The first usage of the word "sack" in the Bible is in Genesis 42:25.

Note that the Hebrew contains the word for "sack" or "sacks" only once.

The LXX uses the modern Greek word "τα αγγεία" (ta agh-EE-a) ≈ "the sacks" as the first word.

שקו

The Hebrew word for "sack" was transliterated into many languages.

• The modern Greek word "σάκος" (SA-kos) ≈ "sack".
• The Latin word "sacculis" ≈ "sack".
• The Spanish word "el saco" ≈ "the sack"
• The Middle English word "sacke" ≈ "sack".
• The German word "der Sack" ≈ "the sack".
• The German word "die Säcke" ≈ "the sacks".
• The Russian word "сак" (sok) ≈ "sack" although the Russian word "мешок" (me-shok) ≈ "sack", which ends in the Hebrew "shek" sound - but appears to not have any direct connection.

The word "sackcloth" is mentioned before "sack" in Genesis.

Notice that the Hebrew word for "sackcloth" is the same as the word for "sack".

What is Jacob putting on? When one puts an "sackcloth" is one wearing a bag (think of a trash bag) with holes cut out for the arms and head?

In Jonah, the entire city puts on sackcloth.

In general, sackcloth was made of a course goat hair and was, thus, not very comfortable. Wool from sheep or lambs was much more comfortable. Thus, sackcloth was worn to constantly remind someone, in an irritating way, of something.

The Wessex Gospels use "haeren" and Wycliffe uses "heyre", as "hair", for "sackcloth".

The Latin word "cilicio" ≈ "sackcloth, cloth, shirt".

Note that the Latin word "cinere" ≈ "ashes" from which we get the English word "cinder" and "incinerate".

In Roman times, a "cilice" (the Latin word) was originally made from coarse animal hair.

The Latin name "cilicio" comes from the Roman province (and city) of Cilicia in southeast Asia Minor. This area is mentioned 8 times in the GNT (Greek New Testament).

The capital of Cilicia was Tarsus, from which Paul came.

The area was mountainous, home to thieves, robbers, pirates, etc. The word "pirate" comes from the Greek.

More: Matthew 4:1-11, 6:13: Examining evil temptations

Paul mentions the dangers of his home area of Cicilia, including a long list of perils or dangers, in 2 Corinthians 11:26-27. In this geographic area, one had to be vigilant always.

About a 100 years earlier, in 75 BC, a young 25 year old Julius Caesar (100-44 BC) was captured by Cilician pirates while traveling to study oratory at Rhodes.

Plutarch relates the story. Caesar captivated the pirates with stories, etc., and convinced the pirates that the ransom they were asking was too little for his value. He would, at times, banter and joke that he would have them all crucified. When the ransom was paid, Caesar raised a small naval force, returned to the site, captured the same pirates, brought them back, and had them crucified. Caesar was a born leader - for better or for worse.

The Roman general and statesman Pompey the Great (106 BC - 48 BC) had many interesting accomplishments.

• He had the boyhood name of "teenage butcher" for his ruthlessness.
• Was part of the forces that put down the rebellion of the slave Spartacus (71 BC)
• Cleared the Mediterranean of Cicilian pirates in 49 days in 66 BC.
• Took over Palestine, Judea and Jerusalem for Rome (63 BC).
• He was part of the Triumvirate (Caesar, Pompey, Crassus) who became dictators of the previous Roman democratic republic.
• Opposed Caesar which eventually led to his demise and death. Later, Caesar was himself assassinated.

Caesar downplayed the previous work of Pompey when he put down a revolt in what is today eastern Turkey with the famous quote, "I came, I saw, I conquered" as if it did not take much effort.

What is "sackcloth"? Which came first, the sack as a "bag" or the cloth from which the bag is named a "sack"? Might there be some other reason?

A verse in Leviticus tends to provide a clue.

The list of items appears to be that associated with "dead animals".

If "sackcloth" as a "sack" were clothes or raiment, it would appear to be duplicated in the listing of items that would be unclean. If the "sack" were a separate article, such as "cloth", then it would be appropriate to be in the list (without duplicating a previous item).

Thus, it appears that the "sack" was originally the "cloth" made of coarse goat (or camel) hair and then took on the additional meaning of a garment made of this material.

• The Latin word "pelles" ≈ "pelt, badgers".
• The modern Greek word "δέρματος" (THEHR-ma-tos) ≈ "skin" from which we get the English word "dermatology".
• The German word "Fell" ≈ "fur" which is related to the Latin word through Grimm's Law ("p" going to "f").

In Psalms 35:13 we see a reference to clothing as "sackcloth".

Note that the clothing here is "sackcloth", although the Luther German says that "I wore a sack" as in "sackcloth".

Note: As of 2020-12-13, Wikipedia claims the first "reputed" use of the Latin term "cilicio" in the Latin Vulgate is in this verse, but, as we saw above, this Latin term is used of Jacob in Genesis 37:34.

Do we have any more detailed descriptions of "sackcloth" in the Bible? How about Revelations 6:12?

From the verse in Revelation, "sackcloth" appears to be "black" and consist of "hair" (goat, sometimes camel).

• The Latin word "niger" ≈ "black" from which we get the English word "Negro".
• The Latin word "cilicinus" ≈ "cloth" as mentioned above and below in more detail.
• The modern Greek word "μαλάνι" (ma-LA-nee) ≈ "ink" but meant, in ancient times, "black". The English word "melancholy" comes from the Greek words for "black" and "bile".
• The ancient Greek word "μελάς" (meh-LAS) ≈ "black".

Returning to the story of Joseph, the LXX (Septuagint) translators appear to start with the word for "sack" from Hebrew and then, to differentiate, start using another Greek word for "sack".

Note: The word for "sack" used here is «μαρσιππον» from which we get the word "marsupial" (kangaroo, possum, etc.).

• The modern Greek word "μάρσιπος" (MAR-see-pos) ≈ "bag, pouch".
• The modern Greek word "μαρσιποφόρο" (mar-see-po-FO-ro) ≈ "marsupial", literally "carrying in a sack or pouch".

This root is in the LXX in Genesis 13 times, from Genesis 42:7 onwards. The word initially used for "sack", "σακκος" is used 3 times, in Genesis 37:34, 42:25 and 42:35.

• The first, Genesis 37:34, is Jacob and "sackcloth" (see above).
• Genesis 42:25 is above.
• Genesis 42:35 is below.

Why was one word used instead of the original word? Was it observed that the same Hebrew word had two meanings and then two different Greek words used?

The original word for "sack" as "σακκος" was transliterated as a new Greek word from the Hebrew, but the existing Greek word (pre-Greek in origin) "μάρσιπος" was then used for "sack" (except for the two instances above).

Notice that the "money" is not known until after the long journey back and the sacks are opened - in the presence of their father.

Note that the "sack" was different than the money "bag" or "purse" in the NT (New Testament).

John makes a comment about Judas, who betrayed Jesus, in John 12:6.

• The German word "der Beutel" ≈ "bag, pouch" as us used above by Luther.
• The German word "die Beute" ≈ "booty" as a prize or plunder captured at sea (and, later, elsewhere) which leads to the English word "booty".