Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of a "rag" or "piece of cloth" in the Hebrew Bible can be related to several Hebrew terms, though there is no direct one-to-one correspondence. Some related Hebrew words include:
• H899 בֶּגֶד (beged): Meaning garment or clothing, which can sometimes imply a ragged or worn piece of clothing.
• H4055 מִלְבּוּשׁ (milbush): Meaning garment or clothing, though not specifically a rag, it is used in contexts involving clothing.
• H8071 שִׂמְלָה (simlah): Meaning a wrapper or mantle, which can be used in contexts where clothing is torn or patched.

These Hebrew terms provide a broader understanding of clothing and garments in biblical texts, which can sometimes include the notion of rags or patches when describing worn or old clothing.

Usage: The term ῥάκος is used in the New Testament to refer to a piece of cloth or a patch, often in the context of mending or repairing garments.

Context: The Greek word ῥάκος appears in the New Testament in the context of Jesus' teachings. It is notably used in the synoptic Gospels to illustrate a parable about the incompatibility of old and new elements. In Matthew 9:16 (BSB), Jesus says, "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, and a worse tear will result." Similarly, in Mark 2:21 and Luke 5:36, the same imagery is employed. The metaphor of the unshrunk cloth patch on an old garment is used by Jesus to convey the message that the new covenant He brings cannot be simply added to the old covenant without causing disruption. The imagery of ῥάκος as a patch highlights the transformative nature of Jesus' teachings and the necessity for a new framework to accommodate the new covenant.