ἔνδυμα (enduma)
enduma
clothing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word enduma refers simply to clothing or a garment, serving as the general term for what one wears on the body. In the New Testament, it appears eight times, primarily within the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The sources indicate it often translates the Hebrew lebhush found in the Septuagint, maintaining that broad sense of covering or attire without specifying a particular type like tunic or cloak.
Its usage highlights the practical necessity of clothing rather than its fashion or status. Jesus employs this common noun when teaching about anxiety, noting that if God clothes the grass of the field, He will certainly provide for people (Matthew 6:30). Similarly, John the Baptist is described wearing camel’s hair garments (Matthew 3:4), a detail that underscores his ascetic lifestyle through basic attire.
This word carries theological weight in its contrast with human effort. In the parable of the wedding feast, a guest is cast out for not wearing proper wedding clothes (Matthew 22:11-12), illustrating that mere presence at the gathering is insufficient without the appropriate covering. The term also appears in the resurrection narrative, where an angel’s appearance is marked by bright clothing (Matthew 28:3), using enduma to signify divine glory and authority through simple visual description.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word enduma simply means clothing or a garment. It is a practical term for what covers our bodies, appearing eight times in the New Testament. In Matthew 6:28, Jesus uses this everyday object to teach about anxiety. He points out that if God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, He will certainly provide for you. This comparison reminds us that our Heavenly Father cares for our basic needs.
While clothing often signals status or identity in human society, Jesus uses it to reveal spiritual truths. In Matthew 22:11-12, a guest at a wedding feast is cast out because he lacks proper wedding clothing. This story shows that simply being present is not enough; we must have the right covering provided by grace. Similarly, in Matthew 28:3, an angel’s bright clothing reflects divine glory and authority.
When you feel worried about your life or appearance, remember that God provides for His people. He knows what you need before you ask. Trusting in His provision frees us from the burden of trying to secure our own worth through outward appearances. Let this truth bring peace to your heart today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- clothing3×
- garment2×
- in clothes1×
- clothing.1×
- [than] clothing?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔνδυμα4×
- ἐνδύματος;1×
- ἐνδύματος.1×
- ἐνδύματος1×
- ἐνδύμασιν1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 6:28
Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin,
Jesus uses clothing as a tangible example to show that God cares for even the grass, proving He will surely provide for human needs.
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Matthew 22:11
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who didn’t have on wedding clothing,
The lack of wedding clothing highlights that mere presence at the feast is insufficient without the proper covering provided by the king.
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Matthew 3:4
Now John himself wore clothing made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
John the Baptist’s camel’s hair garment visually communicates his ascetic lifestyle and separation from worldly comforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word enduma mean?
How is enduma different from other words for clothing?
Why does Jesus talk about clothing in Matthew 6?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 2 books)
Matthew 7 verses
Now John himself wore clothing made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild…
Matthew 6:25Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body,…
Matthew 6:28Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they…
Matthew 7:15“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
Matthew 22:11“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who didn’t have on wedding clothing,
Matthew 22:12and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here not wearing wedding clothing?’ He was speechless.
Matthew 28:3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.