ἱματίζω

I clothe

Definition

The verb ἱματίζω means 'to clothe' or 'to provide clothing for.' In its active voice, it describes the act of putting garments on someone else, as seen when the healed demoniac in Luke 8:35 is found 'clothed' and in his right mind. In the passive voice, it means 'to be clothed' or 'to wear garments,' which is its use in Mark 5:15 describing the same man. The word focuses on the concrete action of dressing, often implying a restoration to a proper, dignified, or sane condition, rather than merely denoting fashion or attire.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in the parallel accounts of the healing of the Gerasene demoniac (Mark 5:15 and Luke 8:35). In both contexts, it highlights the dramatic transformation of the man. After Jesus casts out the legion of demons, the man is no longer naked and uncontrollable but is found sitting, clothed, and in his right mind. The usage underscores a return to societal normalcy and human dignity through Jesus's power.

Etymology

ἱματίζω is derived from the noun ἱμάτιον (G2440), meaning 'a garment' or 'cloak.' It is a verb formed from this noun, literally meaning 'to garment' or 'to put a cloak on.' The root connects to the broader semantic field of clothing and covering in Greek.

Semantic Range

Though a simple action verb, ἱματίζω carries theological weight in its specific contexts. In the healing of the demoniac, being clothed symbolizes the complete restoration of a person's identity, sanity, and place in the community through Christ's authority. It moves beyond physical covering to represent wholeness and the reversal of dehumanizing spiritual bondage. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by highlighting how a tangible, physical detail (being dressed) signifies profound inner transformation and redemption.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, public nudity was often associated with shame, insanity, slavery, or extreme poverty (as with some Cynic philosophers). For the demoniac to be running naked among the tombs (Mark 5:2-5) marked him as utterly outcast and dehumanized. Therefore, his being clothed after the exorcism was a powerful, visible sign of his restoration to a dignified, functional member of society. The act of clothing him likely involved others, pointing to renewed community care.

ἐνδύω (endyō, G1746) — more common verb for putting on clothes; can also be used metaphorically (e.g., 'put on Christ'). περιβάλλω (periballō, G4016) — to throw around, to clothe or wrap; often for putting on an outer garment. ἀμφιέννυμι (amphiennymi, G294) — to clothe, to dress; a more formal or literary term.

Word Details

Scripture References