from (a strip; from a derivative of the base of σπαράσσω meaning to strap or wrap with strips); to swathe (an infant after the Oriental custom):--wrap in swaddling clothes.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb σπαργανόω (sparganóō, `{{G4683}}`) is derived from σπαργάνον (sparganon), meaning "a strip" or "swaddling band," which itself traces back to a root implying "to strap" or "to wrap with strips." The core meaning of σπαργανόω is "to swathe" or "to wrap in swaddling clothes." This refers to the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman practice of binding a newborn infant tightly with long strips of cloth or bandages. The purpose was to keep the baby's limbs straight, provide warmth, and offer a sense of security, believed to promote proper physical development and comfort. The semantic range of this word is quite specific and narrow, almost exclusively confined to this particular act of infant care, highlighting a deliberate and careful process of wrapping and containment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb σπαργανόω (sparganóō, `{{G4683}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically within the account of Jesus' birth:
* [[Luke 2:7]]: "And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
* [[Luke 2:12]]: "And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."
In these verses, the act of wrapping Jesus in swaddling clothes is presented as a normal, expected part of newborn care. It signifies that despite the humble circumstances—being born in a stable and laid in a manger—the child was nevertheless properly cared for by his mother, Mary. The detail of the swaddling clothes, combined with the manger, serves as the specific "sign" ([[Luke 2:12]]) by which the shepherds would identify the newborn Messiah. This sign is not one of earthly grandeur or royal pomp, but rather one of profound humility, vulnerability, and identification with the common human experience, even in the midst of divine birth. The swaddling confirms the physical reality and care given to the infant Jesus.
### Related Words & Concepts
The noun form, σπαργάνον (sparganon), refers directly to the "swaddling clothes" or "bands" themselves, which are the objects used in the act described by σπαργανόω. While σπαργανόω is unique to the New Testament in its specific context, the concept of swaddling is also present in the Old Testament, albeit not with this particular Greek verb. For instance, in [[Ezekiel 16:4]], the prophet describes Jerusalem as an abandoned infant, "not swaddled at all," emphasizing her neglected and unkempt state at birth. This Old Testament reference underscores the cultural expectation and significance of swaddling as a sign of proper care and nurture for a newborn. Other related concepts might include general terms for clothing or binding, such as ἔνδυμα (endyma, `{{G1742}}`) for "clothing" or δέω (deō, `{{G1210}}`) for "to bind," but σπαργανόω maintains its specific focus on infant care.
### Theological Significance
The singular and focused use of σπαργανόω (sparganóō, `{{G4683}}`) in the Nativity narrative carries deep theological resonance:
* **Humility and Incarnation:** The image of the divine Son of God being "wrapped in swaddling clothes" powerfully conveys the profound humility of the Incarnation. The Creator of the cosmos enters human existence in the most vulnerable and dependent state, identifying fully with humanity from its very inception. This contrasts sharply with any expectation of a king born into earthly splendor.
* **Authenticity of Humanity:** The detail of swaddling affirms the true and complete humanity of Jesus. He was a real infant, subject to the same physical needs and requiring the same care as any other human child. This detail helps to counter any early heretical views (such as Docetism) that denied the full humanity of Christ.
* **Vulnerability and Dependence:** Swaddling highlights the utter dependence of an infant on its caregivers. This portrays Jesus' voluntary vulnerability and reliance on his earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, and by extension, his complete submission to the Father's plan.
* **A Divine Sign:** The angel explicitly states that finding the baby "wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger" ([[Luke 2:12]]) would be the "sign" for the shepherds. This transforms an ordinary, humble detail into a divinely appointed indicator of the Messiah's arrival. God chose to reveal His Son not through power or majesty, but through vulnerability and simplicity, making Him accessible to the humble.
### Summary
The Greek verb σπαργανόω (sparganóō, `{{G4683}}`), meaning "to wrap in swaddling clothes," precisely describes the ancient practice of binding a newborn infant. Its exclusive appearance in the New Testament within [[Luke 2:7]] and [[Luke 2:12]] imbues it with profound theological significance. Far from being a trivial detail, the act of Jesus being "wrapped in swaddling clothes" underscores the radical humility, authentic humanity, and voluntary vulnerability of the incarnate Son of God. This common act of infant care becomes a crucial divine sign, pointing to the Messiah's identification with the most humble human experience. The image of the swaddled Christ in a manger stands as an enduring symbol of God's condescension, grace, and the surprising way in which He chose to reveal His glory to the world.
TRV