ῥάκος

a piece of cloth

Definition

ῥάκος refers to a piece of cloth, specifically a torn fragment or a patch of old, worn-out material. In its two New Testament occurrences, it always denotes an old, unshrunk piece of cloth used for mending. The word emphasizes the incompatibility and poor fit of using such a remnant to repair a garment, as it will tear away and make the tear worse. This imagery is used by Jesus in Matthew 9:16 and Mark 2:21 to illustrate a spiritual principle.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the parallel teachings of Jesus found in Matthew 9:16 and Mark 2:21. In both contexts, it appears within the metaphor of patching an old garment with an unshrunk piece of cloth (ῥάκος). The usage is entirely metaphorical, serving to illustrate the incompatibility of new religious practices (like the new covenant brought by Jesus) with old, rigid structures (like certain Pharisaic interpretations of the law). The pattern is consistent: the old ῥάκος will pull away from the new garment, causing a worse tear.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ῥήγνυμι (rhēgnymi, G4486), meaning 'to tear' or 'to break.' Thus, ῥάκος literally means 'a torn thing' or 'a fragment.' This root meaning directly informs its biblical usage as a piece torn from a larger garment, highlighting its inherent weakness and unsuitability for permanent repair.

Semantic Range

The word is theologically significant as the centerpiece of Jesus' metaphor about new and old covenants. It teaches that the new life and grace offered in Christ cannot be merely patched onto old, legalistic religious systems. Attempting to do so damages both, as the new power of the gospel will inevitably rupture inadequate old forms. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by clarifying that the 'patch' is not just any cloth, but a worn, torn fragment, underscoring the futility and danger of such a mixture.

In the ancient world, clothing was a valuable commodity. Patches were common, but using a new, unshrunk piece of cloth on an old garment was a known folly. When washed, the new patch would shrink, pulling on the old, weakened fabric and creating a larger tear. Jesus' audience would immediately recognize the practical failure this illustrated, making it a powerful analogy for spiritual truth.

ἱμάτιον (himation, G2440) — a general word for garment or cloak, which is the item being patched. πήρα (pēra, G4082) — a traveler's bag or pouch, made of leather, not cloth; a different type of container.

Word Details

Scripture References