from ὅπλον; to equip (with weapons (middle voice and figuratively)):--arm self.
Transliteration:hoplízō
Pronunciation:hop-lid'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb hoplízō (`{{G3695}}`) is derived from the noun hóplon (`{{G3696}}`), which signifies a "tool," "instrument," or more specifically, "a weapon." Consequently, hoplízō fundamentally means "to arm," "to equip with weapons," or "to furnish with the necessary instruments for a task." The base definition provided indicates its use in the middle voice, implying that the subject acts upon itself or for its own benefit—thus, "to arm oneself." Crucially, the definition also notes its figurative application, suggesting that the "weapons" or "equipment" are not always literal physical armaments but can represent spiritual, moral, or intellectual preparations. This figurative sense is paramount for understanding its sole New Testament occurrence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb hoplízō (`{{G3695}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[1 Peter 4:1]]: "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin."
In this pivotal verse, Peter exhorts believers to "arm themselves" (ὁπλίζω) with "the same attitude" (τὴν αὐτὴν ἔννοιαν) that Christ possessed in His suffering. The context is one of enduring persecution and hardship for the sake of Christ. The "arming" is clearly not a call to literal physical combat but a summons to adopt a particular spiritual and mental disposition. The "attitude" in question is Christ's resolute willingness to suffer and, through that suffering, to put an end to sin. For the believer, this means embracing a mindset that views suffering as a means to cease from sinful living and to align one's will with God's. The suffering here is not merely passive endurance but an active, conscious choice to participate in Christ's victory over sin through identification with His suffering. This singular occurrence of hoplízō underscores the importance of internal spiritual preparation in the face of external adversity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate related word is hóplon (`{{G3696}}`), the noun from which hoplízō is derived. Hóplon itself appears in the New Testament in significant contexts, often referring to "weapons of righteousness" ([[Romans 6:13]], [[2 Corinthians 6:7]]) or "weapons of light" ([[Romans 13:12]]). In [[2 Corinthians 10:4]], Paul speaks of "the weapons of our warfare" (τὰ ὅπλα τῆς στρατείας ἡμῶν) being "not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds."
Other related concepts and words revolve around the broader theme of spiritual warfare and preparation:
* Endýō (`{{G1746}}`): "to put on," frequently used in the context of "putting on" spiritual armor, as seen in the extensive discussion of the "full armor of God" in [[Ephesians 6:11-17]]. While hoplízō emphasizes the act of "arming oneself," endýō focuses on the act of "donning" or "clothing oneself" with spiritual attributes or defenses.
* Katartízō (`{{G2675}}`): "to equip," "to restore," "to make complete." This word often describes the process of making someone fit or ready for a purpose, resonating with the idea of being prepared for spiritual service or endurance.
* The broader New Testament concept of the Christian life as a "spiritual battle" (e.g., [[Ephesians 6:12]], [[2 Corinthians 10:3-5]], [[1 Timothy 6:12]]) provides the overarching framework within which hoplízō finds its deep significance. The "attitude" mentioned in [[1 Peter 4:1]] becomes a crucial piece of this spiritual armament.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hoplízō (`{{G3695}}`) is profound, despite its single occurrence, primarily due to its placement in [[1 Peter 4:1]].
1. **Imitation of Christ and Suffering:** The command to "arm yourselves with the same attitude" as Christ directly links Christian conduct to the example of Jesus. It implies that Christ's suffering was not merely an event to be observed but a pattern to be emulated in terms of mindset. This "attitude" is one of resolute commitment to God's will, even in the face of physical or social adversity. For Peter, Christ's suffering was a decisive break with sin, and believers are called to participate in that severance from sin through their own willingness to suffer for righteousness.
2. **Active Spiritual Preparation:** The use of hoplízō in the middle voice underscores the active, volitional nature of this spiritual preparation. Believers are not passively waiting for something to happen but are commanded to intentionally equip themselves. This "arming" is an internal, spiritual discipline that precedes external action or endurance. It highlights the believer's responsibility to cultivate a Christ-like disposition.
3. **Mindset as a Weapon Against Sin:** Perhaps the most striking theological implication is that a particular mindset or attitude functions as a spiritual "weapon." The "attitude" of Christ, characterized by His willingness to suffer, becomes the means by which believers "cease from sin." This suggests that true victory over sin begins not merely with external behavior modification but with an internal transformation of one's fundamental disposition and priorities. It elevates the importance of spiritual resolve and mental fortitude in the ongoing struggle against sin and conformity to the world.
4. **Holiness Through Suffering:** The verse connects suffering directly with holiness ("whoever suffers in the body is done with sin"). This is not to say that suffering itself atones for sin, but rather that a Christ-like acceptance of suffering for righteousness' sake breaks the power and pattern of sin in a believer's life, leading to a life lived "for the will of God" ([[1 Peter 4:2]]).
### Summary
The Greek verb hoplízō (`{{G3695}}`), derived from hóplon (`{{G3696}}`), means "to arm oneself" or "to equip with weapons." Its singular appearance in the New Testament in [[1 Peter 4:1]] is profoundly significant, where it is used figuratively to exhort believers to "arm yourselves with the same attitude" as Christ. This "arming" refers to adopting Christ's mindset of resolute willingness to suffer, which Peter identifies as a means by which believers "cease from sin." The term underscores the active, intentional nature of spiritual preparation. Theologically, hoplízō highlights the imperative for believers to imitate Christ's disposition towards suffering, recognizing that such a Christ-like attitude serves as a potent spiritual weapon against the power of sin, leading to a life devoted to God's will.
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