Introduction
Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for delving deeper into the meanings behind the New Testament text. The word ἐνδύνω (endýnō) is particularly significant because it encompasses the action of clothing or putting on something, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense. This verb appears in various contexts, often symbolizing spiritual truths and the transformative process in a believer’s life. Studying ἐνδύνω allows us to grasp the rich imagery of being “clothed” with virtues, divine power, or even with Christ Himself, offering profound insights into both New Testament interpretation and the cultural context of the early Christian community.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐνδύνω (endýnō) [en-DEE-noh]
- Etymology: The term is derived from the preposition ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and δύνω (dýnō), meaning “to sink into” or “to put on.” The combination implies the act of putting something on, like a garment.
- Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active Indicative)
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- To Clothe: The primary meaning of ἐνδύνω is “to clothe” or “to dress,” implying the action of putting on garments or other items of clothing.
- To Be Clothed With: In a figurative sense, ἐνδύνω also means “to be clothed with” virtues, characteristics, or spiritual armor, as seen in various New Testament passages.
- To Put On: It can also simply mean “to put on” in a more general sense, relating to both physical and spiritual coverings.
Similar Words:
- ἀμφιέννυμι (amphiénnymi) [am-fee-EN-nee-mee]: A verb meaning “to clothe” or “to wrap around,” often used in similar contexts but sometimes with an added nuance of wrapping or enveloping.
- ἐνίσχω (eníscho) [en-EE-skhō]: A less common verb meaning “to clothe” or “to adorn,” emphasizing the act of covering or decorating.
- πέριβάλλω (peribállō) [pe-ri-BAL-loh]: Meaning “to throw around” or “to wrap,” often used for putting on a cloak or similar garment.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: ἐνδύνω is a verb in the present active indicative, emphasizing an ongoing action. It is often used in the New Testament in the context of spiritual clothing, which believers are encouraged to “put on” continuously.
- Linguistic Features: The prefix ἐν (en) suggests an inward action, indicating that what is being “put on” is not just external but involves an internal transformation or empowerment.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
BDAG defines ἐνδύνω as “to clothe oneself” or “to be clothed,” focusing on both the physical and metaphorical uses. It is frequently associated with being equipped or adorned with spiritual virtues or the armor of God.
Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon notes that ἐνδύνω is used to describe the action of putting on garments but extends this meaning to spiritual clothing, as in the passage about putting on the armor of God in Ephesians 6:11.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a classical understanding of ἐνδύνω, where it is used to describe the act of dressing or being enveloped in something. In classical texts, it often referred to the act of dressing for battle or ceremonial events.
Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary highlights ἐνδύνω in its metaphorical sense, particularly in Pauline theology, where it is used to describe the Christian’s new identity in Christ—putting on new virtues or the likeness of Christ.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s concordance lists ἐνδύνω as “to be clothed” or “to put on,” emphasizing its importance in texts where believers are urged to adopt new behaviors or spiritual qualities by “clothing” themselves with them.
Scripture References
- Romans 13:14 – “But put on (ἐνδύνω) the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
- Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on (ἐνδύνω) the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
- Colossians 3:12 – “Put on (ἐνδύνω) then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “He clothed (ἐνδύνω) himself in shining armor before the battle.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The soldiers were clothed (ἐνδύνω) in their heavy cloaks as they prepared for the cold night.” |
| Plutarch | Lives | “He put on (ἐνδύνω) the robe of honor, symbolizing his new status.” |
Summary of ἐνδύνω (G1744: endýnō)
The Greek word ἐνδύνω (endýnō) is central to understanding the metaphor of spiritual clothing in the New Testament. It primarily means “to clothe” or “to put on,” and is often used to describe the act of putting on spiritual virtues or the armor of God. The word highlights both the physical act of dressing and the spiritual act of being equipped with divine qualities. In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to “clothe” themselves with Christ and the virtues that accompany a life in Him. This metaphorical use of ἐνδύνω deepens our understanding of the transformative process in the Christian life, where adopting Christlike characteristics is seen as “putting on” a new identity.
Did You Know?
The metaphor of “putting on” virtues, as seen in ἐνδύνω, is deeply rooted in ancient Greek culture, where clothing often symbolized status, identity, and readiness for a task. In the New Testament, this imagery is used to convey the idea that believers must “dress” themselves in the qualities and characteristics that align with their new life in Christ.
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