ἱμάτιον

outer garment

Definition

In the New Testament, ἱμάτιον primarily refers to a person's outer garment, cloak, or robe, often worn over the tunic (χιτών, G5509). It could be a large, rectangular piece of cloth used for warmth and protection from the elements, as suggested in Matthew 24:18 where a person working in the field would not return for their cloak. The term can also denote fine or expensive clothing, as in the description of John the Baptist's rough garments contrasted with those in royal palaces (Matthew 11:8), and it is used for the seamless robe of Jesus (John 19:23-24). In a legal or proverbial context, as in Matthew 5:40, it represents a possession that could be taken as collateral.

Biblical Usage

ἱμάτιον is used frequently in the Gospels and Acts, often in narratives involving healing (e.g., the woman touching the fringe of Jesus' garment in Matthew 9:20-21), clothing as a symbol of status or identity (Matthew 11:8, James 2:2-3), and in teachings about possessions and legal rights (Matthew 5:40, Luke 6:29). It appears in the context of miraculous events, such as the transfiguration where Jesus' garments became radiant (Luke 9:29), and in the passion narrative regarding the division of Jesus' clothes (John 19:23-24).

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb ἵημι (hiēmi, 'to send, throw'), the noun ἱμάτιον originally referred to something 'thrown around' the body, hence an outer garment or cloak. It is a standard term for an article of clothing in Koine Greek.

Semantic Range

The word carries theological weight in contexts of justice, identity, and Christ's sacrifice. In Matthew 5:40, it illustrates the principle of radical, non-retaliatory generosity. The seamless robe of Jesus (John 19:23-24) fulfills Psalm 22:18, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy. Garments can symbolize spiritual state or authority, as in the parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:11-12) and the white robes given to the martyrs in Revelation (Revelation 6:11). Understanding this term enriches readings about discipleship, social justice, and Christ's kingship.

In the first-century Mediterranean world, an ἱμάτιον was an essential and often valuable personal possession. For many, it served as a blanket at night (Exodus 22:26-27, referenced in principle), making its forced seizure in a lawsuit (Matthew 5:40) a severe hardship. The quality and condition of one's outer garment indicated social and economic status. This differs from modern clothing, where an outer coat is one of many garments and less central to survival and social identity.

χιτών (chitōn, G5509) — the inner tunic or shirt, worn next to the skin. στολή (stolē, G4749) — a long, formal robe, often indicating honor, office, or luxury. ἐνδυμα (endyma, G1742) — a more general term for clothing or apparel.

Word Details

Scripture References