### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kráspedon**, represented by `{{G2899}}`, refers to the margin or edge of something, specifically a **fringe or tassel**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is most often translated as "hem" or "border," and it primarily relates to the edge of a garment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2899}}` appears in two distinct contexts. It is frequently associated with healing, where individuals sought to touch the **hem** of Jesus's garment in faith. A woman with an issue of blood for twelve years was healed by touching the **border** of His garment ([[Matthew 9:20]], [[Luke 8:44]]). Similarly, crowds besought Jesus, believing that if they could only touch the **hem** of His garment, they would be made whole ([[Matthew 14:36]], [[Mark 6:56]]). In contrast, Jesus uses the term to critique religious leaders who enlarge the **borders** of their garments to be seen by men [[Matthew 23:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the significance of `{{G2899}}`:
* `{{G2440}}` **himátion** (garment): This is the **garment** to which the kráspedon is attached. It is mentioned in all accounts where the hem or border is touched for healing or enlarged for show ([[Matthew 9:20]], [[Matthew 23:5]]).
* `{{G680}}` **háptomai** (to touch): This verb describes the action of faith taken by those seeking healing. The desire **to touch** the hem of Jesus's garment was a physical expression of their belief in His power to heal [[Mark 6:56]].
* `{{G4982}}` **sṓzō** (to save, make whole): This word describes the result of touching the border of Jesus's garment. Those who touched it in faith **were made whole**, indicating both physical healing and a form of deliverance [[Mark 6:56]].
* `{{G5440}}` **phylaktḗrion** (phylactery): Mentioned alongside the enlarging of garment borders, a **phylactery** was a case containing scripture worn for religious purposes. Jesus points out that making these and the garment borders broad was done for outward appearance [[Matthew 23:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2899}}` lies in its symbolic role as a point of contact between humanity and divine power.
* **A Focus for Faith:** The "hem" or "border" itself holds no intrinsic power, but it served as the tangible object on which people focused their faith in Jesus. The act of touching it was an expression of belief that resulted in being made "perfectly whole" `{{G1295}}` [[Matthew 14:36]].
* **Outward Show vs. Humble Faith:** The word highlights a critical contrast. While religious leaders would "enlarge" `{{G3170}}` the **borders** of their garments to display piety [[Matthew 23:5]], the sick and marginalized reached for the very same part of Jesus's clothing out of desperation and genuine faith.
* **Accessibility of Healing:** The **border** of a garment is its outermost edge, the easiest part to reach in a crowd. This symbolizes that access to Jesus is not a distant, complex affair, but available to anyone who will humbly reach out to Him, even from the fringes of society [[Mark 6:56]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2899}}` carries a meaning that transcends its simple definition of a "hem" or "fringe." It serves as a powerful biblical symbol illustrating the difference between hollow religious displays and the profound, life-changing power of simple faith. The stories associated with the **kráspedon** of Jesus's garment demonstrate that true connection with God is achieved not through ostentatious works, but through a humble heart that reaches out to Him.
TRV