φελόνης (G5341) — Greek Lexicon

φελόνης

phelónēs

G5341 noun

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to be visible, to appear (possible; if linked to φαίνω); core sense is of covering or outer garment

Definition

A type of outer garment or cloak, specifically a heavy or sleeveless mantle worn over one's other clothing, primarily for warmth or protection from the elements; in certain contexts, may imply a distinctive or valuable cloak used for travel or ceremonial purposes.

Semantic Range

an outer cloak, a heavy mantle, traveler's cloak, warm outer garment, (in later Christian Greek) priestly liturgical vestment

Root / Etymology

Etymology uncertain; possibly a transposed or corrupted form related to φαίνω ('to appear, to show'), perhaps referencing a garment that is visible or conspicuous above others. No direct attestation of the exact root or formation; the word appears in later Greek and Christian writers as a specific type of cloak (phelonion/phelónion).

Historical & Contextual Notes

φελόνης is a rare term in Greek, found only once in the New Testament (2 Timothy 4:13) and very sparsely attested in earlier sources. In later Christian usage (patristic Greek), φελόνης or φελόνιον comes to denote a liturgical vestment akin to the modern phelonion (a priestly chasuble), but in the New Testament era, it most likely refers simply to a broad, outer traveling cloak, often valuable or cherished. Standard English translations commonly render the term as 'cloak' or 'coat,' but this may obscure its distinction from other common outer garments such as the ἱμάτιον (himátion); the φελόνης appears to have connoted a heavier or more specific garment. The rarity of the term suggests it may have been a loanword or had regional usage, with no clear evidence of it serving as a marker of specific religious, social, or ethnic identity. While some connect the term to the root φαίνω, this etymology is not securely established.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

by transposition for a derivative probably of φαίνω (as showing outside the other garments); a mantle (surtout):-- cloke.

Root Family

φελόνης (phelónēs) — outer garment, heavy mantle, visible outer covering

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G5341-01`	φελόνην	phelonen	`N ACC M SG`	cloak	heavy outer cloak	cloak	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G5341-01`	2 Timothy 4:13	φελόνην	phelonen	`N ACC M SG`	cloak	heavy outer cloak	cloak

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