### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἔνδυμα (éndyma), Strong's number `{{G1742}}`, derives from the verb ἐνδύω (endýō, `{{G1746}}`), meaning "to put on" or "to clothe." Consequently, ἔνδυμα signifies that which is put on, primarily referring to "clothing," "garment," or "apparel." Its base definition often emphasizes the outer robe, distinguishing it from inner garments, though it can broadly encompass any form of raiment. Semantically, it denotes the physical covering worn by individuals, serving practical purposes such as protection from elements or modesty. While its primary sense is literal, its usage in biblical texts extends to profound symbolic and metaphorical meanings, particularly concerning identity, status, and spiritual condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔνδυμα appears multiple times in the New Testament, revealing both its literal and symbolic significance:
* **Literal Usage:**
* In [[Matthew 3:4]], ἔνδυμα describes John the Baptist's attire of camel's hair, highlighting his ascetic lifestyle and prophetic identity, distinct from the typical clothing of his day.
* [[Matthew 6:25]] and [[Luke 12:23]] use ἔνδυμα in the context of Jesus' teaching on not worrying about life's basic necessities, specifically "what you will wear." Here, it underscores God's providential care for His creation, asserting that life is more than food and clothing.
* [[Matthew 27:31]] refers to the garments put back on Jesus after being mocked, a straightforward reference to His physical clothing.
* In [[Acts 12:8]], Peter is commanded to "put on your outer garment" (ἔνδυμα), a simple instruction for his release from prison.
* **Symbolic/Metaphorical Usage:**
* Perhaps the most significant metaphorical use is found in the Parable of the Wedding Feast in [[Matthew 22:11-12]]. A guest is found without a "wedding garment" (ἔνδυμα γάμου). This garment is not merely ordinary clothing but symbolizes the necessary spiritual righteousness or preparedness required to participate in the divine feast of the kingdom of heaven. The absence of this specific attire leads to the guest's expulsion, emphasizing the critical importance of being properly clothed in a spiritual sense for entry into God's presence.
* In [[James 2:2]], ἔνδυμα describes the "fine clothing" of a rich man contrasted with the "poor clothing" of a poor man, used to illustrate the sin of partiality within the assembly. Here, clothing serves as a visible marker of social status, against which true Christian impartiality is measured.
* In the Book of Revelation, ἔνδυμα frequently refers to the "white robes" (ἔνδυμα λευκά) worn by the twenty-four elders around God's throne ([[Revelation 4:4]]) and by the martyrs who have come out of the great tribulation ([[Revelation 6:11]], [[Revelation 7:9]], [[Revelation 7:13-14]]). These white robes consistently symbolize purity, righteousness, victory, and divine approval, signifying those who have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb and are deemed worthy to stand before God.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, ἔνδυμα is directly related to the verb ἐνδύω (endýō, `{{G1746}}`), "to put on" or "to clothe." This verb is frequently used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe the spiritual act of "putting on" Christ, righteousness, the new self, or spiritual armor (e.g., [[Romans 13:14]], [[Ephesians 4:24]], [[Ephesians 6:11]]). While ἔνδυμα refers to the *result* or *item* of clothing, ἐνδύω describes the *action* of donning it, often with profound spiritual implications.
Other Greek terms for clothing, often used alongside or in distinction to ἔνδυμα, include:
* ἱμάτιον (himátion, `{{G2440}}`): Generally an outer garment or cloak.
* χιτών (chitōn, `{{G5509}}`): An inner tunic or shirt.
* στολή (stolē, `{{G4749}}`): A long robe, often signifying dignity or office.
The concept of "clothing" in the Bible is intimately linked with themes such as:
* **Identity and Status:** What one wears can signify who one is (e.g., John the Baptist's prophetic attire, royal robes, priestly garments).
* **Purity and Righteousness:** White garments are consistently symbolic of cleanliness, holiness, and justification.
* **Shame and Nakedness:** The absence of proper clothing can signify shame, sin, or spiritual destitution (e.g., Adam and Eve after the fall).
* **Divine Provision:** God's care for His people's basic needs.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἔνδυμα extends beyond its literal meaning to encompass profound spiritual truths:
1. **Divine Provision:** The teaching in [[Matthew 6:25]] and [[Luke 12:23]] highlights God's faithful provision for the material needs of His people. Just as He clothes the lilies of the field, so too will He care for humanity, underscoring a call to trust and freedom from anxiety.
2. **Spiritual Righteousness and Readiness:** The "wedding garment" in [[Matthew 22:11-12]] is a crucial theological symbol. It represents the righteousness that is imputed and imparted through faith in Christ, which is essential for entry into God's kingdom. It signifies a state of spiritual preparedness and acceptance, without which one is cast out. This underscores the necessity of a transformed life and a right standing before God, not merely outward affiliation.
3. **Purity, Victory, and Justification:** The "white robes" in Revelation are powerful symbols of the saints' purity, their victory over tribulation and sin, and their justification through the atoning work of Christ. They signify those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb ([[Revelation 7:14]]), indicating a redeemed and sanctified status before God.
4. **Warning Against Partiality:** [[James 2:2]] uses ἔνδυμα to expose the sin of showing favoritism based on outward appearance or wealth. This passage challenges believers to look beyond external indicators of status and to treat all individuals with equal dignity and love, reflecting God's impartial nature.
### Summary
The Greek word ἔνδυμα (éndyma, `{{G1742}}`) primarily denotes "clothing" or "garment," derived from the verb "to put on." While it frequently refers to literal apparel, its most profound biblical uses are symbolic. It powerfully illustrates God's providential care for basic human needs. More significantly, ἔνδυμα serves as a potent metaphor for spiritual righteousness, purity, and readiness for God's kingdom, particularly seen in the "wedding garment" of [[Matthew 22:11-12]] and the "white robes" of the redeemed in Revelation. It also highlights the biblical condemnation of judging others based on outward appearances. Thus, ἔνδυμα transcends mere physical covering, becoming a rich theological concept that speaks to divine provision, spiritual identity, and the essential qualifications for fellowship with God.
TRV