ἐπενδύτης (ependutēs)
ependutēs
coat
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ependutēs refers to an outer garment, specifically a coat or tunic worn over other clothing. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in John 21:7, where Peter wraps it around himself after catching a large number of fish.
Lexical sources suggest this was a practical piece of workwear, possibly a linen blouse or frock suitable for fishing. Its single occurrence highlights a moment of ordinary life, grounding the narrative in the daily routines of the disciples before Jesus’ resurrection appearance.
The word derives from a verb meaning to put on or wear over. This etymology emphasizes its function as an additional layer, distinguishing it from undergarments and marking it as visible outerwear in the cultural context of first-century Judea.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ependutēs describes a heavy outer coat or tunic worn for warmth and protection. In John 21:7, Peter uses this garment to cover himself after swimming to shore. This detail grounds the resurrection appearance in real, human moments of vulnerability and routine.
Seeing Jesus again brings Peter back to his ordinary life as a fisherman. The coat he wears is not just clothing but a sign of his identity and readiness to serve. It reminds us that God meets us in our daily tasks and simple acts of obedience.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- outer garment1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπενδύτην1×
Key Verses
-
John 21:7
That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around himself (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea.
Peter wraps the coat around himself, showing his immediate response to recognizing Jesus after a long night of work.