ἐντυλίσσω

I wrap up, roll round, envelop

Definition

ἐντυλίσσω means to wrap up, roll around, or envelop something, typically referring to the act of winding cloth around an object. In the New Testament, it specifically describes the wrapping of Jesus' body in burial cloths. In Matthew 27:59 and Luke 23:53, it denotes the initial wrapping of Jesus' body in a clean linen shroud for burial. In John 20:7, the same verb is used for the separate wrapping of Jesus' head with a cloth, which was found neatly folded after the resurrection, distinct from the body wrappings.

Biblical Usage

This verb occurs only three times in the New Testament, each in the context of Jesus' burial. It is used in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew and Luke) to describe Joseph of Arimathea wrapping Jesus' body in linen. In John's Gospel, it specifically refers to the head wrapping being folded separately. All instances are aorist tense, depicting a completed action of preparation for interment.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐν (en, meaning 'in') combined with the verb τυλίσσω (tylissō, meaning 'to roll' or 'to wrap'). The compound emphasizes the idea of wrapping something in or around another object. Cognates include ἀποτυλίσσω (apotylissō, 'to roll away') and ἐκτυλίσσω (ektylissō, 'to unroll'), seen in contexts like rolling away a stone (Matthew 28:2) or unrolling a scroll (Luke 4:17).

Semantic Range

This word carries theological significance in depicting the reality and care of Jesus' burial, affirming his actual death and the orderly nature of his tomb. The specific use in John 20:7, where the head cloth is 'wrapped' separately and neatly folded, may highlight the deliberate and non-hasty nature of Jesus' resurrection, countering theories of theft or confusion. It enriches the resurrection narrative by emphasizing tangible details that underscore the miraculous transformation of the burial wrappings.

In first-century Jewish burial customs, bodies were typically washed, anointed with spices, and wrapped in linen strips or shrouds. The use of ἐντυλίσσω reflects this practice of enveloping the body, often with spices placed within the folds (as noted in John 19:40). The separate head wrapping mentioned in John aligns with customs that sometimes treated the head distinctly, possibly for practical or respectful reasons. Understanding this clarifies the Gospel accounts' attention to burial details, which were important for affirming proper treatment of the deceased.

τυλίσσω (tylissō, G4958) — a simpler form meaning 'to roll' or 'wrap,' without the intensive 'in' prefix; περιτίθημι (peritithēmi, G4060) — means 'to place around' or 'to put on,' often used for clothing or crowning, less specific to winding cloths.

Word Details

Scripture References