ἀμφιέννυμι

I put on, clothe

Definition

ἀμφιέννυμι means 'to clothe' or 'to put on clothing,' specifically referring to the act of dressing oneself or another. In the New Testament, it is used both literally, as in putting on garments (Matthew 11:8, Luke 7:25), and metaphorically, to describe how God provides for creation, such as clothing the grass of the field (Matthew 6:30, Luke 12:28). The word emphasizes the action of enveloping or adorning with attire, whether for human adornment or divine provision.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears four times in the Synoptic Gospels, always in the context of clothing. In Matthew 11:8 and Luke 7:25, it describes people dressed in fine clothing, contrasting with John the Baptist's asceticism. In Matthew 6:30 and Luke 12:28, Jesus uses it figuratively to illustrate God's care in clothing the grass, urging trust in divine provision over anxiety. All occurrences highlight themes of human attire or God's nurturing role.

Etymology

Derived from the prefix ἀμφί (meaning 'around' or 'on both sides') and the verb ἕννυμι (meaning 'to clothe' or 'to put on'), ἀμφιέννυμι literally conveys the idea of wrapping or clothing oneself all around. It shares a root with other Greek words for clothing, emphasizing completeness in attire. The prefix amplifies the sense of being fully covered or adorned.

Semantic Range

This word enriches understanding of God's providence, as Jesus uses it to teach about divine care and human trust (Matthew 6:30, Luke 12:28). It contrasts earthly adornment with spiritual reliance, highlighting God's role as sustainer. Recognizing the Greek nuances deepens appreciation for biblical calls to faith over anxiety, linking clothing imagery to theological themes of provision and humility.

In first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman culture, clothing signified social status, wealth, and identity. Fine garments, as mentioned in Matthew 11:8 and Luke 7:25, were markers of luxury and power, while simple dress, like John the Baptist's, indicated asceticism or prophecy. Jesus' reference to grass being clothed would resonate in an agrarian society, underscoring God's intimate care for even transient parts of creation.

ἐνδύω (endyō, G1746) — more common for putting on clothes, often with spiritual connotations (e.g., putting on Christ); περιβάλλω (periballō, G4016) — to throw around, often for cloaks or covering, sometimes more general; ἱματίζω (himatizō, G2439) — to clothe or dress, less frequent in NT.

Word Details

Scripture References