{G5501}}` tear, or "rent" `{{G4978}}`. This illustrates a principle where combining something new and unshrunk with something old and worn leads to greater damage.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help clarify its meaning:
* `{{G1909}}` **epí** (upon): As a prefix in `{{G1976}}`, this word signifies the act of placing something "upon" another. This is seen in phrases like building a house "upon" a rock [[Matthew 7:24]] or the Spirit coming "upon" the disciples [[Acts 1:8]].
* `{{G1915}}` **epíblēma** (piece): This word for "patch" or "piece" is what is sewn on in the parable. It appears in the parallel accounts as well, always in the context of mending an old garment ([[Matthew 9:16]], [[Luke 5:36]]).
* `{{G4978}}` **schísma** (rent): This is the "rent" or "schism" that is made worse by the improper mending. The term is also used figuratively to describe divisions among people, such as the "division" among the Jews regarding Jesus [[John 7:43]] and a warning against "divisions" in the church [[1 Corinthians 1:10]].
* `{{G3820}}` **palaiós** (old): This describes the "old" garment that cannot handle the new patch. The term is used elsewhere to refer to the "old man" that must be put off ([[Ephesians 4:22]], [[Romans 6:6]]) and the "old leaven" that must be purged [[1 Corinthians 5:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1976}}` is demonstrated through the parable it anchors.
* **Incompatibility of the Old and New:** The act of trying to **sew on** the new to the old is presented as a futile effort that worsens the problem. This illustrates the incompatibility of the new life in Christ with the "old man" [[Romans 6:6]] or the old system of the law. As [[2 Corinthians 5:17]] states, in Christ one becomes a "new" `{{G2537}}` creature and "old things" are passed away.
* **Warning Against Syncretism:** Attempting to simply patch the old self with new principles leads to a "schism" `{{G4978}}`, or a deeper spiritual tear. The new life in Christ is not a mere addition but a complete transformation [[Romans 12:2]].
* **The Fulness of the New Covenant:** The new piece is described by a word for "fulness" `{{G4138}}`. This points to the new covenant in Christ being a complete system, not just a patch. This "fulness" is seen in Christ, in whom the "fulness of the Godhead" dwells [[Colossians 2:9]], and his new way cannot be contained by old structures.
### Summary
In summary, though used only once, `{{G1976}}` is a vital word for understanding a key teaching of Jesus. To **sew on** a new patch to an old garment is a metaphor for the flawed attempt to merge the new reality of the kingdom of God with old, worn-out religious forms or the unregenerate self. It underscores the need for a radical transformation, as the new life in Christ is not a simple repair but a total renewal.
TRV