ὀθόνη
a linen cloth, sheet
Definition
ὀθόνη refers to a large piece of linen cloth, specifically a sheet or sail. In the New Testament, it describes a large linen sheet or sailcloth, used in a vision to Peter in Acts 10:11 and 11:5. The word emphasizes the material (linen) and its size, suitable for containing many objects, as seen when it held various animals in Peter's vision. While its primary meaning is a cloth sheet, the same Greek word could refer to a ship's sail in broader Greek literature, highlighting its strength and expanse.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Book of Acts, appearing twice in the same narrative: Acts 10:11 and Acts 11:5 (Peter's retelling). In both instances, it describes the large linen sheet lowered from heaven in Peter's vision at Joppa. The usage is highly specific, serving as the central object in a divine revelation meant to challenge Jewish dietary laws and cultural boundaries, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek root ὀθόνη, meaning 'linen cloth.' It is related to words for fine linen and may be connected to Egyptian origins, reflecting the high-quality linen production in the ancient Mediterranean. The term specifically denotes not just linen but a large, finished piece of cloth, such as a sheet or sail.
Semantic Range
ὀθόνη is theologically significant as the vessel for Peter's vision in Acts 10, which directly challenges Jewish purity laws and inaugurates the mission to the Gentiles. The 'sheet' containing unclean animals symbolizes God's declaration that all people are now 'clean' and eligible for the gospel. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the tangible, cultural object God used to communicate a revolutionary theological truth about inclusion and the breaking of old covenants.
In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, linen sheets like an ὀθόνη were common household items, but also carried symbolic weight. Linen was often associated with purity and ritual. A large sheet used for gathering or carrying items would be immediately recognizable. The vision subverts this everyday object, using a pure linen cloth to hold 'impure' animals, dramatically illustrating God's message to Peter about transcending cultural and religious barriers.
σινδών (sindōn, G4616) — another word for linen cloth, often a finer linen garment or burial shroud (e.g., Mark 15:46).
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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