### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **plékō**, represented by `{{G4120}}`, is a primary word that means **to twine or braid**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. Its use is highly specific, always describing the act of platting or weaving materials together.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In all of its biblical occurrences, `{{G4120}}` is found within the narrative of Jesus Christ's passion. The Gospel accounts describe the Roman soldiers who **platted** a crown of thorns to place upon Jesus' head as an act of mockery ([[Matthew 27:29]], [[John 19:2]]). This action was part of a larger scene of humiliation where Jesus was also clothed in a **purple** `{{G4209}}` robe and the soldiers **put it about** his head [[Mark 15:17]]. They then scornfully hailed him as the "King of the Jews" [[Matthew 27:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the immediate context illuminate the meaning of this act:
* `{{G4735}}` **stéphanos** (crown): This is the object created by the act of platting. It is defined as a chaplet used as a badge of royalty or a symbol of honor, making its construction from thorns a profound mockery [[Matthew 27:29]].
* `{{G173}}` **ákantha** (thorn): This is the material used to **plait** the crown. Thorns are used elsewhere in scripture to represent unfruitfulness and that which is rejected [[Hebrews 6:8]].
* `{{G4060}}` **peritíthēmi** (to place around): This verb describes the action taken immediately after the crown was **platted**, where the soldiers **put it about** his head to complete the cruel coronation [[Mark 15:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4120}}` is derived entirely from its singular context in the passion of Christ.
* **A Deliberate Act of Scorn:** The use of **plékō** highlights that the crown was not a random object but was intentionally crafted. The soldiers took the time **to twine or braid** thorns into a symbol of kingship, maximizing their mockery of Jesus's authority [[Matthew 27:29]].
* **The Crown of the Curse:** Thorns themselves are a symbol of that which is unproductive or worthless, as one does not gather grapes of **thorns** [[Matthew 7:16]]. By **platting** `{{G4120}}` these thorns, the soldiers unknowingly created a physical representation of the curse that Christ was bearing.
* **Fulfillment of Mock Prophecy:** This act, described by the verb **platted**, is a central component of the scene where the soldiers sarcastically enact a royal ceremony. They **clothed** `{{G1746}}` him in royal colors and gave him a crown to humiliate the true King [[Mark 15:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4120}}` is a focused and powerful verb. While its definition, **to twine or braid**, is simple, its biblical usage is confined to a single, momentous event: the weaving of the crown of thorns. The word captures the deliberate, hands-on cruelty of the soldiers and contributes to one of the most poignant symbols in scripture, representing the mockery, suffering, and curse-bearing role of Christ in His passion.
TRV