from a primary (to "step" or "stamp"); a spread (as if tramped flat) of loose materials for a couch, i.e. (by implication) a bough of a tree so employed:--branch.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word στοιβάς (stoibás), `{{G4746}}`, derives from a primary root implying "to step" or "to stamp." This etymological foundation suggests something laid down or trodden upon. Its core meaning refers to a "spread of loose materials" used as a temporary bed or couch. By implication, it specifically denotes boughs or branches of trees employed for this purpose, often collected and arranged to form a natural resting place or mat. Thus, its semantic range encompasses both the material (branches) and the function (a temporary covering or bedding).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term στοιβάς (stoibás) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Mark:
* **[[Mark 11:8]]**: "And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches (στοιβάς) off the trees, and strawed them in the way."
This verse describes a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus: His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. The actions of the crowd—spreading garments and cutting down στοιβάς (branches) to lay on the path—are acts of profound homage and kingly welcome. This custom echoes ancient practices of honoring royalty or victorious leaders, where paths were prepared with cloths or foliage. In this context, the στοιβάς serves as a spontaneous, natural carpet for the arriving King. The specific choice of στοιβάς emphasizes the readily available, natural material used by the crowd, underscoring the organic and heartfelt nature of their acclamation, even if their understanding of Jesus' kingship was not fully aligned with His spiritual kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek terms illuminate the semantic field of στοιβάς:
* **κλάδος (klados) `{{G2814}}`**: A more general term for "branch" or "shoot," used broadly in botanical contexts (e.g., [[Matthew 13:32]], [[Romans 11:16]]). While στοιβάς specifically implies branches cut for a purpose, κλάδος is a broader botanical descriptor.
* **βαΐον (baion) `{{G902}}`**: This term specifically refers to a "palm branch," as seen in [[John 12:13]] during the Triumphal Entry. The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) use more general terms for branches, with Mark employing στοιβάς, suggesting that the branches were not exclusively palms but any suitable boughs.
* **φύλλον (phyllon) `{{G5444}}`**: Meaning "leaf" or "foliage," related to the broader category of plant material that might constitute στοιβάς.
* **στρωννύω (stronnyo) `{{G4766}}`**: This verb means "to spread," "to strew," or "to prepare a bed." It is used in [[Mark 11:8]] ("strawed them in the way") and shares an etymological root with στοιβάς, reinforcing the concept of spreading material on a surface. The related noun στρωμνή (stromne) `{{G4767}}` means "bed" or "mattress."
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the theological significance of στοιβάς is profound due to its context within the Triumphal Entry. The act of laying down στοιβάς (branches) and garments before Jesus is a powerful, symbolic gesture of recognizing His messianic and kingly authority. It represents a public declaration of allegiance and humble adoration, fulfilling prophetic expectations of a king entering Jerusalem (cf. [[Zechariah 9:9]]). The use of these natural materials, readily available and spontaneously offered by the crowd, underscores the organic and popular acclamation of Jesus as Messiah. This scene stands in stark contrast to the later rejection of Jesus by the religious and political authorities, highlighting the genuine, albeit perhaps incomplete, faith of the common people. The temporary nature of the "bedding" made of branches might also subtly allude to the transient nature of earthly kingship compared to the eternal and spiritual reign of Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word στοιβάς (stoibás), `{{G4746}}`, rooted in the concept of "stepping" or "stamping," denotes a spread of loose materials, specifically branches or boughs, used as a temporary bed or covering. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Mark 11:8]] is in the context of Jesus' Triumphal Entry, where crowds cut down these branches and spread them on the road. This act, alongside the laying down of garments, served as a spontaneous and deeply symbolic gesture of homage, publicly acknowledging Jesus' messianic and kingly identity. While distinct from more general terms for "branch" (κλάδος `{{G2814}}`) or specific ones like "palm branch" (βαΐον `{{G902}}`), στοιβάς powerfully contributes to the vivid imagery of Jesus' acclamation as King, highlighting the genuine reverence and popular welcome He received.
TRV