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 word **sparganóō**, represented by `{{G4683}}`, means **to swathe** or **wrap in swaddling clothes**, a practice described as an Oriental custom for infants. Derived from a word meaning to strap or wrap with strips, it appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4683}}` is used exclusively in the account of Jesus' birth. In Luke's Gospel, Mary **wrapped** her firstborn son in **swaddling clothes** and laid him in a manger [[Luke 2:7]]. This act is then presented as a specific sign to the shepherds, who were told they would find "the babe **wrapped in swaddling clothes**, lying in a manger" [[Luke 2:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear in the immediate context of `{{G4683}}`, describing the circumstances of Jesus' birth:
* `{{G5088}}` **tíktō** (to produce... bear, be born, bring forth): This word describes the act of birth itself, as Mary "brought forth" her son just before wrapping him [[Luke 2:7]].
* `{{G347}}` **anaklínō** (to lean back:--lay, (make) sit down): This describes the action taken immediately after the swaddling, as Mary "laid" the infant Jesus in the manger [[Luke 2:7]].
* `{{G2749}}` **keîmai** (to lie outstretched... lay, lie): This is used to describe the state of the babe as the shepherds would find him, "lying" in the manger, which served as a sign to them [[Luke 2:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4683}}` is tied to the specifics of the incarnation.
* **A Sign of the Messiah:** The act of being wrapped in swaddling clothes is presented not just as a mundane detail but as a specific "sign" for the shepherds to identify their Saviour [[Luke 2:12]]. It marks the arrival of the Messiah in a humble, recognizable form.
* **The Humility of the Incarnation:** The use of `{{G4683}}` occurs in the context of Jesus being laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn [[Luke 2:7]]. This act of being wrapped underscores the vulnerability and dependency of God taking on human flesh.
* **Reality of Human Birth:** The wrapping of the infant Jesus, immediately following the statement that Mary "brought forth" `{{G5088}}` her son, emphasizes the physical reality of his birth. He entered the world as any other human infant, requiring care and swaddling.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4683}}` is a highly specific term whose significance is concentrated entirely within the nativity narrative. While it literally means to **wrap in swaddling clothes**, its use in scripture serves as a crucial detail identifying the newborn Christ [[Luke 2:12]]. It illustrates the profound humility of the incarnation, portraying the Saviour's entry into the world as a vulnerable human infant. Thus, `{{G4683}}` provides a pivotal sign that confirms the reality and manner of the Messiah's birth.
TRV