Brief Overview of ἐνδιδύσκω (Strong’s G1737: endidyskō)

Introduction

Understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament is essential for deepening our comprehension of the Bible’s teachings. One such word is ἐνδιδύσκω (endidyskō), which provides insight into the concepts of clothing and preparation, both physically and spiritually. This verb is particularly significant in biblical contexts where it is used to describe the act of putting on garments, a metaphor frequently employed to convey readiness, righteousness, and spiritual equipping. The study of ἐνδιδύσκω is relevant not only for interpreting New Testament passages but also for understanding how ancient Greek culture perceived the symbolic importance of clothing.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐνδιδύσκω (endidyskō) [en-di-DOOS-ko]
• Etymology: The word is derived from the prefix ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and διδύσκω (dyskō), a form of the verb δύω (dyō), which means “to put on” or “to enter.” Together, the word ἐνδιδύσκω literally means “to put on” or “to clothe oneself.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (active voice)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To clothe or dress: The primary meaning of ἐνδιδύσκω is to put on clothing or to dress oneself, often used in both literal and metaphorical senses.
• To equip or prepare: By extension, the word can also imply equipping oneself, not just with physical clothing but with attributes like righteousness, strength, or armor.

Similar Words:

• ἐνδύω (endyō) [en-DOO-oh]: Similar in meaning, this word is more commonly used in the New Testament to mean “to put on” or “to be clothed with,” often in a metaphorical sense, such as putting on virtues or spiritual armor.
• ἀποδύω (apodyō) [a-po-DOO-oh]: This word is the opposite of ἐνδιδύσκω, meaning “to take off” or “to strip,” used when describing the removal of clothing or armor.
• περιβάλλω (periballō) [pe-ri-BAL-lo]: Meaning “to wrap around” or “to clothe,” this word emphasizes the action of covering or dressing, often used in the context of ceremonial or significant attire.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐνδιδύσκω is in the active voice, indicating that the subject performs the action of putting on clothing or dressing. The verb is often used in contexts that imply preparation or readiness, whether for battle, work, or spiritual tasks.
• Linguistic Features: The prefix ἐν (en) enhances the sense of the action being directed inward, toward the self. This makes the verb particularly suited to passages where personal preparation or equipping is emphasized, whether physically or spiritually.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG notes that ἐνδιδύσκω is primarily used in contexts that describe the act of putting on clothing, with occasional metaphorical applications where the clothing represents virtues or spiritual preparedness.

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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights the verb’s use in classical Greek literature, where it frequently appears in descriptions of dressing for various roles, such as putting on armor for battle or ceremonial garments for religious observances.

LSJ:
Liddell-Scott-Jones focuses on the broader use of ἐνδιδύσκω in ancient Greek, noting that it was commonly used to describe the act of dressing oneself, with particular emphasis on the preparation aspect implied by the action.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses the theological implications of ἐνδιδύσκω, particularly in relation to the metaphorical “putting on” of spiritual attributes, which is a theme found in Pauline epistles.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s concordance lists ἐνδιδύσκω as a verb meaning “to clothe oneself,” with specific references to its use in New Testament passages that deal with preparation and spiritual readiness.

Scripture References

• Luke 15:22: “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on (ἐνδιδύσκω) him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.’”
• Acts 12:21: “On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes (ἐνδιδύσκω), sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐνδιδύσκω (G1737: endidyskō)

The word ἐνδιδύσκω (endidyskō) encapsulates the act of putting on or dressing oneself, a concept that holds both literal and metaphorical significance in the New Testament. This verb is used to describe physical actions such as dressing in garments, but it also carries deeper spiritual implications, particularly in contexts where believers are encouraged to “put on” virtues or spiritual armor. The term reflects an ancient understanding of preparation and readiness, concepts that were as important in ancient Greek culture as they are in Christian theology. By studying ἐνδιδύσκω, we gain a richer understanding of the biblical calls to be equipped and prepared, both in physical and spiritual senses.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, the act of dressing oneself, especially in armor or ceremonial garments, was often seen as a moment of transformation. The verb ἐνδιδύσκω captures this process, symbolizing not just the physical act of dressing, but the assumption of a new role, status, or responsibility. This makes its use in the New Testament particularly powerful, as it suggests a call to believers to actively “put on” the identity and attributes of their faith.