Brief Overview of στολή (Strong’s G4749: stolē)

Strong’s G4749: A long, flowing robe or garment of distinction, often worn by people of high rank or status. From στέλλω (to prepare, equip). In NT usage, it symbolizes honor, dignity, and spiritual status, particularly in describing heavenly garments.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στολή represents more than mere clothing; it symbolizes status, honor, and spiritual transformation. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts highlighting both earthly pride (as with the scribes’ long robes) and heavenly glory (the white robes of the redeemed). The early church saw deep significance in this word, understanding it as representing both the righteousness of the Messiah given to believers and the ultimate glorification awaiting them. Today, στολή reminds us that in the Messiah, we are clothed with His righteousness and will one day be fully clothed in glory.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στολή, stolē, /sto-lay’/
• Detailed Pronunciation: STOH-lay (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root word: στέλλω (stellō) – “to prepare, equip, arrange”
• -ή (-ē) – feminine noun ending
  The combination suggests a garment that equips or prepares someone for a particular status or role.

D – Defining Meanings

• A long, flowing robe of distinction
• An official or ceremonial garment
• A garment indicating rank or status
• A robe of honor or dignity

For compound words: Not applicable as στολή is a simple noun.

Translation Options:

1. “Robe of honor” – Emphasizes the status aspect
2. “Ceremonial garment” – Highlights its formal nature
3. “Long flowing robe” – Describes its physical appearance

E – Exploring Similar Words

1. ἱμάτιον (himation) /him-at’-ee-on/ – outer garment, more general term. See G2440
2. χιτών (chitōn) /khit-ohn’/ – tunic, inner garment. See G5509
3. ἔνδυμα (endyma) /en’-doo-mah/ – clothing in general. See G1742

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, στολή exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative/Accusative
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples of morphological changes:

• Singular: στολή (nominative), στολῆς (genitive), στολῇ (dative), στολήν (accusative)
• Plural: στολαί (nominative), στολῶν (genitive), στολαῖς (dative), στολάς (accusative)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to formal or ceremonial dress. Thayer’s notes its use for garments of dignity. LSJ documents its evolution from equipment to specific clothing. Vine’s highlights its significance in religious contexts. Strong’s connects it to preparation. Moulton and Milligan show its use for official garments in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

“Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes [στολή], and like respectful greetings in the market places.” Mark 12:38

Additional References:
Mark 16:5
Luke 15:22
Luke 20:46
Revelation 6:11
Revelation 7:9
Revelation 7:13
Revelation 7:14

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στολή beautifully illustrates the transformation from earthly status to heavenly glory in the Messiah. While some wore it as a symbol of earthly pride, believers are promised white robes that represent the Messiah’s righteousness and their future glorification. This reminds us that our true dignity comes not from outward appearance but from being clothed in His righteousness.

D – Did You Know?

1. The English word “stole” (ceremonial scarf) comes directly from στολή.
2. In early Christian baptismal ceremonies, the newly baptized would receive white στολή.
3. The word appears prominently in Revelation’s descriptions of heavenly worship.

Strong’s G4749: A long, flowing robe or garment of distinction, often worn by people of high rank or status. From στέλλω (to prepare, equip). In NT usage, it symbolizes honor, dignity, and spiritual status, particularly in describing heavenly garments.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: garments, robes, dignity, honor, righteousness, glory, heavenly-clothing, ceremonial-dress, transformation, greek-noun​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​