### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀμφιέννυμι (amphiénnymi, `{{G294}}`) is a compound word derived from ἀμφί (amphi, around, on both sides) and ἕννυμι (hennymi, to put on, clothe). Its core meaning is "to put on all around," "to array," or "to enrobe." It describes the act of clothing someone or something, often with the implication of covering or adorning. Unlike some related terms that might imply the act of putting on a specific garment, amphiénnymi emphasizes the comprehensive act of clothing or being clothed. Its semantic range in the New Testament is quite focused, primarily referring to the literal act of dressing or being dressed, though the contexts in which it appears imbue it with significant theological implications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀμφιέννυμι appears five times in the New Testament, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels and once in Acts, revealing distinct contextual nuances:
1. **Divine Provision for Creation:**
* [[Matthew 6:30]]: "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"
* [[Luke 12:28]]: "If then God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!"
In these parallel passages, amphiénnymi is used to describe God's meticulous care in clothing the transient grass and lilies with beauty. The context is Jesus' teaching on anxiety and trust in God's provision. The verb here underscores the divine act of adorning creation, serving as an *a fortiori* argument for God's care for humanity.
2. **Contrast with Austerity:**
* [[Matthew 11:8]]: "What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses."
* [[Luke 7:25]]: "What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings' courts."
Here, amphiénnymi describes the luxurious attire of those in royal courts, contrasted with the austere appearance of John the Baptist. It highlights a distinction between worldly comfort and the prophetic calling, implicitly critiquing the pursuit of outward splendor over spiritual substance.
3. **Pomp and Pride:**
* [[Acts 12:21]]: "On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat on the tribunal, and delivered an oration to them."
In this account of Herod Agrippa I, amphiénnymi describes his act of donning "royal robes." This act is presented as a display of his authority and grandeur before the people, preceding his blasphemous acceptance of divine honors and subsequent divine judgment. The verb here signifies the external manifestation of pride and worldly power.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἀμφιέννυμι is part of a broader semantic field related to clothing in the New Testament. Key related terms include:
* ἐνδύω (endyo, `{{G1746}}`): A very common verb meaning "to put on," "to clothe oneself." While amphiénnymi emphasizes the act of covering all around, endyo is more general for the act of donning a garment.
* ἔνδυμα (endyma, `{{G1742}}`): The noun form of endyo, meaning "clothing" or "garment."
* περιβάλλω (periballō, `{{G4016}}`): Means "to throw around," "to put around," often used for clothing, implying a covering or surrounding. It shares some semantic overlap with amphiénnymi in the sense of encompassing.
* στολή (stolē, `{{G4749}}`): Refers to a "robe" or "long garment," often associated with dignity or official status.
* The concept of divine provision, contrasting human anxiety with God's care.
* The concept of outward appearance versus inner spiritual reality, especially in the context of humility and pride.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀμφιέννυμι is profound, despite its limited occurrences:
1. **Divine Providence and Care:** The most prominent theological use is in the Synoptic Gospels, where it illustrates God's meticulous care for His creation. By stating that God "clothes" the transient grass and lilies with beauty, Jesus underscores the boundless extent of divine providence. This serves as a powerful assurance to believers that if God cares for the ephemeral, He will undoubtedly provide for and care for His children, urging them to trust and relinquish anxiety over material needs. It highlights God's active involvement in sustaining even the smallest elements of His creation.
2. **Critique of Worldly Values:** In the passages concerning "soft clothing," amphiénnymi implicitly critiques the pursuit of worldly luxury and outward display. By contrasting those "dressed in soft clothing" (associated with kings' houses and luxury) with John the Baptist's austere attire, Jesus draws a clear line between worldly comfort and the demanding, unadorned life of a prophet. This challenges believers to prioritize spiritual truth over material opulence and external status.
3. **Warning Against Pride and Pomp:** Herod's act of being "arrayed in royal robes" in Acts 12:21 serves as a stark theological warning. His magnificent attire, intended to amplify his authority, becomes a symbol of his hubris. His subsequent divine judgment underscores that God resists the proud and that external displays of power, when coupled with unrepentant self-exaltation, lead to divine reckoning. The act of clothing here is a prelude to a demonstration of divine sovereignty over human pride.
### Summary
ἀμφιέννυμι (amphiénnymi, `{{G294}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to enrobe" or "to clothe all around." Though it appears sparingly in the New Testament, its usage carries significant theological weight. It serves primarily to illustrate three key truths: God's meticulous and unfailing providence for all creation, particularly humanity, encouraging trust over anxiety; a subtle critique of worldly luxury and outward show, contrasting it with the simplicity of prophetic ministry; and a vivid warning against human pride and pomp, exemplified by Herod's fate. Thus, amphiénnymi, while describing a simple physical act, becomes a powerful vehicle for conveying profound spiritual lessons about God's character, human values, and divine judgment.
TRV