### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ependýomai (`{{G1902}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition epí (ἐπί), meaning "upon" or "in addition to," and the verb endyō (ἐνδύω, `{{G1746}}`), meaning "to put on," "to clothe." The use of the middle voice is crucial, indicating an action performed by or for oneself, thus "to clothe oneself upon" or "to put on over oneself." This etymology reveals the core meaning: the act of superimposing one garment or covering upon another already worn, or to be further clothed. It denotes an additional layer, an investiture that adds to or covers what is already present, rather than a complete removal and replacement. The semantic range is therefore narrow, specifically pointing to an act of being clothed *over* or *in addition to* something else.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ependýomai (`{{G1902}}`) appears only once in the entire New Testament, found in [[2 Corinthians 5:2-4]]. This singular occurrence, however, is profoundly significant for Pauline eschatology. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is discussing the believer's future bodily state. He describes the earthly body as a "tent" (skēnos, `{{G4638}}`) or "earthly house" ([[2 Corinthians 5:1]]). He expresses a longing to be "clothed upon" (ependýomai) with the heavenly dwelling, rather than to be found "naked" (unclothed). The context of [[2 Corinthians 5:2]]-4 reads:
"For indeed in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed upon with our dwelling from heaven— if indeed, having been clothed, we will not be found naked. For indeed, while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed, but to be clothed upon, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life."
Paul's desire is not for disembodiment (to be "unclothed" or "naked," gymnós, `{{G1131}}`), but for a seamless transition from the mortal body to the immortal, glorified body. The imagery of being "clothed upon" suggests that the heavenly body will superimpose itself upon, or envelop, the mortal body, transforming it without an intermediate state of nakedness or disembodiment. This is a transformation where "what is mortal" is "swallowed up by life," indicating a complete victory over death and decay, not through destruction of the old, but through its glorification by the new.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is endyō (ἐνδύω, `{{G1746}}`), the base verb for ependýomai, meaning "to put on" or "to clothe." This verb is frequently used in the New Testament, both literally (e.g., to put on garments) and metaphorically (e.g., to "put on" Christ, [[Romans 13:14]]; to "put on" the new self, [[Ephesians 4:24]]; to "put on" virtues like compassion, [[Colossians 3:12]]). Its antonym, ekdyō (ἐκδύω, `{{G1562}}`), "to take off," is also relevant to the contrast Paul draws.
Key theological concepts intertwined with ependýomai include:
* **Resurrection of the Body:** The ultimate hope for believers, where the physical body is transformed and glorified ([[1 Corinthians 15:42-54]]).
* **Immortality (athanasia, `{{G110}}`) and Incorruptibility (aphtharsia, `{{G861}}`):** The qualities of the future glorified body, which will "swallow up" mortality and corruption.
* **The Heavenly Dwelling:** The spiritual, glorified body provided by God, contrasted with the earthly "tent" ([[2 Corinthians 5:1]]).
* **Glorification:** The process by which believers are made like Christ in their resurrected state.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ependýomai (`{{G1902}}`) in [[2 Corinthians 5:2-4]] carries profound theological weight. It articulates Paul's nuanced understanding of the eschatological hope for the believer's body.
1. **Continuity and Transformation:** The concept of being "clothed upon" signifies a transformation rather than an annihilation and recreation. It suggests that the glorified body is not entirely disconnected from the earthly body, but rather a perfected, immortalized version of it. The mortal is "swallowed up by life," indicating a victory that transforms rather than merely replaces.
2. **Avoidance of Disembodiment:** Paul's explicit desire not to be "unclothed" (gymnós) highlights a theological aversion to a state of spiritual nakedness or disembodiment. This underscores the biblical understanding of humanity as a holistic being, where the body is an integral part of personal identity, even in the afterlife. The "clothing upon" ensures a continuous, embodied existence.
3. **Divine Provision:** The "dwelling from heaven" is a gift from God, emphasizing that the glorified body is not achieved by human effort but is a divine provision and act of grace.
4. **Assurance of Hope:** This passage provides comfort and assurance to believers, promising that their future state will be one of glorious embodiment, free from the groanings and burdens of the present mortal body, yet without an intermediate period of formless existence. It points to the ultimate triumph of life over death through Christ.
### Summary
Ependýomai (`{{G1902}}`) is a unique and highly significant Greek verb, appearing only once in the New Testament in [[2 Corinthians 5:2-4]]. Its etymological meaning, "to clothe oneself upon" or "to put on over oneself," perfectly captures Paul's eschatological hope. It describes the believer's desire to experience a seamless transition from the mortal, earthly body to an immortal, glorified body, without an intermediate state of disembodiment or "nakedness." This "clothing upon" signifies a divine transformation where the temporal is absorbed by the eternal, and mortality is "swallowed up by life." The word thus encapsulates the Christian hope for a continuous, embodied existence in glory, a testament to God's ultimate victory over death and His gracious provision of an incorruptible dwelling.
TRV