Brief Overview of ἱμάτιον (Strong’s G2440: himátion)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for biblical studies as it allows readers and scholars to capture the deeper meanings and cultural contexts of the New Testament. The Greek word ἱμάτιον (himátion) is particularly significant as it refers to garments or clothing. This term is frequently used in the New Testament, providing insights into the social, cultural, and symbolic aspects of attire in ancient Greek and Jewish contexts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἱμάτιον, transliterated as himátion [hee-MAH-tee-on].
• Etymology: Derived from the root word ἱμάς (himas), meaning “a thong” or “strap,” which could be associated with clothing or girding oneself.
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter).
• Grammatical Details: It is a second declension neuter noun.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• A garment, especially an outer garment or cloak.
• Clothing or apparel in general.
• Sometimes used to refer to a robe, especially one of significance or ceremonial use.

Similar Words: χιτών (chitṓn) [khee-TONE], which means “a tunic” or an inner garment worn next to the skin. While ἱμάτιον refers to an outer garment or cloak, χιτών specifically denotes the undergarment, emphasizing a difference between outer and inner clothing in ancient Greek and Hebrew dress.

Further Insights: ἱμάτιον is a second declension neuter noun. Below is the declension table for ἱμάτιον:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Describes ἱμάτιον as “a piece of clothing” often referring to an outer garment or cloak. The term is frequently used in the Gospels to describe what Jesus or others were wearing, emphasizing the cultural significance of garments in biblical narratives.

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Thayers: Defines ἱμάτιον as “an outer garment,” typically a cloak or robe. Thayer notes its use in various New Testament passages to denote clothing that was often a sign of social status, authority, or role within society.

Vines: Discusses ἱμάτιον as “an outer garment,” often associated with specific biblical symbols or meanings, such as purity or authority. Vines also highlights its use in metaphorical contexts, such as being clothed in righteousness.

LSJ: The Liddell, Scott, Jones Lexicon describes ἱμάτιον as “a cloak” or “outer garment,” commonly used in both everyday and ceremonial contexts. The LSJ also notes its use in classical Greek literature to describe the attire of various figures, including soldiers and citizens.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies ἱμάτιον (G2440) as a garment or robe, noting its occurrence in both the New Testament and the Septuagint. Strong’s highlights its derivation from ἱμάς and its relevance in scriptural references to clothing, especially in relation to Jesus and his followers.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 9:20: “And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment [ἱματίου].”
• Mark 6:56: “And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment [ἱματίου].”
• John 19:23: “When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments [ἱμάτια] and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἱμάτιον (G2440)

The Greek word ἱμάτιον (himátion) is a noun that commonly refers to an outer garment or cloak. It holds a significant place in New Testament writings, where it often symbolizes status, authority, and identity. Understanding ἱμάτιον in both its literal and metaphorical senses is essential for interpreting many passages in the Bible, as it often denotes not just physical clothing but also the figurative “clothing” of virtues or righteousness. The term is widely used in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, showcasing its cultural importance throughout history.

Did You Know?

• The ἱμάτιον was an essential garment in ancient Greek and Jewish societies, often serving as a sign of wealth or social standing.
• In biblical contexts, touching the hem of an ἱμάτιον was seen as an act of faith, such as the woman who believed she would be healed if she could only touch Jesus’ garment.
• Unlike a tunic (χιτών), the ἱμάτιον was worn as an outer garment and could be a cloak, robe, or even a type of shawl-like wrap.

Understanding ἱμάτιον allows readers to explore the symbolic and practical aspects of clothing in ancient texts, enriching their study of both biblical and classical literature.