### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun χλαμύς (chlamýs, `{{G5511}}`) refers to a type of cloak, specifically a military or official garment. Its derivation is uncertain, but its usage points to a short, often scarlet, mantle worn by officers, magistrates, or even servants in the Roman world. It was a distinctive outer garment, typically fastened at the shoulder, and could signify status, though not necessarily of the highest rank. While sometimes used by soldiers, it was distinct from the common Roman toga or the more elaborate Greek himation (`{{G2440}}`). Its primary function was as a covering or outer garment, but its specific context in the New Testament imbues it with profound symbolic weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chlamýs (`{{G5511}}`) appears exclusively in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically within the Passion narrative. Its two occurrences are highly significant:
* **[[Matthew 27:28]]**: "And they stripped him and put on him a scarlet robe (chlamýs)." Here, Roman soldiers, having scourged Jesus, clothe Him in this garment as part of their cruel mockery. The color "scarlet" (κοκκίνην) is crucial, as it would have mimicked the royal purple (πορφύρα, `{{G4209}}`) associated with kingship, thereby intensifying the insult. This act is a deliberate parody of a king being robed for coronation, highlighting the soldiers' contempt for Jesus' claim to be "King of the Jews."
* **[[Matthew 27:31]]**: "And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe (chlamýs) and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him." After the mockery, the chlamýs is removed, and Jesus is returned to His own garments before being led to Golgotha. The removal signifies the end of this particular phase of humiliation and the transition to the ultimate act of crucifixion.
In both instances, the chlamýs serves as an instrument of derision, a prop in the soldiers' cruel theatrical display intended to humiliate Jesus and ridicule His divine or royal claims.
### Related Words & Concepts
The chlamýs (`{{G5511}}`) is one of several Greek words for "garment" or "robe" in the New Testament, each with nuanced meanings:
* **himátion (`{{G2440}}`)**: A general term for an outer garment or cloak, commonly worn by all classes.
* **chitṓn (`{{G5509}}`)**: An inner tunic, worn directly against the body.
* **stolḗ (`{{G4749}}`)**: A long, flowing robe, often associated with dignity, status, or special office (e.g., scribes, priests, or the "best robe" for the prodigal son).
* **porphýra (`{{G4209}}`)**: Purple dye or cloth, indicative of royalty, wealth, or high status. While chlamýs in [[Matthew 27:28]] is "scarlet" (κοκκίνην), this color was often associated with or used as a substitute for royal purple.
* **endýō (`{{G1746}}`)**: To put on or clothe.
The concept of clothing in the Bible often carries symbolic weight, representing identity, status, purity, or even spiritual condition. In this context, the chlamýs is explicitly linked to the concept of mocked kingship and profound humiliation.
### Theological Significance
The chlamýs (`{{G5511}}`) in the Passion narrative is laden with theological significance. It is not merely a piece of cloth but a powerful symbol of:
* **The Humiliation of Christ**: The act of clothing Jesus in a chlamýs and mocking Him as "King of the Jews" underscores the depth of His humiliation. He, the true King of the Universe, is subjected to the derision of His own creation, stripped of dignity, and dressed in a parody of royal attire. This fulfills prophecies of the Suffering Servant ([[Isaiah 53:3]]) who was "despised and rejected by mankind."
* **The Paradox of Christ's Kingship**: The chlamýs highlights the radical paradox of Christ's reign. His kingship is not of this world, characterized by earthly power and pomp, but is established through suffering, self-sacrifice, and humility. The mock robe, the crown of thorns, and the "throne" of the cross reveal a kingdom founded on love and servanthood, utterly contrary to human expectations of a conquering monarch.
* **The World's Rejection of God's Anointed**: The soldiers' actions represent the world's blindness and hostility towards God's appointed King. They fail to recognize His true authority and instead mock what they perceive as a delusional claim. This act foreshadows the broader rejection of Christ by humanity.
* **Identification with Humanity**: By enduring such mockery and humiliation, Jesus fully identifies with the suffering and degradation of humanity. He experiences the depths of human cruelty and injustice, making Him a compassionate High Priest who understands our weaknesses ([[Hebrews 4:15]]).
### Summary
The Greek term χλαμύς (chlamýs, `{{G5511}}`) denotes a military or official cloak, specifically a scarlet one in its New Testament occurrences. Though appearing only twice in [[Matthew 27:28]] and [[Matthew 27:31]], its use is profoundly significant. The Roman soldiers' act of clothing Jesus in this chlamýs was a deliberate and cruel mockery of His claim to kingship, serving as a false royal robe. Theologically, the chlamýs powerfully symbolizes the humiliation of Christ, the paradoxical nature of His kingdom established through suffering rather than earthly might, and the world's rejection of its true King. It underscores Jesus' complete identification with humanity's suffering, transforming an object of derision into a poignant emblem of His redemptive sacrifice.
TRV