### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πλέκω (plékō), `{{G4120}}`, is a primary word whose core meaning denotes the action of "to twine," "to braid," or "to plait." It describes the act of intertwining strands or elements to form a unified, structured whole. This implies a deliberate and often skillful process of combining individual components into a more complex object. The semantic range is quite narrow in its base application, focusing on the physical act of interweaving or interlacing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, πλέκω `{{G4120}}` appears exclusively in the context of the soldiers' actions during Jesus' crucifixion narrative, specifically in relation to the "crown of thorns."
* In [[Matthew 27:29]], it is recorded, "And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!"
* Similarly, [[Mark 15:17]] states, "And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head..."
* [[John 19:2]] also recounts, "And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe..."
The consistent use of πλέκω `{{G4120}}` across these synoptic accounts is highly significant. It emphasizes that the crown was not merely a haphazard collection of thorny branches, but was intentionally and carefully "braided" or "plaited" into the form of a crown. This deliberate act underscores the calculated cruelty and mockery intended by the Roman soldiers. They took the time and effort to construct an object that would both inflict pain and deride Jesus' claim to kingship. The physical act of braiding highlights the intentionality behind the humiliation.
### Related Words & Concepts
While πλέκω `{{G4120}}` itself is limited in its New Testament occurrences, its meaning connects to broader concepts of formation, construction, and binding. It is related to:
* πλέγμα (plégma) `{{G4442}}`, which refers to something woven or braided, specifically braided hair in [[1 Timothy 2:9]]. While πλέκω `{{G4120}}` is the action of braiding, πλέγμα `{{G4442}}` is the result.
* Concepts of craftsmanship and deliberate creation, albeit in this context, applied to an act of torture and mockery.
* The act of binding or fastening, which can be seen in other Greek words like δεσμέω (desmeō) `{{G1195}}` or δεσμός (desmos) `{{G1199}}`, though πλέκω `{{G4120}}` specifically implies intertwining rather than simple tying.
The word's usage in the crown of thorns narrative also implicitly contrasts with the true, glorious crown of Christ's heavenly reign, highlighting the profound disparity between earthly mockery and divine reality.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πλέκω `{{G4120}}` is profoundly tied to its singular application in the New Testament: the plaiting of the crown of thorns for Jesus. This act, though born of human malice and intended for humiliation, serves as a powerful symbol within the redemptive narrative.
1. **Symbol of the Curse Transformed:** Thorns, introduced as a consequence of the Fall in [[Genesis 3:18]], represent the curse upon creation due to sin. By having a crown of thorns braided and placed upon His head, Jesus, the Second Adam, takes upon Himself the full weight of humanity's curse. The very symbol of sin's consequence is transformed into a crown, foreshadowing His victory over sin and death.
2. **Mockery and True Kingship:** The soldiers' act of plaiting a crown of thorns was a deliberate mockery of Jesus' claim to be King. Yet, paradoxically, this act of extreme humiliation serves to underscore His true, divine kingship. He is a King whose throne is the cross, whose crown is of thorns, and whose reign is established through suffering love. The "plaiting" emphasizes the intentionality of His suffering, which was part of God's sovereign plan for salvation.
3. **Depth of Suffering and Identification:** The deliberate braiding of the thorns indicates the meticulous cruelty inflicted upon Jesus. It highlights the depth of His physical and emotional suffering, a suffering He willingly embraced to identify completely with humanity in its fallen state and to bear its penalty.
### Summary
The Greek word πλέκω (plékō), `{{G4120}}`, fundamentally means "to braid" or "to plait." Its rare but consistent usage in the New Testament is exclusively found in the Gospel accounts describing the deliberate act of the Roman soldiers "plaiting" a crown of thorns to place upon Jesus' head during His crucifixion. This intentional act of crafting a painful crown underscores the calculated cruelty and mockery aimed at Jesus' kingship. Theologically, the plaiting of the crown of thorns is highly significant: it represents Jesus taking the curse of sin upon Himself, paradoxically highlights His true, suffering kingship, and emphasizes the profound depth of His redemptive sacrifice. The careful "plaiting" signifies that every aspect of His suffering, though inflicted by human hands, was part of God's sovereign plan for the salvation of humanity.
TRV