Introduction:

The study of Greek words in Biblical texts allows us to uncover the depth and nuance of the original language, offering a richer understanding of Scripture. One such word is ἐγκομβόομαι (Strong’s G1463: enkomboómai), a verb that appears in the New Testament with the specific meaning of “to clothe oneself” or “to tie around oneself.” This word is particularly significant in its metaphorical use, where it conveys the idea of adopting a certain attitude or character trait, most notably humility. Understanding ἐγκομβόομαι sheds light on the cultural practices of clothing in ancient times and the profound spiritual implications drawn from this imagery.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἐγκομβόομαι (enkomboómai) [eng-kom-boh’-om-ai]
• Etymology: The word is derived from ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and κομβόομαι (komboómai), which refers to fastening or girding with a knot, often related to clothing. This compound thus literally means “to gird oneself with” or “to tie on.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (Middle/Passive, Deponent)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• To Clothe Oneself: The primary meaning of ἐγκομβόομαι is “to clothe oneself,” specifically by fastening or tying a garment around the body.
• To Adopt an Attitude: Metaphorically, it is used in the New Testament to describe the act of putting on a particular character trait or virtue, such as humility, as one would put on a garment.

Similar Words:

• ἐνδύω (endýō) [en-doo’-o]: This verb means “to put on” or “to clothe,” generally used in a broader sense of wearing clothes. While ἐνδύω can be used both literally and metaphorically, ἐγκομβόομαι carries a more specific connotation of wrapping or girding oneself.
• ζώννυμι (zōnnyō) [zone’-noo-mee]: Meaning “to gird” or “to fasten with a belt,” this word is similar in its literal sense but lacks the metaphorical depth of ἐγκομβόομαι.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• ἐγκομβόομαι is a middle/passive deponent verb, meaning it often appears in forms that are middle or passive in voice but active in meaning. This reflects the self-directed nature of the action, where one girds or clothes oneself.
• The verb is often used in exhortative contexts in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to “clothe themselves” with virtues.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG: ἐγκομβόομαι is defined as “to clothe oneself with” or “to gird oneself,” with particular emphasis on its figurative use in 1 Peter 5:5, where believers are instructed to clothe themselves with humility toward one another.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐγκομβόομαι as a verb meaning “to tie on” or “to clothe oneself,” highlighting its use in the context of adopting a virtue or attitude, such as humility or meekness.

Vine’s: ἐγκομβόομαι is noted as a verb that means “to gird” or “to tie around,” emphasizing its metaphorical application in the New Testament, where it illustrates the conscious decision to adopt humility as a protective and defining garment.

LSJ: In classical Greek, ἐγκομβόομαι is recognized as a verb related to the act of girding oneself, often with a specific garment or belt. The lexicon notes its use in both literal and metaphorical senses, particularly in contexts that emphasize preparation or readiness.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: ἐγκομβόομαι is listed as “to gird oneself,” with a focus on its Biblical usage in 1 Peter, where the term is used to encourage believers to adopt humility as a foundational virtue.

Scripture References:

• 1 Peter 5:5: “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe (ἐγκομβόομαι) yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐγκομβόομαι (G1463: enkomboómai):

The verb ἐγκομβόομαι (G1463: enkomboómai) is a rich and evocative term in the New Testament, primarily found in 1 Peter 5:5, where believers are urged to “clothe themselves” with humility. The word, derived from the idea of tying or girding oneself with a garment, serves as a powerful metaphor for adopting a particular virtue or attitude. Understanding ἐγκομβόομαι provides insight into the cultural practices of clothing in ancient times and deepens our comprehension of the New Testament’s moral exhortations. The term’s classical usage further illustrates its broader significance, as it was employed to convey readiness, preparation, and the conscious adoption of protective qualities in various contexts.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The act of girding oneself with a garment or belt, as implied by ἐγκομβόομαι, was not just a practical necessity in ancient times but also a symbolic action. In many cultures, clothing oneself with specific garments symbolized assuming a particular role or responsibility. In the New Testament, the metaphor of clothing oneself with humility reflects this cultural understanding, urging believers to adopt humility as an essential part of their spiritual “armor” in their interactions with others. This imagery underscores the importance of humility as a defining characteristic of Christian life, woven into the fabric of daily behavior and relationships.