Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as it reveals the cultural and contextual nuances of the original texts. The Greek word ἐσθής (esthēs) is particularly significant because it refers to clothing or garments. It appears in the New Testament, often in contexts that emphasize status, purity, and identity. Understanding the term ἐσθής provides insight into the social and spiritual significance of clothing in ancient Greek culture and Biblical narratives.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐσθής (esthēs) [es-THACE]
• Etymology: Likely derived from the root ἔννυμι (ennymi), meaning “to put on” or “to clothe.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine); third declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Clothing: Refers generally to garments or attire worn by individuals.
• Raiment: An archaic term synonymous with clothing, often used in poetic or formal contexts.
• Apparel: Denotes formal or specific types of clothing, sometimes indicating status or role.

Similar Words: ἱμάτιον (himátion) [hi-MAH-tee-on] is another Greek word for “garment” or “clothing.” While ἱμάτιον can refer to an outer cloak or specific item of clothing, ἐσθής (esthēs) generally refers to clothing in a broader sense and can include a variety of garments.

Further Insights: ἐσθής (esthēs) is a third declension feminine noun. It follows the typical pattern of third declension nouns in Greek, which can sometimes make it more challenging to memorize and use correctly. Below is the full declension chart for ἐσθής:

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐσθής is defined as “clothing” or “garment.” It highlights its use in the New Testament, particularly in contexts where attire symbolizes purity, status, or spiritual readiness. BDAG provides examples such as the white garments mentioned in Revelation, symbolizing righteousness.

Thayer’s: Describes ἐσθής as “clothing” or “raiment.” Thayer emphasizes its use in formal or poetic contexts, often indicating clothing that carries more than just a practical function but also a symbolic or cultural meaning.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on ἐσθής as meaning “clothing” or “apparel,” particularly noting its usage in describing the garments of angels or those in heavenly visions, where the clothing often represents purity or divine status.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists ἐσθής as “clothing,” with examples from classical Greek literature that illustrate its use in both everyday and formal contexts, describing anything from everyday wear to ceremonial robes.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐσθής as “a robe” or “clothing,” and it is noted for its appearances in key passages that discuss identity, status, or divine encounters in both the Old and New Testaments.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 24:4: “While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel [ἐσθῆτι].”
• Acts 10:30: “And Cornelius said, ‘Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing [ἐσθῆτι].'”
• Revelation 19:13: “He is clothed in a robe [ἐσθῆτα] dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Examples:

Summary of ἐσθής (G2066)

In summary, ἐσθής (esthēs) is a Greek noun meaning “clothing” or “garment.” It is used in the New Testament to describe various forms of attire, often carrying deeper symbolic meanings related to purity, status, or spiritual significance. The term is also found in classical Greek literature, where it describes clothing worn in different social and cultural contexts, from everyday garments to ceremonial or religious robes. Understanding ἐσθής provides a richer perspective on the cultural and theological themes of clothing in both the Bible and ancient Greek society.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐσθής (esthēs) is the root of the English word “esthetic”? This connection highlights how clothing and appearance were often associated with beauty, form, and cultural identity in ancient Greek culture, reflecting deeper values and beliefs about what is considered “beautiful” or “appropriate” in different contexts.