ἐνδύω (enduō)

The verb enduo describes the act of putting on clothing, carrying a sense of sinking into or being enveloped by fabric. Its etymology combines a prefix meaning "in" with a root meaning "to sink," creating an image of immersion rather than simple covering. This physical action appears frequently in the Gospels and Acts, such as when soldiers dressed Jesus in a purple robe (Matthew 27:28) or when John the Baptist is described wearing camel’s hair (Mark 1:6).

Beyond literal dress, the New Testament uses enduo to describe spiritual realities. Paul instructs believers to "put on" the new self created after God’s likeness (Ephesians 4:24) and to clothe themselves with compassion (Colossians 3:12). The word also carries significant eschatological weight, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul explains that mortal bodies must "put on" immortality at the resurrection. This usage suggests a complete transformation of state, moving from one condition to another entirely.

Translators often render enduo with various English verbs like array, clothe, or endue depending on context. The consistency lies in the idea of assumption: just as one assumes garments for protection or identity, believers are called to assume Christ-like virtues. The term emphasizes that this change is comprehensive, covering the whole person much like a garment covers the body.