Description
The decorative tassel was attached to the bottom edge of a long, outer robe, specifically to one of the robe’s four corners.
Usage
According to NUM 15:37–NUM 15:41 and DEU 22:12, Israelite men were required to wear tassels on the four corners of their outer garments (see Clothing (generic)). These tassels reminded them of their obligation to keep the commandments of the Mosaic Law.
Translation
In MAT 23:5 the Greek word kraspedon refers to the tassels worn at the four corners of outer garments. It is also possible that in all instances in which kraspedon is used in reference to Jesus’ clothing (MAT 9:20; MAT 14:36; MRK 6:56; LUK 8:44), the reference may be specifically to the tassels and not merely to the edge of his garment. The interpretation of such passages depends upon how Jesus may have understood and followed the Mosaic Law and the manner in which the authors may have understood the meaning of kraspedon.
In some languages the literal phrase “tassels on the corners” (RSV) in NUM 15:38 may be rendered “decorated corners” or “ribbons at the corners.” Where a word for tassel does not exist or would be obscure, translators may use a descriptive phrase; for example, NCV renders the second clause of this verse as follows: “Tie several pieces of thread together and attach them to the corners of your clothes.”