στολή
a long robe
Definition
The Greek word στολή (stolē) primarily refers to a long, flowing robe or garment, often signifying honor, status, or special occasion. In the Gospels, it denotes the distinctive, elegant robes worn by scribes (Mark 12:38, Luke 20:46) and the 'best robe' given to the prodigal son, symbolizing restoration and honor (Luke 15:22). In Revelation, it takes on a heavenly meaning, representing the white robes of the righteous martyrs and the great multitude in glory (Revelation 6:11, 7:9, 7:13-14).
Biblical Usage
Used 8 times in the New Testament, στολή appears in both earthly and heavenly contexts. In the Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Luke), it describes the showy garments of religious leaders and a father's gift of honor. In Revelation, all five occurrences depict the radiant, white robes of the redeemed in heaven, emphasizing purity and victory. The shift from earthly status symbols to heavenly garments is a key pattern.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek verb στέλλω (stellō), meaning 'to arrange, prepare, or send,' στολή originally referred to equipment or attire. It came to specifically denote a long, formal robe or garment, often worn for official or ceremonial purposes. The word is related to English terms like 'stole' (a liturgical garment).
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it bridges concepts of earthly honor and heavenly identity. In the parable of the prodigal son, the robe signifies the father's grace and the son's restored position. In Revelation, the white robes symbolize the righteousness of Christ imputed to believers (Revelation 7:14), their victory over suffering, and their eternal standing before God. Understanding this enriches readings of grace, justification, and future hope.
In the 1st-century Greco-Roman and Jewish world, a στολή was not everyday clothing but a long, often expensive, outer garment worn by those of high rank—like royalty, priests, or wealthy citizens. It conveyed social status, authority, and wealth. The 'best robe' in Luke 15 would have been a culturally recognized symbol of honor and reinstatement within the family.
ἱμάτιον (himation, G2440) — a general term for an outer garment or cloak, more common and less formal than a στολή. χιτών (chitōn, G5509) — a tunic or undergarment, worn next to the skin. ἐνδυμα (endyma, G1742) — a general term for clothing or apparel.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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