ἐνδιδύσκω

I put on, clothe

Definition

The verb ἐνδιδύσκω means 'to put on' or 'to clothe,' specifically referring to the act of putting garments on someone else. In its middle voice form, it means 'to put on' clothing for oneself. In Luke 8:27, it describes the demon-possessed man who 'wore no clothes' (οὐκ ἐνδεδυμένον ἱμάτιον), using a perfect participle to emphasize a state of being unclad. Conversely, in Luke 16:19, the rich man is described as one who 'was clothed' (ἐνεδιδύσκετο) in fine linen and purple, using the imperfect tense to depict his habitual, luxurious dressing. The word thus covers both the act of dressing and the resulting state of being clothed.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the Gospel of Luke. It is used in narrative descriptions to vividly characterize individuals. In Luke 8:27, it highlights the extreme social and spiritual degradation of the Gerasene demoniac by noting his lack of clothing. In Luke 16:19, it illustrates the opulent lifestyle of the rich man in Jesus's parable, contrasting him with the poor Lazarus. The usage patterns show Luke employing this specific verb for dramatic, visual contrast in his storytelling.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐν (en, meaning 'in') and the root verb διδύσκω (didyskō), a poetic or alternative form related to δύνω (dynō, 'to enter' or 'to put on'). The combination essentially means 'to put into' garments. It is a less common synonym for the more frequent ἐνδύω (endyō, G1746).

Semantic Range

While not a central theological term, ἐνδιδύσκω contributes to significant thematic contrasts in Luke's Gospel. In Luke 8:27, the lack of clothing symbolizes spiritual bondage and dehumanization, from which Jesus liberates the man. In the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19), the rich man's fine clothing represents worldly wealth and status, which are transient and ultimately irrelevant before God. Understanding this word enriches the reading by highlighting Luke's use of physical description to convey spiritual and moral truths about human condition, dignity, and divine judgment.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, clothing was a primary marker of social status, wealth, and identity. Fine linen and purple dye (as in Luke 16:19) were extravagantly expensive, signifying extreme wealth and often royal or high-priestly association. Conversely, going without clothes, as in Luke 8:27, indicated not only poverty but a complete loss of social place, often associated with madness, severe illness, or ritual impurity. The cultural understanding goes beyond mere modesty to communicate a person's entire social and spiritual standing.

ἐνδύω (endyō, G1746) — The more common verb for 'to put on,' used for both literal clothing and metaphorical 'putting on' (e.g., Christ, armor of God). περιβάλλω (periballō, G4016) — Often means 'to throw around,' 'to clothe,' or 'to dress,' sometimes with a nuance of wrapping or covering.

Word Details

Scripture References