### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ependýtēs (`{{G1903}}`) is derived from the verb ependýomai, which means "to put on over" or "to clothe oneself with an outer garment." This etymology reveals its core meaning: an "outer garment" or "wrapper." The Strong's definition further specifies it as a "fisher's coat," indicating a practical and perhaps robust piece of clothing suitable for work, particularly in a maritime context. While the general semantic range points to any outer covering, its singular biblical occurrence narrows its specific connotation to a functional garment worn by a laborer, emphasizing its utility rather than its decorative or ceremonial qualities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ependýtēs (`{{G1903}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of John:
* **[[John 21:7]]:** "Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, 'It is the Lord!' Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (his ependýtēs), for he was naked, and threw himself into the sea."
In this context, Peter and other disciples are fishing on the Sea of Tiberias after a fruitless night. Upon realizing that the figure on the shore is the resurrected Jesus, Peter's characteristic impulsiveness and devotion are immediately evident. The phrase "he was naked" (γυμνός, gymnos) in this biblical context often means lightly clothed, perhaps wearing only an undergarment or loincloth, which was common for laborers to avoid soiling or wetting their main clothes. Peter's act of putting on his ependýtēs before plunging into the water signifies a spontaneous desire for decorum and respect in the presence of the Lord. It suggests that even in his eagerness, Peter felt it inappropriate to approach the Risen Christ in a state of minimal clothing. The ependýtēs here is not just a practical garment but becomes an emblem of Peter's reverence and readiness to meet his Master.
### Related Words & Concepts
ependýtēs (`{{G1903}}`) belongs to a broader lexical field of Greek words for clothing, each with distinct nuances:
* himátion (`{{G2440}}`): A general term for an outer garment or cloak.
* chitōn (`{{G5509}}`): An undergarment or tunic, worn close to the body.
* stolē (`{{G4749}}`): A long robe, often associated with dignity, status, or special occasions.
* endýma (`{{G1742}}`): A general word for clothing or raiment.
The root verb endýo (`{{G1746}}`), meaning "to put on" or "clothe," and its compounds, like ependýomai (from which ependýtēs derives), are crucial. These verbs are often used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe spiritual transformation, such as "putting on Christ" or "putting on the new self" (e.g., [[Romans 13:14]], [[Colossians 3:10]]). In the case of ependýtēs, while literal, it carries an implicit connection to themes of appropriate presentation and readiness before the divine, echoing the broader biblical emphasis on modesty and respect in the presence of the holy.
### Theological Significance
The sole appearance of ependýtēs (`{{G1903}}`) in [[John 21:7]] carries significant theological weight, primarily illustrating Peter's response to the resurrected Christ.
* **Reverence and Readiness:** Peter's action underscores a profound sense of reverence for Jesus. Despite his characteristic impulsiveness, he pauses to don a proper outer garment before entering the water to approach the Lord. This act signifies a desire to present himself appropriately before the divine, demonstrating an intuitive understanding of the sacredness of the encounter. It speaks to the human inclination to prepare oneself, even superficially, when confronted with the holy.
* **Transition from Mundane to Sacred:** The ependýtēs marks a symbolic transition from Peter's mundane occupation of fishing to the sacred reality of encountering the Risen Lord. It is an act that bridges the ordinary and the extraordinary, preparing Peter's physical self for a spiritual encounter that transcends daily life.
* **Human Response to Divine Presence:** Peter's act highlights a fundamental aspect of the human response to God's presence: a desire for propriety and a recognition of the need to be "covered" or prepared. While salvation is by grace and not by outward acts, Peter's spontaneous donning of the garment is an expression of awe, love, and a respectful posture towards the One who is holy. It is an act of humble submission and eagerness to honor the Lord.
### Summary
The Greek word ependýtēs (`{{G1903}}`), meaning an "outer garment" or "fisher's coat," is uniquely found in [[John 21:7]]. Its single biblical occurrence powerfully illustrates Simon Peter's immediate and reverent response to the resurrected Jesus. Peter's act of putting on his ependýtēs before plunging into the sea, despite his previous state of being "naked" (lightly clothed), symbolizes a profound desire for decorum and readiness in the presence of the Lord. This practical garment thus takes on theological significance, representing Peter's spontaneous awe, respect, and eagerness to present himself appropriately before the Risen Christ. The ependýtēs serves as a tangible marker of Peter's transition from the mundane work of fishing to the sacred encounter with his Savior, subtly emphasizing themes of reverence, preparation, and the human heart's response to divine holiness.
TRV