from ἐνδύω; investment with clothing:--putting on.
Transliteration:éndysis
Pronunciation:en'-doo-sis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G1745 (éndysis) is derived from the verb G1746 (endýō), which means "to put on," "to clothe," or "to array oneself." Consequently, G1745 signifies the act or process of "putting on clothing," "donning apparel," or "investment with clothing." Its core meaning is literal, referring to the physical action of dressing oneself. While its direct New Testament usage is singular and literal, its semantic range is inherently tied to the broader biblical metaphor of "clothing" as a representation of identity, character, or spiritual state. It describes the *action* of enveloping oneself, whether literally with fabric or metaphorically with virtues or spiritual realities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1745 (éndysis) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of 1 Peter:
* **[[1 Peter 3:3]]**: "Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel (ἐνδύσεως ἱματίων)."
In this passage, Peter is instructing Christian women on true beauty and adornment. The phrase "ἐνδύσεως ἱματίων" (éndyseōs himatíōn) translates literally as "the putting on of garments" or "the wearing of clothes." The context here is a contrast between external, physical adornment and the internal, spiritual beauty of the "hidden person of the heart." Peter is not condemning clothing itself, but rather the excessive focus and reliance on outward displays, including the act of dressing in luxurious or attention-seeking ways (éndysis), as the primary means of self-expression or perceived worth. The emphasis on éndysis highlights the *action* of dressing as a potentially superficial preoccupation, diverting attention from the cultivation of a "gentle and quiet spirit," which is "of great worth in God’s sight." This sole occurrence underscores the word's literal meaning while setting it within a theological framework that prioritizes inner spiritual reality over external appearance.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **G1746 (endýō):** The foundational verb from which G1745 is derived. This verb is extensively used in the New Testament, often metaphorically, to describe "putting on" spiritual qualities, a new identity, or divine attributes. Examples include "putting on Christ" ([[Romans 13:14]], [[Galatians 3:27]]), "putting on the new self" ([[Ephesians 4:24]], [[Colossians 3:10]]), "putting on the armor of God" ([[Ephesians 6:11]]), and "putting on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" ([[Colossians 3:12]]). While éndysis refers to the *act* of putting on, endýō describes the *process* or *result* of being clothed, both literally and spiritually.
* **G2440 (himation):** "Garment," "cloak," "clothing." This noun is directly linked to G1745 in [[1 Peter 3:3]], forming the phrase "putting on of garments." It denotes the physical items of apparel.
* **G2886 (kosmeō) / G2889 (kosmos):** "To adorn" and "adornment" or "world." Peter uses these terms in [[1 Peter 3:3]] to speak of "outward adornment," drawing a clear parallel between the act of physically adorning oneself and the act of putting on clothes. This highlights the human tendency to focus on external presentation.
* **Biblical Metaphor of Clothing:** The concept of "clothing" is a rich and pervasive metaphor throughout Scripture, symbolizing righteousness ([[Isaiah 61:10]], [[Revelation 19:8]]), shame ([[Genesis 3:7]]), identity ([[Luke 15:22]]), and spiritual state or power ([[Luke 24:49]]). G1745, though literal in its context, participates in this larger symbolic universe, serving as a tangible example of external focus that contrasts with the desired internal spiritual transformation.
### Theological Significance
Although G1745 (éndysis) itself appears only once in a literal sense, its theological significance is profound when understood in relation to the broader biblical motif of "clothing" and its verbal root G1746 (endýō).
* **Theological Contrast:** In [[1 Peter 3:3]], éndysis serves as a concrete example of outward, physical adornment, which the apostle contrasts sharply with the "hidden person of the heart." This establishes a fundamental theological principle: God values internal character, spiritual beauty, and a transformed heart far more than external appearances or material display. The act of "putting on" clothes can symbolize a preoccupation with the visible, transient world, rather than with the eternal, spiritual realities.
* **Priorities in Discipleship:** The passage in 1 Peter, using éndysis, is a call to re-evaluate priorities in Christian living. It challenges believers to seek adornment that is "imperishable" and "of great worth in God’s sight," rather than focusing on fleeting external fashion or status. This underscores the New Testament emphasis on humility, modesty, and inner transformation as hallmarks of genuine faith.
* **Antithesis to Spiritual "Putting On":** The literal "putting on" of garments (éndysis) in 1 Peter stands in stark contrast to the metaphorical "putting on" (endýō) of Christ, the new self, or spiritual virtues elsewhere in the New Testament. While one describes an external act, the other describes an internal, spiritual transformation that affects one's entire being and conduct. The transient nature of physical éndysis serves to highlight the enduring significance of spiritual endýō. True spiritual "clothing" is not merely an outward show but an inward reality expressed through righteous living.
### Summary
The Greek word G1745 (éndysis) literally means "the act of putting on clothing" or "donning apparel." Its sole occurrence in the New Testament, in [[1 Peter 3:3]], uses it in this literal sense to describe "the putting on of fine apparel" as a form of outward adornment. In this context, Peter contrasts such external focus with the "imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit," thereby highlighting a core theological truth: God values inner spiritual character above superficial outward appearance. While éndysis is limited to a literal usage, its deeper theological significance is derived from its close relationship to the verb G1746 (endýō), which frequently describes the spiritual act of "putting on" Christ, the new self, or the armor of God. Thus, G1745 serves as a tangible example within a broader biblical motif that consistently calls believers to prioritize inner transformation and spiritual adornment over fleeting external displays.
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