Original Word: ἄρραφος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: arraphos
Pronunciation: ar'-raf-os
Phonetic Spelling: (ar'-hhraf-os)
KJV: without seam
Word Origin: [from G1 (α - Alpha) (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of the same as G4476 (ῥαφίς - needle)]

1. unsewed, i.e. of a single piece

without seam, of a single piece

From a (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of the same as rhaphis; unsewed, i.e. Of a single piece -- without seam.

see GREEK a

see GREEK rhaphis

Word Origin
variant reading for araphos, q.v.

STRONGS NT 729: ἄραφος

ἄραφος T Tr for ἄρραφος, which see

STRONGS NT 729: ἄρραφοςἄρραφος, T Tr WH ἄραφος (cf. Winers Grammar, 48; Buttmann, 32 (29); (WHs Appendix, p. 163; Tdf. Proleg., p. 80; cf. Rho)), ἀρραφον (ῤάπτω to sew together), not sewed together, without a seam: John 19:23.

Summary of Biblical Usage

Strong’s Greek 729 occurs once in the New Testament—John 19:23—describing the tunic of Jesus Christ as “seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.” Although a single occurrence, its context at the crucifixion invests the word with rich theological, prophetic, and pastoral significance.

Cultural and Historical Setting

In the first-century Mediterranean world, most outer garments were constructed from several panels sewn together. A single-woven tunic required exceptional skill and cost. Such garments were often reserved for persons of rank—priests, nobility, or the very wealthy. The evangelist therefore calls attention to a noteworthy article of clothing, unusual for an itinerant teacher who otherwise owned little (Luke 9:58).

Connection to Old Testament Patterns

1. High-priestly attire: Exodus 28:31-32 specifies that the robe of the high priest be woven in one piece with an opening “like a garment woven by a weaver.” The description of Jesus’ tunic echoes this pattern, presenting Him as the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 7:26-28).
2. Psalm 22:18: “They divide My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.” John cites this verse immediately after noting the seamless tunic (John 19:24), underscoring precise prophetic fulfillment. The soldiers do not tear the garment, preserving its wholeness while still gambling for possession.

The Seamless Garment in the Passion Narrative

John 19:23-24: “When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided His garments into four parts, one for each soldier, with the tunic remaining. Now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see who will get it.’ This happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled…”
• The soldiers’ pragmatic decision not to tear what is finely made serves unwittingly to preserve the prophetic symbolism.
• By highlighting a single, intact garment at the moment of ultimate suffering, John stresses both the majesty and the humiliation of Christ.

Theological Significance

1. Unity in Christ: The tunic’s integrity illustrates the indivisible nature of Christ’s person and work. Early writers likened the church, His body, to a seamless garment—diversity woven into a single fabric (Ephesians 4:1-6).
2. Priesthood and Atonement: As the high priest entered the Holy Place with an unseamed robe, Jesus enters the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:11-12) clothed in righteousness that cannot be torn.
3. Fulfillment of Scripture: The detail demonstrates the meticulous reliability of prophecy, reinforcing confidence in the inerrancy of Scripture.

Reception in Christian Tradition

• Second-century apologists such as Irenaeus saw in the tunic the doctrinal unity of the faith handed down from the apostles.
• The Council of Nicaea drew on the symbolism to argue against schism within the church.
• Patristic sermons frequently paired the seamless garment with the robe that covered Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21), presenting Christ as the new covering for humanity.

Ministry and Devotional Application

• Leaders are exhorted to guard the unity of the Spirit, recognizing that division tears at what Christ preserves intact (John 17:21).
• Believers are invited to approach worship with reverence, remembering the costly righteousness woven for them in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• The episode offers assurance that even seemingly minor details of life—and Scripture—are under God’s sovereign design.

Key Cross-References

Exodus 28:31-32; Psalm 22:18; John 17:21-23; Ephesians 4:1-6; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 9:11-12; 1 Peter 2:9.

Conclusion

Though Strong’s Greek 729 appears just once, its placement at the foot of the cross threads together prophecy, priesthood, and ecclesiology. The seamless tunic silently proclaims the perfect, unbroken work of the Savior and calls the redeemed to a life and fellowship equally whole.

αραφος ἄραφος άρραφος araphos áraphosInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts