ἀμφιέννυμι (amphiennumi)
amphiennumi
to clothe
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb amphiennumi means to dress or clothe someone, describing the act of putting garments on a person. It appears in only three verses across the New Testament, specifically within the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In these texts, it is used to describe the clothing worn by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:4; Luke 7:25) and the temporary glory given to lilies (Matthew 6:30).
Its etymology combines a prefix meaning "around" with a root for dressing, suggesting the act of covering or investing oneself in clothing. The sources highlight its use in contrasting human finery with divine provision; when Jesus notes that even Solomon in all his splendor was not arrayed like a field flower, he uses this word to emphasize that God’s care extends beyond royal attire to the simplest elements of nature.
Translators typically render amphiennumi as "clothe" or "array," capturing the physical reality of being dressed. The term underscores the tangible nature of God's provision, moving from the literal garments of a prophet to the metaphorical covering of creation, illustrating a consistent theme of divine sustenance throughout the biblical narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word amphiennumi simply means to clothe or dress someone. In the Gospels, it appears in three brief moments that highlight God’s attentive care. When Jesus points to the grass of the field, He uses this verb to show how God covers even the simplest plants with beauty and provision. This image reminds us that the Creator who tends to nature also watches over our daily needs.
John the Baptist wore a simple garment of camel’s hair, yet his life carried immense spiritual weight. Jesus contrasts such humble dress with the soft clothing found in kings’ houses, suggesting that true value does not come from expensive attire or royal favor. Instead, it comes from faithfulness to God’s calling.
When anxiety about appearance or provision weighs on your heart, remember this simple truth: God clothes the grass and calls John by name. You are known and cared for in a way that surpasses all earthly wealth. Rest in the knowledge that your Father sees you and provides what is truly needed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dressed?1×
- clothes,1×
- arrayed?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠμφιεσμένον;2×
- ἀμφιέννυσιν,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 6:30
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much more clothe you, you of little faith?
Jesus uses this verb to illustrate God’s lavish care for creation, arguing from the lesser (grass) to the greater (His people).
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Matthew 11:8
But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
The word describes John’s simple attire, contrasting it with the luxurious garments of those living in royal courts.
-
Luke 7:25
But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed and live delicately are in kings’ courts.
Luke records Jesus asking if people went to see someone 'clothed in soft clothing,' emphasizing that John did not seek worldly luxury.