from ἐν and δύνω (in the sense of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively):--array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1746 (endýō) is derived from ἐν (in) and δύνω (to sink, enter). Its core meaning is literal: "to put on clothing," "to dress oneself," or "to array." This etymology emphasizes the action of entering into or being enveloped by a garment, suggesting a close identification with what is worn.
Beyond its literal sense, G1746 extends significantly into figurative usage, signifying "to be invested with," "to be clothed with," or "to assume" certain qualities, characteristics, powers, or spiritual realities. This figurative extension is crucial for understanding its theological depth. It can denote an active appropriation (one puts on something) or a passive endowment (one is clothed with something by another). The semantic range thus covers both physical adornment and profound spiritual transformation or empowerment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G1746 appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating both its literal and profound figurative applications.
Literally, it describes the act of putting on garments, such as the soldiers clothing Jesus in a purple robe ([[Mark 15:17]]) or a man being clothed in new garments ([[Luke 15:22]]). These instances serve as a backdrop for the more significant figurative uses.
Figuratively, G1746 takes on rich theological meaning:
* **Empowerment by the Holy Spirit:** In [[Luke 24:49]], Jesus instructs His disciples to wait in Jerusalem "until you are clothed with power from on high." Here, endýō signifies a divine endowment, a supernatural enabling by the Holy Spirit for ministry and witness. This is not merely an external covering but an internal empowerment that equips them for their mission.
* **Putting on the New Self/Christ:** A central theme in Pauline theology is the believer's radical transformation. G1746 is used to describe "putting on the new self" ([[Ephesians 4:24]]; [[Colossians 3:10]]), which is "created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." This is a conscious, active choice to live in conformity with one's new identity in Christ. Closely related is the command to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" ([[Romans 13:14]]), which implies not merely imitation but a profound identification with Christ's character and righteousness, allowing His life to be manifested through the believer.
* **Spiritual Armor:** In the context of spiritual warfare, believers are exhorted to "put on the full armor of God" ([[Ephesians 6:11, 6:14]]). This includes "the breastplate of righteousness," "the readiness given by the gospel of peace," and implicitly, "the belt of truth" and "the helmet of salvation." Here, endýō denotes actively appropriating and relying upon God's provision for protection and victory against spiritual forces.
* **Moral and Spiritual Virtues:** Believers are also called to "put on" specific virtues, such as "compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" ([[Colossians 3:12]]) or to "clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another" ([[1 Peter 5:5]]). This signifies a deliberate adoption and cultivation of Christ-like character traits.
* **Eschatological Hope:** G1746 is used in the context of resurrection, where the mortal will "put on immortality" and the perishable will "put on the imperishable" ([[1 Corinthians 15:53-54]]). This describes the ultimate transformation of the believer's body at the resurrection, signifying victory over death and decay, a final and complete clothing with eternal life.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of endýō is closely intertwined with other significant biblical terms and theological ideas.
* **Contrast with `{{G554}}` (apotithēmi):** Often, the command to "put on" (endýō) is juxtaposed with the command to "put off" or "lay aside" (apotithēmi) the old self, its practices, and sinful desires ([[Ephesians 4:22]]; [[Colossians 3:8]]). This highlights the radical break with former ways of life and the adoption of a new, Christ-centered existence.
* **`{{G2440}}` (himation) and `{{G5509}}` (chiton):** These are common words for garments, providing the literal context for endýō and underscoring the metaphor of clothing.
* **`{{G350}}` (anakainoo) and `{{G341}}` (anakainosis):** These terms refer to renewal and renovation, concepts directly related to "putting on the new self." endýō describes the action of adopting this new, renewed identity.
* **Justification and Sanctification:** While justification is a declarative act of God, endýō often relates to sanctification, the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ. "Putting on Christ" or "putting on the new self" is an active participation in this process, manifesting the righteousness imputed at justification.
* **Identity in Christ:** The act of "putting on Christ" or the "new self" speaks directly to the believer's new identity, which is no longer defined by sin or the world but by their union with Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1746 is profound and multifaceted.
1. **Transformative Identity:** The command to "put on Christ" or the "new self" underscores that Christian identity is not merely a label but a living reality that must be actively embraced and manifested. It signifies a radical break from the old sinful nature and an adoption of Christ's character, righteousness, and holiness. This transformation is both a divine gift and a human responsibility.
2. **Divine Empowerment:** The concept of being "clothed with power from on high" reveals God's provision for His people to accomplish His purposes. It highlights the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in enabling ministry, witness, and spiritual living. This power is not inherent in believers but is a divine endowment that equips them for service in a fallen world.
3. **Active Discipleship:** The various calls to "put on" virtues (humility, kindness, patience) emphasize that Christian living is not passive. It requires conscious effort, discipline, and a deliberate choice to manifest the fruit of the Spirit in daily life. This "clothing" is a visible expression of an inward spiritual reality.
4. **Spiritual Warfare:** "Putting on the full armor of God" is a theological statement about the reality of spiritual conflict and the believer's reliance on God's defensive and offensive provisions. It is an active posture of faith, trusting in God's truth, righteousness, peace, salvation, and the Word for protection and victory.
5. **Eschatological Hope:** The ultimate "clothing" with immortality signifies the complete and final redemption of the believer, including their physical body. It points to the triumph over death and decay, a glorious culmination of God's redemptive plan, where believers will fully bear the image of the heavenly man.
### Summary
G1746 (endýō) is a powerful Greek verb that moves beyond its literal meaning of "to put on clothing" to convey profound spiritual realities. It signifies both a divine endowment (being "clothed with power from on high") and a human responsibility (actively "putting on Christ," the "new self," or spiritual virtues). This word encapsulates the transformative journey of the believer, from being divinely empowered for ministry to actively embracing a new identity in Christ, engaging in spiritual warfare, and anticipating the ultimate eschatological clothing with immortality. endýō thus speaks to the core of Christian discipleship: a radical identification with Christ that manifests in righteous living, spiritual strength, and confident hope.
TRV