from ἱματίζω; clothing:--apparel (X -led), array, raiment, vesture.
Transliteration:himatismós
Pronunciation:him-at-is-mos'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἱματισμός (himatismós, `{{G2441}}`) denotes "clothing," "apparel," "raiment," or "vesture." It is derived from the verb ἱματίζω (himatizō, "to clothe"), which in turn relates to ἱμάτιον (himation, `{{G2440}}`), a specific garment, often an outer cloak. While ἱμάτιον refers to a distinct piece of clothing, ἱματισμός is a more general term encompassing a collection of garments or clothing in its entirety. Its semantic range covers the material covering for the human body, often contrasting with nakedness or emphasizing the visible aspect of one's outward appearance. It can refer to both common, everyday attire and garments of special significance, such as those indicating status or a supernatural quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἱματισμός appears in several significant New Testament passages, each revealing a distinct facet of its meaning:
* **[[Luke 9:29]]**: During the Transfiguration, as Jesus prayed, "the appearance of His face was altered, and His himatismós became dazzling white." Here, the clothing is not merely mundane but takes on a supernatural, glorious quality, reflecting the divine radiance of Christ. It signifies a visible manifestation of heavenly glory.
* **[[Luke 12:23]]**: In Jesus's teaching on anxiety, He states, "For life is more than food, and the body more than himatismós." This verse places clothing within the context of basic human necessities, yet subordinates it to the greater value of life itself, encouraging reliance on God's providence rather than worldly worry.
* **[[Acts 20:33]]**: Paul, in his farewell to the Ephesian elders, declares, "I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or himatismós." This statement underscores Paul's integrity and self-sufficiency, demonstrating his disinterest in material gain, including fine clothing, from those he ministered to. It speaks to his selfless dedication to the gospel.
* **[[1 Timothy 2:9]]**: Paul instructs women to "adorn themselves in modest himatismós, with decency and sobriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly himatismós." Here, the word is used twice. The first instance refers to appropriate, modest dress, while the second warns against ostentatious or extravagant attire. The emphasis is on inner character and spiritual adornment over external display.
* **[[James 2:2]]**: James illustrates the sin of favoritism: "For if a man comes into your assembly with gold rings and splendid himatismós, and a poor man also comes in with dirty himatismós." This passage vividly contrasts the outward appearance of the rich and the poor, highlighting how clothing can become a basis for superficial judgment and discriminatory treatment within the community of faith.
* **[[Jude 23]]**: In a stark warning, Jude exhorts believers to "save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the himatismós stained by the flesh." This powerful metaphor portrays the corrupting influence of sin, suggesting that even the garment (clothing) that has come into contact with the defiling "flesh" (sinful nature) is to be abhorred, emphasizing the need for purity and separation from evil.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἱματισμός is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and broader biblical concepts:
* **Related Greek Words:**
* ἱμάτιον (himation, `{{G2440}}`): Often translated as "garment" or "cloak," it refers to a specific piece of clothing, particularly the outer garment. While distinct, ἱματισμός can encompass ἱμάτιον.
* χιτών (chitōn, `{{G5509}}`): An inner garment, a tunic.
* στολή (stolē, `{{G4749}}`): A long robe, often indicative of dignity or office (e.g., "best robe" in the parable of the prodigal son).
* ἐσθής (esthēs, `{{G2066}}`): A general term for clothing or apparel.
* **Biblical Concepts:**
* **Divine Provision:** Clothing is a basic human need, and its mention in [[Luke 12:23]] connects it to God's faithful care for His creation, encouraging trust and discouraging anxiety.
* **Modesty vs. Ostentation:** The exhortation in [[1 Timothy 2:9]] highlights the biblical call for believers, particularly women, to dress modestly, reflecting an inner humility and spiritual focus rather than a worldly desire for show or status.
* **Spiritual Purity and Contamination:** The vivid imagery in [[Jude 23]] uses clothing as a metaphor for the pervasive and defiling nature of sin, emphasizing the need for vigilance and separation from anything that might compromise spiritual purity.
* **Outward Appearance vs. Inner Worth:** The scenario in [[James 2:2]] powerfully critiques the human tendency to judge others based on external factors like clothing, advocating for a discernment that values inner character and spiritual equality over superficial distinctions.
* **Glory and Transformation:** The dazzling himatismós of Christ during the Transfiguration ([[Luke 9:29]]) points to His divine glory and foreshadows the transformation and glorification that await believers in Him.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἱματισμός extends beyond its literal meaning, serving as a vehicle for profound spiritual truths:
* **Trust in God's Providence:** Jesus's teaching on clothing in [[Luke 12:23]] underscores the principle of divine provision. Just as God cares for the lilies of the field, He will provide for His children's needs, including clothing. This encourages a life free from anxious worry, rooted in faith in God's unfailing care.
* **The Nature of True Adornment:** In [[1 Timothy 2:9]], himatismós becomes a theological metaphor for inner spiritual beauty. True adornment for believers is not found in outward display of wealth or fashion but in "good works," "decency," and "sobriety." This emphasizes that one's outward appearance should reflect an inward reverence for God and a humble spirit.
* **Critique of Worldly Values:** The use of himatismós in [[James 2:2]] serves as a sharp theological critique of partiality and the valuing of worldly status over spiritual equality. It challenges the church to embody God's impartiality, recognizing the inherent dignity of every individual regardless of their material possessions or outward appearance.
* **The Defiling Power of Sin:** The imagery in [[Jude 23]] powerfully conveys the insidious and defiling nature of sin. The "garment stained by the flesh" vividly illustrates how even close proximity to sin can corrupt, urging believers to maintain a radical separation from impurity and to pursue holiness.
* **Revelation of Divine Glory:** The Transfiguration account ([[Luke 9:29]]) uses himatismós to signify the manifestation of divine glory. Jesus's dazzling clothing provides a glimpse of His inherent deity and the radiant glory of the heavenly realm, pointing to the ultimate hope of glorification for believers who will one day be clothed in righteousness and light.
### Summary
The Greek word ἱματισμός (himatismós, `{{G2441}}`), meaning "clothing" or "apparel," carries a rich semantic and theological weight within the New Testament. While literally referring to garments, its biblical occurrences elevate it from a mundane necessity to a profound symbol. It serves as a lens through which to understand God's providential care ([[Luke 12:23]]), the importance of modesty and inner adornment over outward display ([[1 Timothy 2:9]]), the sinfulness of partiality and superficial judgment ([[James 2:2]]), the defiling nature of sin ([[Jude 23]]), and even the manifestation of divine glory and transformation ([[Luke 9:29]]). Thus, himatismós not only describes what people wear but also illuminates core biblical teachings about trust, humility, purity, justice, and the ultimate glory of Christ.
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