The Greek word ekdýō, represented by G1562, means to divest, strip, or unclothe. Its definition is derived from the Greek words for "out of" and "to sink," conveying the idea of causing something to be removed, specifically clothing. It appears 7 times across 5 unique verses, making each usage significant.
In the biblical narrative, G1562 is used in both literal and figurative contexts. Its most prominent literal use is in the accounts of Jesus' crucifixion. Soldiers stripped him to put a scarlet robe on him as an act of mockery Matthew 27:28. Later, they took off the robe before leading him to be crucified (Matthew 27:31, Mark 15:20). The word also appears in the parable of the Good Samaritan, where thieves stripped a man of his raiment, leaving him wounded and vulnerable Luke 10:30. Figuratively, the term is used by Paul to describe a state of being without a resurrected body, expressing that the goal is not to be unclothed, but to be "clothed upon" with a heavenly form 2 Corinthians 5:4.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of G1562 by providing contrast and context:
- G1746 endýō (to invest with clothing): As the direct opposite of stripping off, this word means to put on. It is used when Jesus' own raiment is put back on him Matthew 27:31 and metaphorically for believers to put on the new man or the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:24, Romans 13:14).
- G4060 peritíthēmi (to place around): This word describes the action that immediately follows stripping Jesus; after they stripped him, they put on him a scarlet robe Matthew 27:28.
- G1902 ependýomai (to invest upon oneself): This term is used in direct contrast to being "unclothed" G1562. It expresses the earnest desire to be clothed upon with a heavenly dwelling from God (2 Corinthians 5:2, 2 Corinthians 5:4).
The theological weight of G1562 is significant, highlighting themes of humiliation, vulnerability, and the nature of the resurrected state.
- Humiliation and Suffering: The act of stripping Jesus is a key part of the Passion narrative. To strip someone was an act of extreme shame and mockery, emphasizing the depth of Christ's suffering (Matthew 27:28, Mark 15:20).
- Human Vulnerability: In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the traveler is stripped, which symbolizes his complete defenselessness and victimization at the hands of the thieves Luke 10:30.
- Metaphor for Mortality: Paul uses being unclothed to represent the undesirable, intermediate state of a disembodied soul after death. The Christian hope is not this state, but to be "clothed upon" so that mortality might be swallowed up by life 2 Corinthians 5:4.
In summary, G1562 is a powerful word that transitions from a literal to a metaphorical meaning. It literally depicts the removal of garments, an act tied to shame and violence in the Gospels. Theologically, it expands to represent the state of being disembodied, which is contrasted with the ultimate hope of being clothed with an immortal, heavenly body. The word ekdýō therefore powerfully conveys themes of humiliation, vulnerability, and the transition from mortal life to eternal life.
TRV