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.
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.
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.
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.
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