Introduction
Understanding the nuances of Greek words in the Bible is crucial for accurate interpretation and deeper insight into the text. The word ἐκδύω (ekdyō) is one such term that plays a significant role in Biblical studies. It appears in contexts that discuss the metaphorical or literal removal of clothing, which often carries symbolic meaning in the New Testament. Exploring this word helps illuminate its implications in the broader narrative of Scripture, providing a richer understanding of how the early Christians and ancient Greeks perceived concepts of change, transformation, and vulnerability.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐκδύω (ekdyō) [ek-DOO-oh]
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and δύω (dyō), meaning “to sink” or “to plunge,” which in combination convey the act of “taking off” or “removing.”
- Part of Speech: Verb (transitive and intransitive). It follows the regular pattern of conjugation for Greek verbs in the present, aorist, and perfect tenses.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- To Strip Off: The primary meaning of ἐκδύω is to remove or strip off clothing or armor, often in a literal sense.
- To Disrobe: The word can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of being stripped of something, such as dignity or power.
Similar Words:
- ἀποδύω (apodyō) [a-po-DOO-oh]: This word also means “to strip off,” but with a slightly different nuance, often used in a more forceful context, such as in battle or when someone is forcibly disrobed.
- ἐνδύω (endyo) [en-DOO-oh]: The opposite of ἐκδύω, meaning “to put on” or “to clothe oneself,” often used in contexts of being clothed in righteousness or virtues.
Further Insights
- Morphology: The verb ἐκδύω is a compound of ἐκ and δύω, and it follows a regular pattern in Greek verb conjugation. It appears in various forms depending on the tense and voice, providing flexibility in expressing the act of removal or stripping off in different contexts.
Morphology Table
| Tense/Voice | Singular | Plural | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present Active | ἐκδύω (I strip off) | ἐκδύομεν (We strip off) | “I strip off the old garment.” |
| Aorist Active | ἐξέδυν (I stripped off) | ἐξέδυμεν (We stripped off) | “They stripped off their old habits.” |
| Perfect Active | ἐκδέδυκα (I have stripped) | ἐκδεδύκαμεν (We have stripped) | “He has stripped off his sins.” |
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes ἐκδύω as a verb primarily used for the literal removal of clothing or armor, but also notes its metaphorical use in the context of moral or spiritual stripping away.
- Thayer’s: Focuses on the word’s application in passages that discuss putting off the old self or nature, highlighting its spiritual implications.
- Vine’s: Points out the use of ἐκδύω in contexts where it emphasizes a transition or change, such as in removing something old to make way for something new.
- LSJ: Provides examples from classical literature where ἐκδύω is used in the context of removing garments, particularly in preparations for battle or ritual.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐκδύω as “to disrobe” or “to divest,” with a focus on its appearance in New Testament passages relating to spiritual transformation.
Scripture References:
- Colossians 3:9-10 – “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off (ἐκδύω) your old self with its practices and have put on the new self.”
- Luke 10:30 – “Jesus replied: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him (ἐκδύω) of his clothes, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead.'”
Classical Usage
In classical Greek literature, ἐκδύω was commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, particularly in the preparation for battle or in rituals involving the removal of clothing.
| Author | Work | Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | “Iliad” | “The warrior stripped (ἐκδύω) off his armor, preparing for the next encounter.” |
| Herodotus | “Histories” | “He was stripped (ἐκδύω) of his robes as part of the purification ritual.” |
| Xenophon | “Anabasis” | “Before the battle, the soldiers stripped off (ἐκδύω) their heavy cloaks to fight freely.” |
Summary of ἐκδύω (G1562: ekdyō)
The Greek word ἐκδύω (ekdyō) holds significant meaning both in the physical sense of removing clothing or armor and in the metaphorical sense of stripping away old habits or sinful nature. This verb appears in key New Testament passages where the emphasis is on transformation, whether through the shedding of old ways or the removal of barriers to spiritual growth. Understanding this word enhances the interpretation of Biblical texts that deal with the concepts of renewal, change, and spiritual preparation.
Did You Know?
The word ἐκδύω was not only used in the New Testament but also had a prominent role in ancient Greek rituals and literature, where it often described the act of disrobing before entering sacred spaces or engaging in combat. This dual usage reflects the word’s deep cultural significance, blending the physical act of undressing with broader symbolic meanings related to purity, preparation, and transformation.
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