### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **rhákos**, represented by `{{G4470}}`, is defined as a "rag" or piece of **cloth**. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning is derived from ῥήγνυμι, which relates to the concept of tearing or breaking.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4470}}` is used exclusively within a parable told by Jesus. He explains that no one puts a piece of new **cloth** on an old garment `{{G2440}}`. The reason given is that the new patch will pull away from the old garment, making the tear, or "rent" `{{G4978}}`, even worse ([[Matthew 9:16]], [[Mark 2:21]]). This specific and vivid illustration uses **rhákos** to represent a new element that is incompatible with an old structure.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the parable where **rhákos** appears:
* `{{G2440}}` **himátion**: This word means **garment**, **raiment**, or **vesture**. It is the "old garment" that receives the piece of new **cloth**. Elsewhere, it is used for the raiment of Jesus parted by soldiers [[Luke 23:34]] and for the "white raiment" of those who overcome [[Revelation 3:5]].
* `{{G4978}}` **schísma**: This is the "rent" or tear that is made worse by the new patch. It literally means a split or gap, but it is also used figuratively to describe a "division" or "schism" within the church ([[1 Corinthians 1:10]], [[1 Corinthians 12:25]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4470}}` is found entirely within its parabolic use. It illustrates a key principle through a simple, everyday object.
* **The Incompatibility of New and Old:** The central lesson is that attempting to patch an old system with a new component is destructive. The new **cloth** `{{G4470}}` does not mend the old garment but instead worsens the tear ([[Matthew 9:16]], [[Mark 2:21]]).
* **The Nature of the Tear:** The resulting damage is described by the word **schísma** `{{G4978}}`. This same term is used to warn against "divisions" and "schism" among believers [[1 Corinthians 1:10]], connecting the physical tearing of a garment to the danger of spiritual or communal division.
* **Symbolism of Garments:** The garment `{{G2440}}` itself carries significant symbolic weight in other passages, often representing a person's spiritual state or identity, such as the pure "white raiment" of the faithful in Sardis [[Revelation 3:4]].
### Summary
In summary, **rhákos** `{{G4470}}` is a term for a piece of **cloth** used exclusively to deliver a powerful spiritual metaphor. While it only appears twice, its context within the parable of the new cloth on an old garment is deeply significant. It serves as a caution against the improper mixing of old and new forms, showing that such an action leads not to restoration but to a greater **rent** `{{G4978}}`, a concept that extends from a literal tear to figurative division. The word demonstrates how a mundane object can be used to convey a profound lesson about spiritual integrity.
TRV