### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κράσπεδον (kráspedon, `{{G2899}}`) primarily denotes a "margin," "border," "hem," or, more specifically, a "fringe" or "tassel." While its precise etymological derivation is uncertain, its semantic range in the New Testament is clearly defined by its usage, particularly in light of Old Testament background. It refers to the four tassels or fringes (Hebrew: *tzitzit*, `{{H6734}}`) that observant Jews were commanded to wear on the corners of their outer garments, as prescribed in Numbers 15:37-41 and Deuteronomy 22:12. These fringes were not merely decorative but held profound symbolic significance, serving as a visual reminder of God's commandments and the wearer's covenantal obligation to obey them and be holy. The Septuagint (LXX) consistently uses κράσπεδον to translate the Hebrew *tzitzit*, cementing this specific meaning within the biblical lexicon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word κράσπεδον appears eight times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Synoptic Gospels, and its occurrences fall into two distinct thematic categories:
1. **Healing Narratives (Matthew 9:20; 14:36; Mark 6:56; Luke 8:44):** In these passages, the word refers to the fringe of Jesus' garment. Most notably, in [[Matthew 9:20]] (paralleled in [[Mark 5:27]] and [[Luke 8:44]]), a woman suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years believes that merely touching the fringe of Jesus' cloak will heal her. Her act of faith is immediately met with healing. Similarly, in [[Matthew 14:36]] (paralleled in [[Mark 6:56]]), many who were sick in Gennesaret sought to touch the fringe of Jesus' garment, and "as many as touched it were made well." These accounts highlight a profound understanding of Jesus' divine power and authority, where even the outermost part of His clothing, a symbolic reminder of God's law and presence, became a conduit for His miraculous healing. The people's faith was directed not at the fringe itself, but at the divine power residing in Jesus, which was accessible even through this external point of contact.
2. **Critique of Pharisaic Hypocrisy (Matthew 23:5):** In this passage, Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees, stating, "They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they widen their phylacteries and lengthen their fringes." Here, κράσπεδον refers to the *tzitzit* which the Pharisees meticulously enlarged. This action, intended to outwardly display their piety and adherence to the Law, is exposed by Jesus as a performance motivated by a desire for human praise rather than genuine devotion to God. This contrasts sharply with the humble, faith-filled touch of the sick in the healing narratives, demonstrating the danger of religious externalism devoid of internal transformation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the Hebrew *tzitzit* (`{{H6734}}`), which κράσπεδον translates in the Septuagint. The command to wear *tzitzit* is found in [[Numbers 15:37-41]] and [[Deuteronomy 22:12]]. The purpose of these fringes was explicitly stated: "It shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, to do them, not to follow after your own heart and your own eyes, which lead you to whoring, so that you may remember and do all my commandments and be holy to your God" ([[Numbers 15:39-40]]). Thus, the concept of *remembrance*, *obedience*, and *holiness* are intrinsically linked to κράσπεδον.
Other related concepts include:
* *ἱμάτιον* (himation, `{{G2440}}`): The outer garment or cloak upon which the fringes were worn.
* *Περίβλημα* (periblēma, `{{G4018}}`): A covering or cloak.
* *Phylacteries* (φυλακτήρια, phylaktēria, `{{G5440}}`): Small boxes containing Scripture passages, also worn by Jews, often enlarged by the Pharisees alongside their fringes for ostentatious display ([[Matthew 23:5]]).
* The broader concept of *Torah* (Law) and its observance, both in spirit and in letter.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κράσπεδον is multifaceted:
1. **Jesus' Identity and Fulfillment of the Law:** By wearing κράσπεδον, Jesus affirms His Jewish identity and His faithful adherence to the Law of Moses. Unlike the Pharisees, His observance was not for show but was an authentic expression of His obedient life. He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([[Matthew 5:17]]). His very garment, with its commanded fringes, thus became a tangible symbol of His perfect obedience and His embodiment of God's presence.
2. **Faith and Divine Power:** The healing narratives underscore the power of faith in Jesus. The act of touching His κράσπεδον was not superstitious magic, but a desperate, yet profound, expression of belief in His unique divine authority and ability to heal. The fringes, meant to remind one of God's presence and commandments, became the point of contact with the very Son of God who perfectly embodied those realities. Some scholars also see a subtle connection to [[Malachi 4:2]], which speaks of the "Sun of Righteousness" rising "with healing in His wings" (Hebrew *kanaf*, which can also mean "corner" or "fringe"), suggesting a prophetic fulfillment in Jesus.
3. **Critique of Externalism:** Jesus' denunciation of the Pharisees' enlarged fringes serves as a powerful warning against religious hypocrisy and the dangers of outward display without inward piety. The very symbol intended to foster remembrance and humble obedience was perverted into a tool for self-glorification. This highlights the New Testament emphasis on the transformation of the heart over mere external observance, a theme central to Jesus' teachings.
### Summary
The Greek word κράσπεδον (kráspedon, `{{G2899}}`) refers to the fringes or tassels worn on the corners of Jewish garments, as commanded in the Old Testament (Numbers 15, Deuteronomy 22). These fringes, known as *tzitzit* (`{{H6734}}`), served as a constant visual reminder of God's commandments and the call to holiness. In the New Testament, κράσπεδον appears in two significant contexts: first, in the healing narratives, where individuals demonstrate profound faith by touching the fringe of Jesus' garment, resulting in miraculous healing. This highlights Jesus' divine power and the efficacy of faith in Him, seeing His very person as the embodiment of God's presence and Law. Second, Jesus uses the Pharisees' practice of enlarging their fringes as an example of their hypocritical religious externalism, contrasting their desire for human recognition with true, humble piety. Ultimately, κράσπεδον underscores Jesus' faithful adherence to the Law, His role as the source of true healing and holiness, and the New Testament's call for genuine inward transformation over mere outward religious display.
TRV