a prolonged form of ἐνδύω; to invest (with a garment):--clothe in, wear.
Transliteration:endidýskō
Pronunciation:en-did-oos'-ko
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb endidýskō (`{{G1737}}`) is presented as a prolonged form of endýō (`{{G1746}}`). Both terms fundamentally relate to the act of "putting on" or "clothing." The prefix en- (ἐν) signifies "in" or "into," while the root dýskō (from dýō) conveys the idea of "sinking into" or "donning." Thus, the core meaning of endidýskō is "to invest with a garment," "to clothe in," or "to wear." Its semantic range, as indicated by its singular New Testament usage, is quite specific, focusing on the physical act of being adorned with clothing, often implying a state of being dressed in particular attire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
endidýskō (`{{G1737}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 16:19]]: "There was a rich man who was clothed (ἐνδεδυμένος) in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day."
In this verse, the perfect passive participle endedymenos describes the rich man in the parable of Lazarus. The choice of "purple and fine linen" is highly significant. Purple dye was exceedingly expensive, reserved for royalty, nobility, and the extremely wealthy, symbolizing power and high status. Fine linen (byssus) was also a luxurious and costly fabric, often associated with priestly garments or the attire of the elite. The use of endidýskō here emphasizes the rich man's *state* of being habitually and lavishly dressed, highlighting his earthly splendor, self-indulgence, and outward display of wealth. This detail immediately establishes a stark contrast with Lazarus, who is depicted as destitute and covered with sores. The verb underscores the visible manifestation of the rich man's worldly prosperity and his identity defined by material possessions.
### Related Words & Concepts
* endýō (`{{G1746}}`): This is the base verb from which endidýskō is derived. endýō is far more common in the New Testament and carries a broader semantic range, encompassing not only physical clothing but also metaphorical "putting on" of spiritual qualities, attitudes, or even Christ Himself (e.g., [[Romans 13:14]], [[Ephesians 4:24]], [[Colossians 3:12]]). While endidýskō in its sole occurrence focuses on physical attire, endýō extends to the spiritual "clothing" of righteousness, humility, or the armor of God.
* peribállō (`{{G4016}}`): Meaning "to throw around" or "to clothe," this verb is also used for putting on garments, often with an emphasis on wrapping or surrounding oneself.
* himátion (`{{G2440}}`): A common noun for "garment" or "cloak."
* stolḗ (`{{G4749}}`): Refers to a "robe" or "long garment," often signifying dignity, office, or status.
* The broader biblical concept of "clothing" frequently serves as a powerful metaphor for identity, status, righteousness, shame, or spiritual condition. From the "garments of skin" provided by God in [[Genesis 3:21]] to the "white robes" of the redeemed in [[Revelation 7:9]], clothing often signifies a person's standing before God or humanity.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence, endidýskō (`{{G1737}}`) in [[Luke 16:19]] carries profound theological weight within the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man's being "clothed in purple and fine linen" is not merely a descriptive detail but a critical element of his characterization and, by extension, his spiritual state. These luxurious garments symbolize his complete immersion in and reliance upon earthly wealth and status.
Theologically, this highlights the deceptive and transient nature of material possessions and outward show. The rich man's splendid attire, a testament to his earthly success and honor, ultimately proves meaningless in the face of divine judgment. His identity, so strongly tied to what he wore and possessed, utterly fails him in the afterlife. The parable serves as a stark warning against placing ultimate value on worldly treasures and neglecting the needs of others or one's spiritual standing before God. The contrast with Lazarus, devoid of such earthly adornment but ultimately comforted in Abraham's bosom, underscores the principle that true riches are not found in what one is "clothed in" physically, but in one's spiritual condition and actions of compassion and justice. The word subtly points to the biblical truth that God sees beyond outward appearance to the heart ([[1 Samuel 16:7]]).
### Summary
endidýskō (`{{G1737}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to clothe in" or "to wear," derived as a prolonged form of endýō (`{{G1746}}`). Its sole New Testament appearance is in [[Luke 16:19]], where it describes the rich man in the parable as being "clothed in purple and fine linen." This specific usage powerfully conveys the rich man's opulent lifestyle and his identity rooted in material wealth, setting a stark contrast with the impoverished Lazarus. Theologically, the word underscores the fleeting and ultimately valueless nature of earthly status and possessions in the light of eternal judgment, serving as a poignant reminder that true worth and blessedness are found not in outward display but in spiritual alignment with God's will and compassionate living.
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