The Greek word ésthēsis, represented by G2067, refers concretely to clothing or garments. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, marking a specific and significant moment.
The sole use of G2067 is found in the account of the resurrection. After the women discovered the empty tomb, they were "much perplexed" G1280 about what had happened. At that moment, "behold, two men stood by them in shining garments" Luke 24:4. The word is used here to describe the attire of these heavenly messengers, setting them apart from ordinary individuals and signaling a divine encounter.
The context of this single occurrence is enriched by several surrounding words:
- G1280 diaporéō (to be thoroughly nonplussed): This word establishes the state of confusion and doubt the women experienced just before the divine revelation. A similar state of perplexed doubt is seen when the apostles were amazed at the events on the day of Pentecost Acts 2:12.
- G2186 ephístēmi (to stand upon, i.e. be present): This describes the sudden arrival of the two men, a term often used for a supernatural appearance. It is the same word used when the angel of the Lord "came upon" the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus Luke 2:9.
- G797 astráptō (to flash as lightning): This verb directly modifies garments G2067, describing their appearance as "shining." It conveys a brilliant, heavenly quality, similar to the description of the Son of man's coming, which is compared to lightning that "shineth unto the other part under heaven" Luke 17:24.
The theological weight of G2067 is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context at the empty tomb.
- Signifier of Heavenly Presence: The shining garments immediately identify the two men as divine messengers, not of earthly origin. Their clothing is a visual testament to the heavenly reality of the resurrection Luke 24:4.
- Revelation in the Face of Doubt: The appearance of the men in these garments serves as a direct answer to the perplexity of the women. The radiant clothing is part of a divine intervention meant to cut through human confusion and announce the truth of what had happened.
- Attire of the Resurrection: The brilliant quality of the garments reflects the glory of the event they are there to announce. The clothing itself is a symbol of the victory and new reality brought about by Christ's rising from the dead Luke 24:4.
In summary, while G2067 is a term of extreme rarity, its single appearance is pivotal. It describes the shining garments of the angelic beings at the empty tomb, serving as a critical detail that signifies a divine encounter. The word marks the moment where human perplexity is met with the brilliant and undeniable reality of the resurrection.
TRV