of uncertain affinity; a linen cloth, i.e. (especially) a sail:--sheet.
Transliteration:othónē
Pronunciation:oth-on'-ay
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G3607 (ὀθόνη, othónē) primarily denotes a piece of cloth, specifically linen. Its base definition suggests "a linen cloth," which can be quite large, leading to its specialized use as "a sail" for a ship. The etymological affinity of othónē is noted as uncertain, meaning its root connections to other words are not clearly established, but its meaning is clear from its usage in ancient Greek literature. The rendering "sheet" in the KJV accurately captures the sense of a large, expansive piece of fabric. This semantic range encompasses both a general textile and a specific application in maritime contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3607 appears exclusively in the New Testament in the book of Acts, specifically in the account of Peter's vision in Joppa:
* [[Acts 10:11]]: "and saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet (ὀθόνη) knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth."
* [[Acts 11:5]]: (Peter recounting the vision) "I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet (ὀθόνη), let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me."
In both instances, othónē describes the large linen cloth that descends from heaven, containing various animals, both clean and unclean according to Mosaic law. The context is deeply symbolic, serving as the visual medium for God's revelation to Peter regarding the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community and the abolition of the ceremonial distinctions between clean and unclean foods. The othónē functions not merely as a passive object but as an active component of the divine communication, serving as a divinely presented tableau for Peter's instruction. The "sail" aspect of the word's definition is not utilized in these biblical occurrences; rather, the sense of a large, expansive piece of linen is paramount.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek terms relate to G3607 either by material, function, or symbolic association within the biblical narrative:
* **Linen/Fabric**: G4616 (σίνδων, sindōn) refers to fine linen, often used for shrouds or expensive garments (e.g., Jesus' burial cloth). While othónē is a general linen cloth, sindōn highlights the quality. Other general terms for cloth or garments include G2440 (ἱμάτιον, himation) for an outer garment and G2787 (χιτών, chiton) for an inner tunic.
* **Vessel/Container**: In Acts 10 and 11, the othónē is described as a "vessel" (σκεῦος, G4632), indicating its function as a container or carrier for the animals. This functional association is crucial to understanding its role in the vision.
* **Purity/Impurity**: The core theological theme of the vision revolves around the distinction between clean and unclean, concepts deeply embedded in the Mosaic Law (e.g., H2889 טָהוֹר, tahor, for clean; H2931 טָמֵא, tame, for unclean). The othónē becomes the medium through which these distinctions are transcended.
* **Vision/Revelation**: The entire episode is a divine revelation (e.g., G3701 ὀπτασία, optasia) to Peter, signifying a pivotal shift in understanding God's redemptive plan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3607 (othónē) is profound, though its direct occurrences are limited. It serves as the central visual aid in Peter's transformative vision, which directly leads to the inclusion of Cornelius, the first Gentile convert, into the early church.
1. **Divine Origin and Authority**: The othónē descending from heaven signifies that the message it conveys is from God Himself, carrying divine authority. It is not a human invention but a heavenly decree.
2. **Abolition of Ceremonial Law**: The sheet containing both clean and unclean animals, coupled with the divine command "What God has made clean, do not call common" ([[Acts 10:15]]), symbolically declares the end of the Mosaic dietary laws as a barrier to fellowship. This extends beyond food to the very concept of ritual purity and impurity that separated Jews from Gentiles.
3. **Universality of the Gospel**: The othónē is a powerful symbol of God's universal love and redemptive plan. It illustrates that salvation in Christ is for all people, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. The "common" or "unclean" are now declared "clean" by God, indicating that no people group is excluded from His grace.
4. **Peter's Transformation**: The vision, mediated by the othónē, challenges Peter's deeply ingrained Jewish prejudices and understanding, leading him to grasp the true breadth of the Gospel and embrace Gentiles as fellow heirs of God's promises.
### Summary
The Greek word G3607 (ὀθόνη, othónē) denotes a large linen cloth, akin to a sheet or even a sail. Its singular appearance in the New Testament in [[Acts 10:11]] and [[Acts 11:5]] is highly significant. In Peter's vision, the othónē functions as a divinely sent "vessel" containing both clean and unclean animals, serving as a powerful visual metaphor for God's declaration that all foods are clean and, more importantly, that the distinction between Jew and Gentile has been abolished in Christ. The othónē thus symbolizes the divine authority behind the expansion of the Gospel to all nations, underscoring the universality of God's redemptive plan and challenging the previous ceremonial distinctions.
TRV