ἐπιρράπτω

I sew on

Definition

The verb ἐπιρράπτω means 'to sew on' or 'to stitch upon,' specifically referring to the act of attaching a new piece of cloth onto an old garment. In its sole biblical use in Mark 2:21, it describes the impractical action of patching an old garment with a new, unshrunk piece of cloth. The imagery emphasizes incompatibility and the potential for damage, as the new patch will shrink and tear away from the old fabric, making the tear worse. This literal sewing action serves as a vivid metaphor within Jesus' teaching.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Mark 2:21. It appears in the context of Jesus' parable about new wine and old wineskins, where he states, 'No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment.' The usage is entirely metaphorical, illustrating the principle that the new reality of the gospel and Jesus' ministry cannot be merely patched onto old, rigid religious structures (like certain Pharisaic interpretations) without causing rupture.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'on') combined with the verb ῥάπτω (rhaptō, meaning 'to sew' or 'to stitch'). The compound form intensifies the basic action to specifically mean 'to sew upon.' The root ῥάπτω is a common Greek term for sewing, seen in other literature and in the related noun ῥάκος (rhakos, 'a piece of cloth').

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it forms part of a crucial metaphor from Jesus about the new covenant. It teaches that the gospel of grace and kingdom life he brings is not a mere correction or addition to the old covenant law and traditions, but something fundamentally new and transformative. Attempting to force the new into the old framework leads to damage, highlighting the need for a renewed heart and mind. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by clarifying the precise action—a doomed patch job—that illustrates this spiritual principle.

In the ancient world, clothing was a valuable commodity, and mending garments was a common, everyday task. Listeners would immediately understand the folly described: new, unprocessed cloth shrinks significantly when first washed. Sewing such a patch onto an old, pre-shrunk garment would guarantee the patch would pull away and create a larger tear. This cultural knowledge makes Jesus' metaphor powerfully clear and practical.

ῥάπτω (rhaptō, G4476) — The simpler base verb meaning 'to sew' or 'to stitch,' without the specific connotation of attaching something upon an existing fabric.

Word Details

Scripture References