ὑφαντός

woven

Definition

The adjective ὑφαντός means 'woven,' describing something created by the process of weaving threads together. In the New Testament, it specifically refers to a garment that was made on a loom, as opposed to being knitted, felted, or pieced together from separate cloths. Its sole biblical occurrence in John 19:23 describes the seamless tunic of Jesus, which was 'woven from the top throughout.' This detail highlights the garment's quality and unitary construction.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in John 19:23. It describes the nature of Jesus's inner tunic (χιτών) during the crucifixion. The context is the soldiers dividing his outer garments but casting lots for this specific tunic because it was seamless and 'woven' in one piece. The usage serves a descriptive, narrative purpose to explain why the garment was treated as a valuable, indivisible whole.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ὑφαίνω (yphainō, G5306), meaning 'to weave.' The adjective ὑφαντός is formed with the -τος suffix, which typically creates verbal adjectives with a passive sense, thus meaning 'that which is woven.' It is a straightforward technical term from textile production in the ancient Greek world.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a simple descriptor, its single use carries theological weight. The seamless, woven tunic (John 19:23) is often seen as a symbol of Jesus's unity, perfection, and high-priestly role. Some interpreters connect it to the high priest's robe (Exodus 28:31-32) or see it as a picture of the church's unity (cf. John 17:21). Understanding that it was a single, expertly crafted garment enriches the narrative's symbolism of an indivisible and precious possession, for which the soldiers cast lots, fulfilling Psalm 22:18.

In the 1st-century Roman world, clothing was a significant asset. A seamless, woven garment like the one described would have been more valuable than a seamed one, as it required more skill to produce on a loom and was less likely to tear. Such tunics were often associated with quality and could indicate a person of some means or status. The soldiers' action of casting lots for it was a common practice to divide spoils fairly.

ἐξυφαντός (exyphantos, G5305) — also means 'woven,' but with the prefix ἐξ- possibly intensifying or specifying the process. It is used in Luke 12:27 to describe the 'lilies of the field' which neither toil nor spin, implying a divinely crafted beauty.

Word Details

Scripture References