from a derivative of ἐσθής; clothing (concretely):--government.
Transliteration:ésthēsis
Pronunciation:es'-thay-sis
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἔσθησις (esthēsis), Strong's number `{{G2067}}`, is derived from a derivative of ἐσθής (esthēs) `{{G2066}}`, meaning "clothing" or "raiment." Its core meaning is "clothing" in a concrete sense, referring to an item of apparel or attire. While the Strong's definition includes "government" as a secondary rendering, this is likely an interpretive gloss or a very rare semantic extension, perhaps alluding to the vestments of office or the outward display of authority. However, in its sole biblical occurrence, the word clearly denotes literal clothing. The primary semantic range thus centers on garments and their appearance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔσθησις `{{G2067}}` appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of James:
* [[James 2:3]]: "and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool."
In this passage, James uses ἔσθησις to describe "gay clothing" or "fine clothes," referring to the splendid attire worn by a wealthy person entering the assembly. The context is a sharp rebuke against partiality (προσωπολημψία - prosōpolēmpsia), where believers show favoritism to the rich based on their outward appearance, specifically their clothing, while neglecting or demeaning the poor. The word here unequivocally refers to literal garments, serving as a visible symbol of social status and wealth. The "government" aspect noted in Strong's is not evident in this specific usage; the focus is entirely on personal attire and its role in human discrimination.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἔσθησις `{{G2067}}` is directly related to its root word ἐσθής (esthēs) `{{G2066}}`, which also means "clothing" or "apparel" and appears more frequently in the New Testament (e.g., [[Matthew 28:3]], [[Acts 10:30]]). Other Greek words for clothing or garments include ἱμάτιον (himatiōn) `{{G2440}}` (outer garment) and χίτων (chitōn) `{{G5509}}` (tunic or inner garment).
The concept illuminated by ἔσθησις in [[James 2:3]] is deeply intertwined with themes of:
* **Partiality/Discrimination:** The sin of judging or favoring individuals based on external, superficial criteria.
* **Outward Appearance:** The deceptive nature of relying on visible signs of wealth or status.
* **Social Status:** The societal divisions between rich and poor that early Christian communities were called to transcend.
* **True Faith vs. Hypocrisy:** The contrast between genuine faith, which shows impartial love, and a superficial religiosity that caters to human distinctions.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἔσθησις `{{G2067}}` in [[James 2:3]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a concrete illustration of the sin of partiality, a practice fundamentally antithetical to the Gospel message of impartial love and the kingdom of God. James uses the vivid example of preferential treatment based on "fine clothing" to expose the hypocrisy within the community.
Theologically, this word highlights:
1. **God's Impartiality:** In stark contrast to human favoritism based on external displays like clothing, God "chose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom" [[James 2:5]]. This underscores divine impartiality and a reversal of worldly values.
2. **The Nature of True Faith:** Genuine faith, according to James, is active and demonstrates itself through love and compassion for all, especially the vulnerable, rather than being swayed by outward displays of wealth or status.
3. **The Danger of Materialism:** The focus on ἔσθησις as a symbol of wealth serves as a warning against the allure of material possessions and the societal distinctions they create, which can corrupt the purity of Christian fellowship.
4. **Practical Ethics:** The passage calls believers to a practical ethic of love that extends equally to all, irrespective of their socio-economic standing or the quality of their ἔσθησις.
### Summary
The Greek word ἔσθησις `{{G2067}}` denotes "clothing" or "raiment," specifically referring to fine or splendid attire. Its sole occurrence in the New Testament is found in [[James 2:3]], where it vividly illustrates the sin of partiality within the early Christian community. James uses the "gay clothing" of the rich to highlight the superficiality of human judgment and to condemn the practice of showing favoritism based on outward appearance rather than on the impartial love commanded by Christ. Despite the secondary "government" note in Strong's, the biblical usage of ἔσθησις is consistently tied to personal garments as a symbol of social status. Theologically, this word underscores the imperative for believers to transcend worldly distinctions and embrace God's impartial love, demonstrating true faith through equitable treatment of all people.
TRV