← G4675 G4677 →

σουδάριον

soudárion

G4676 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A piece of cloth used for wiping perspiration from the face, or for binding around the head or face—especially of a corpse. In general use, denotes a sweat-cloth or face-cloth, typically of linen, functioning either as a personal item for cleanliness or in funerary context for wrapping the head of the deceased. Occasionally used more broadly for a scarf or head covering, but characteristically references a cloth associated with the face.

Semantic Range

sweat-cloth, face-cloth for wiping perspiration, personal towel, cloth for binding the face of a corpse, burial face-cloth, scarf or small head covering

Root / Etymology

Loanword from the Latin 'sudarium' (from 'sudor', sweat), meaning 'cloth for wiping away sweat'. The Greek σουδάριον is an adaptation of this Latin term; not derived from a native Greek root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term σουδάριον appears in Koine Greek with its meaning essentially preserved from the Latin source. In the New Testament, it often specifically refers to cloths used in burial customs (Luke 19:20; John 11:44; John 20:7; Acts 19:12)—notably, the face-cloth placed on a corpse. In broader Greco-Roman context, the sudarium was a common item, used for wiping sweat or covering the head. In funerary settings (notably in John 11:44 and John 20:7), it describes a linen cloth tied around the head or face of the dead, distinct from larger burial shrouds. English Bible translations traditionally render the word as 'handkerchief' (when personal cloth) or 'napkin' (in burial context); however, 'napkin' can be misleading given later English usage, while 'handkerchief' lacks the funerary connotation. The semantic distinction between σουδάριον and the more general Greek terms κύκλωμα or ὀθόνιον (linen cloths) is maintained in both classical and biblical Greek; σουδάριον refers specifically to the small, face-sized cloth. Its use reflects Greco-Roman and Judean burial practices, rather than later medieval or modern customs. The word is not attested in classical Greek literature prior to the Hellenistic period, entering Greek vocabulary through contact with Latin-speaking Romans.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Latin origin; a sudarium (sweat-cloth), i.e. towel (for wiping the perspiration from the face, or binding the face of a corpse):--handkerchief, napkin.

Root Family

σουδάριον (soudarion) — cloth for wiping, sweat-cloth, headcloth

Root σουδ- cloth for wiping, sweat-cloth, headcloth

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4676-02 σουδαρίῳ soudario N DAT N SG a napkin to a sweat-cloth a sweat-cloth 2
G4676-03 σουδάριον soudarion N ACC N SG face cloth face-cloth face-cloth 1
G4676-01 σουδάρια soudaria N ACC N PL handkerchiefs sweat-cloths sweat-cloths 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4676-02 Luke 19:20 σουδαρίῳ soudario N DAT N SG a napkin to a sweat-cloth a sweat-cloth
G4676-02 John 11:44 σουδαρίῳ soudario N DAT N SG with a cloth to a sweat-cloth with a face-cloth
G4676-03 John 20:7 σουδάριον soudarion N ACC N SG face cloth face-cloth face-cloth
G4676-01 Acts 19:12 σουδάρια soudaria N ACC N PL handkerchiefs sweat-cloths sweat-cloths
← G4675 Greek Lexicon G4677 →