### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κράββατος (G2895), transliterated as *krabbatos*, refers to a simple, portable bed or mattress, often of a humble nature. Its definition suggests it is "probably of foreign origin," indicating it may have been a loanword into Koine Greek, perhaps from a regional dialect or Aramaic. Unlike more elaborate couches or beds (cf. `{{G2825}}` κλίνη), the *krabbatos* denotes a basic sleeping mat, easily carried or rolled up. This simplicity often associates it with the poor, the infirm, or those who could not afford more substantial furnishings. Its semantic range is narrow, consistently pointing to this specific type of humble sleeping arrangement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *krabbatos* appears exclusively in the Gospels of Mark and John, and once in Acts, always in contexts of miraculous healing.
* **Mark 2:4, 9, 11, 12**: In the account of the paralytic lowered through the roof, Jesus commands him, "Rise, take up your *krabbatos* and go home" [[Mark 2:9]]. The immediate obedience and the public act of carrying the very object that had confined him serve as undeniable proof of the miracle. The *krabbatos* here is a symbol of the man's former helplessness and now, his complete restoration.
* **Mark 6:55**: As Jesus travels through various regions, people bring the sick to him "on their *krabbatoi*," laying them in the marketplaces for healing. This highlights the widespread need for healing and the common use of such simple beds for transporting the infirm.
* **John 5:8-12**: At the pool of Bethesda, Jesus tells the man who had been ill for thirty-eight years, "Rise, take up your *krabbatos* and walk" [[John 5:8]]. The man's immediate healing and subsequent carrying of his *krabbatos* sparks controversy with the Jewish authorities because it is the Sabbath. Here, the *krabbatos* becomes not only a sign of healing but also a focal point for the tension between divine compassion and legalistic interpretation of the Law.
* **Acts 9:33**: Peter encounters Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years. Peter commands him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your *krabbatos*" [[Acts 9:33]]. Similar to the Gospel accounts, the command to "make your bed" signifies a complete and public reversal of his long-standing condition, demonstrating the power of Christ through His apostles.
Across these occurrences, the *krabbatos* consistently represents the physical ailment and confinement of the individual, and the command to "take up" or "make" it signifies the instantaneous and undeniable nature of the divine healing.
### Related Words & Concepts
While *krabbatos* specifically denotes a simple mat or bed, it stands in relation to other terms for sleeping or reclining furniture:
* `{{G2825}}` κλίνη (*klinē*): A more general term for a couch, bed, or stretcher. It can sometimes overlap in meaning with *krabbatos* in contexts of carrying the sick, but *klinē* can also refer to more substantial or even luxurious furniture.
* `{{G4682}}` στρωμνή (*strōmnē*): Refers to bedding or a mattress, often implying the soft coverings rather than the frame itself.
* The concept of *infirmity* or *paralysis* is intrinsically linked to *krabbatos* in the New Testament, as the bed is the object that confines the sick. Conversely, the concept of *healing* and *restoration* is always the outcome when *krabbatos* is mentioned in the context of a divine command. The act of carrying the *krabbatos* becomes a public *testimony* to the miracle performed.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of *krabbatos* in healing narratives carries profound theological significance:
* **Demonstration of Divine Authority:** The command to "take up your *krabbatos*" is a direct exercise of Jesus' (and later, Peter's) divine authority over sickness and the natural order. It is not merely a request but an imperative, showcasing absolute power to restore.
* **Symbol of Complete Transformation:** The *krabbatos* transitions from being a symbol of weakness, confinement, and dependence to a tangible witness of complete healing and liberation. The individual is not just able to walk, but strong enough to carry the very object that once carried them, signifying a total reversal of their state.
* **Evidential Nature of Miracles:** The public act of carrying the *krabbatos* served as irrefutable proof of the miracle. It was a visible, verifiable sign that authenticated Jesus' claims and the power of God at work through Him. This provided a basis for faith and challenged skepticism.
* **Conflict with Legalism:** In John's Gospel, the *krabbatos* becomes a point of contention regarding Sabbath observance. Jesus' command to carry the bed on the Sabbath prioritizes human need and divine mercy over rigid adherence to the letter of the Law, revealing the spirit of the Law.
* **God's Concern for the Marginalized:** The *krabbatos*, being a humble object, underscores that those healed were often the poor and marginalized. This highlights God's compassion and accessibility to those in the direst need.
### Summary
The Greek word *krabbatos* (G2895) denotes a simple, portable mat or bed, typically associated with the infirm. Its appearances in the New Testament are exclusively linked to miraculous healings performed by Jesus and Peter. The recurring motif of commanding the healed individual to "take up your *krabbatos*" serves as a powerful demonstration of divine authority over sickness, a tangible symbol of complete physical and spiritual transformation, and undeniable public evidence of the miracle. Furthermore, in the Gospel of John, the carrying of the *krabbatos* on the Sabbath highlights the tension between God's restorative grace and human legalism. Ultimately, the *krabbatos* stands as a humble yet potent witness to the liberating and life-altering power of God.
TRV