ἱματισμός

raiment, clothing

Definition

ἱματισμός refers to clothing or raiment, often as a collective term for garments. In the New Testament, it typically denotes fine or splendid attire, as seen in Luke 7:25 where it describes the luxurious clothing of those in royal palaces, contrasting with John the Baptist's simple garb. In other contexts, it simply means clothing in general, such as in the soldiers' division of Jesus' garments at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:35, John 19:24). The word can also imply an outward appearance or covering, as in the transfiguration where Jesus' clothing became dazzling white (Luke 9:29).

Biblical Usage

This word appears six times in the New Testament, primarily in narrative contexts. It is used in the Gospels to describe both ordinary clothing (e.g., John 19:24) and extraordinary, radiant garments (Luke 9:29). In Luke 7:25, it highlights social contrast, while in Acts 20:33 and 1 Timothy 2:9, it carries ethical implications about modesty and contentment. The usage spans historical accounts (Gospels, Acts) and pastoral instruction (1 Timothy), often emphasizing the nature or quality of attire rather than just individual pieces.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb ἱματίζω (himatizō), meaning 'to clothe,' which itself comes from ἱμάτιον (himation), a common word for a garment or cloak. ἱματισμός is a noun form indicating the act or result of clothing, often used collectively. It shares roots with terms for dress and covering, reflecting its focus on attire as a whole rather than specific items.

Semantic Range

ἱματισμός holds theological significance in passages like Luke 9:29, where Jesus' transfigured clothing symbolizes divine glory and purity, pointing to his heavenly identity. In 1 Timothy 2:9, it relates to Christian ethics, urging modest attire as a reflection of inner godliness rather than worldly display. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting contrasts between earthly and spiritual realities, such as human vanity versus divine radiance, and underscores biblical calls to humility and focus on eternal values.

In first-century Greco-Roman culture, clothing often indicated social status, wealth, and identity. Fine ἱματισμός, as mentioned in Luke 7:25, was associated with royalty or the elite, contrasting with the simple dress of prophets or the poor. The division of garments in crucifixion accounts (Matthew 27:35) reflects common practice where soldiers claimed a victim's clothing as spoils. This cultural backdrop helps modern readers grasp the word's implications beyond mere fabric, emphasizing themes of honor, shame, and social hierarchy.

ἱμάτιον (himation, G2440) — a specific garment like a cloak or robe, often outerwear. στολή (stolē, G4749) — a long, formal robe or attire, especially for special occasions or religious figures. ἐνδυμα (endyma, G1742) — general term for clothing or apparel, sometimes with a focus on what is worn.

Word Details

Scripture References