### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hoplízō**, represented by `{{G3695}}`, means to **equip** with weapons and is used figuratively to mean **arm self**. It appears **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible, indicating a very specific application of this military term to the Christian life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G3695}}` is in [[1 Peter 4:1]], which commands believers to "**arm** yourselves likewise with the same mind" as Christ. The context establishes that since Christ suffered in the flesh for us, believers are to equip themselves with the same mindset of enduring suffering. This act of arming is directly linked to a spiritual outcome: "he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin" [[1 Peter 4:1]]. The term is not about physical weapons but about adopting a specific mental and spiritual readiness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context help clarify the meaning of being armed:
* `{{G1771}}` **énnoia** (mind, intent): This is the figurative weapon with which believers are to **arm** themselves. It refers to a moral understanding or intent. It is also used in [[Hebrews 4:12]] to describe the **intents** of the heart that are discerned by the word of God.
* `{{G3958}}` **páschō** (suffer): This is the experience of Christ that provides the model for the believer's mindset. Christ having **suffered** in the flesh is the basis for the command [[1 Peter 4:1]]. This same word describes how Christ **suffered** for sins to bring people to God [[1 Peter 3:18]].
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx** (flesh): This word identifies the realm in which this suffering and spiritual arming take place. Christ **suffered** in the **flesh**, and it is in the **flesh** that believers are to live by faith [[Galatians 2:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3695}}` is significant despite its single appearance, highlighting a key aspect of Christian discipleship.
* **Spiritual Readiness:** To **arm** oneself is a call to a state of preparedness and resolve. It is an active, deliberate choice to adopt a certain mental fortitude in anticipation of hardship, modeled after Christ.
* **Identification with Christ:** The command to take up the "same mind" as Christ connects the believer's experience directly to His suffering. By arming themselves in this way, believers participate in the pattern of Christ's life, who **suffered** in the flesh [[1 Peter 4:1]].
* **Victory over Sin:** The purpose of being armed with the mind of Christ is explicitly tied to sanctification. The verse presents a principle that embracing suffering in the **flesh** leads to ceasing from **sin** `{{G266}}`, making this a crucial element of practical holiness [[1 Peter 4:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3695}}` is a powerful metaphor that uses the concept of military readiness to describe a spiritual state. It calls believers not to take up physical arms, but to **equip** themselves with the mindset of Christ's own suffering. This mental and spiritual armament is presented as a key to enduring hardship and gaining victory over the power of sin in one's life.
TRV