Brief Overview of ἱματίζω (Strong’s G2439: himatizó)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for biblical studies because it allows scholars and readers alike to grasp the original meanings and nuances of the New Testament texts. The Greek word ἱματίζω (himatizó) is particularly significant because it relates to the concept of clothing or being dressed. This term holds relevance for interpreting various New Testament passages, providing insights into ancient practices, symbols, and teachings about attire and status in ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἱματίζω, transliterated as himatizó [hee-mah-TID-zo].
• Etymology: Derived from the root word ἱμάτιον (himátion), meaning “a garment” or “a cloak.”
• Part of Speech: Verb.
• Grammatical Details: Regular verb, middle or passive in form.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To clothe or dress someone.
• To be clothed or dressed (middle or passive form).

Similar Words: ἐνδύω (endýo) [en-DOO-oh], which also means “to put on” or “to clothe.” While ἱματίζω specifically connotes being clothed or dressing someone, ἐνδύω is a more general term for putting on clothes or being enveloped in something. Both words can be used in various contexts, but ἱματίζω often emphasizes the state of being clothed, especially with outer garments.

Further Insights: ἱματίζω follows a regular verb pattern in Greek. Below is the conjugation table for ἱματίζω in the present tense:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines ἱματίζω as “to clothe or dress” someone, often used in the passive to denote someone being clothed. The BDAG highlights its usage in contexts of dressing in particular types of garments, such as robes or cloaks.

Thayers: Describes ἱματίζω as a verb meaning “to put clothing on” or “to be dressed.” Thayer mentions its occurrence in various New Testament passages to denote the act of dressing, particularly in descriptions of attire in parables or narratives.

Vines: Refers to ἱματίζω as a verb that carries the sense of “to clothe” or “to array.” It is often associated with figurative language that involves clothing, such as being clothed with righteousness or humility.

LSJ: The Lexicon of Liddell, Scott, and Jones outlines ἱματίζω as “to clothe” or “dress,” providing historical contexts where it is used for dressing people in garments of specific kinds, indicating its wide application in both literal and figurative senses.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Notes that ἱματίζω (G2439) is derived from ἱμάτιον and defines it as “to clothe or put on a garment.” It specifies its usage in biblical contexts, especially in New Testament narratives where people are dressed or adorned.

Related Scripture References

• Mark 5:15: “And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed [ἱματισμένον] and in his right mind, and they were afraid.”
• Luke 8:35: “Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed [ἱματισμένον] and in his right mind, and they were afraid.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἱματίζω (G2439)

The Greek word ἱματίζω (himatizó) is a verb that generally means “to clothe” or “to be clothed.” It is closely related to the noun ἱμάτιον, meaning “garment” or “cloak,” indicating its primary association with clothing. In the New Testament, the word is often used in narratives where individuals are clothed or arrayed, sometimes in a literal sense and other times metaphorically to represent spiritual truths. Understanding the usage of ἱματίζω in both classical and biblical contexts helps in exploring the layers of meaning in scripture and ancient texts.

Did You Know?

• The verb ἱματίζω is often used in the passive voice to describe someone being clothed, emphasizing the action being done to them rather than by them.
• In ancient Greek culture, being “clothed” or “dressed” could signify social status, honor, or a specific role, which is why this term often appears in biblical and classical literature.
• The word is derived from ἱμάτιον, a common noun for a cloak or outer garment, often worn by travelers, soldiers, and common people alike in the ancient world.

By studying ἱματίζω, readers gain a richer understanding of both literal and metaphorical clothing references in ancient texts, enhancing their appreciation of biblical and classical literature.