of Latin origin; a sudarium (sweat-cloth), i.e. towel (for wiping the perspiration from the face, or binding the face of a corpse):--handkerchief, napkin.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **σουδάριον (soudárion)**, represented by `{{G4676}}`, is of Latin origin and refers to a **napkin** or **handkerchief**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in scripture. The term describes a cloth used for practical purposes, such as wiping perspiration from the face, or for the solemn act of binding the face of a corpse.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of `{{G4676}}` varies significantly across its appearances. In the story of Lazarus, it is the **napkin** that was used to **bind about** `{{G4019}}` his face in death [[John 11:44]]. Similarly, after Jesus' resurrection, a **napkin** `{{G4676}}` that had been on his **head** `{{G2776}}` was found in the tomb, notably not with the other **linen clothes** `{{G3608}}` but **wrapped together** `{{G1794}}` in a separate **place** `{{G5117}}` [[John 20:7]]. In a different context, a servant in a parable hides his master's **pound** `{{G3414}}` in a **napkin** [[Luke 19:20]]. Finally, **handkerchiefs** `{{G4676}}` brought from Paul's body were channels for healing, causing **diseases** `{{G3554}}` and **evil** `{{G4190}}` **spirits** `{{G4151}}` to depart from the sick [[Acts 19:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the function and context of **soudárion**:
* `{{G1210}}` **déō** (to bind): This word defines the action performed with the **napkin** on Lazarus, whose face was **bound about** [[John 11:44]] and who was himself **bound** hand and foot with graveclothes.
* `{{G1794}}` **entylíssō** (to entwine, i.e. wind up in): This describes the state of the **napkin** in Jesus’ empty tomb, which was found **wrapped together** [[John 20:7]], suggesting an orderly event rather than a theft.
* `{{G4612}}` **simikínthion** (apron): This word is used in parallel with **handkerchiefs** `{{G4676}}` to describe the cloths taken from Paul that carried healing power to the sick [[Acts 19:12]].
* `{{G3608}}` **othónion** (linen clothes): The **napkin** from Jesus' head was found apart from these main burial wrappings, highlighting its distinct placement [[John 20:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4676}}` is seen in its association with death, resurrection, and divine power.
* **Evidence of Resurrection:** The state of the **napkin** in Jesus' tomb is a key detail. Being **wrapped together** `{{G1794}}` and set apart from the other **linen clothes** `{{G3608}}` testifies to a deliberate and peaceful departure, countering any notion of a body being stolen in haste [[John 20:7]].
* **Instrument of Divine Power:** In the book of Acts, ordinary items like **handkerchiefs** `{{G4676}}` become conduits for God's power through an apostle, demonstrating that healing can be transmitted through physical objects connected to a person of faith [[Acts 19:12]].
* **Symbol of Neglected Stewardship:** In the parable of the pounds, using a **napkin** to hide the **pound** `{{G3414}}` symbolizes fear and the failure to use God-given resources for the master's purposes [[Luke 19:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4676}}` is a word that, while referring to a simple cloth, carries profound contextual meaning. It functions as a burial cloth in the binding of the dead [[John 11:44]], an object of stewardship in a parable [[Luke 19:20]], a channel for miraculous healing [[Acts 19:12]], and a silent witness to the most important event in history—the resurrection of Christ [[John 20:7]]. Its few appearances mark moments of significant spiritual truth.
TRV