ἱματισμός (himatismos)
himatismos
clothing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun himatismos refers to clothing or apparel, specifically emphasizing garments that are sumptuous or valuable. Unlike common terms for simple dress, this word points to fine raiment, often associated with wealth or royal status. It appears six times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels of Luke and John, as well as in Acts and 1 Timothy.
A key example is Luke 7:25, where Jesus contrasts ordinary people with those who wear "sumptuous" clothing, highlighting the word’s association with luxury. In John 19:24, it describes the seamless tunic of Jesus, a garment so precious that soldiers cast lots for it rather than tearing it apart. This usage connects the term to both earthly prestige and divine significance.
The word derives from himatizo, meaning "to clothe," and functions as a collective noun for garments. Its presence in Acts 20:33 and 1 Timothy 2:9 further underscores its link to proper, respectable attire. Translators typically render it as "clothing" or "apparel," though the underlying sense of quality remains important.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word himatismos points to more than just fabric; it signifies valuable or sumptuous garments often linked to wealth and status. In Luke 7:25, Jesus uses this term to contrast ordinary life with the luxury found in kings’ courts. This distinction reminds us that earthly prestige does not define our worth before God.
Conversely, John 19:24 highlights a seamless tunic cast for by soldiers, fulfilling prophecy. Here, fine clothing becomes part of a divine narrative rather than a symbol of human pride. Whether in Acts 20:33 where Paul claims no one’s garments, or 1 Timothy 2:9 urging modest attire, the focus shifts from external display to internal integrity.
Your value is never determined by what you wear. Instead, let your life reflect the dignity that comes from Christ alone. May you find peace in knowing your identity is secure in Him, regardless of outward appearance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- clothing5×
- with clothing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἱματισμῷ2×
- ἱματισμόν2×
- ἱματισμὸς1×
- ἱματισμοῦ1×
Key Verses
-
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.
Jesus uses this term to sharply contrast the simple life with the luxury of kings' courts, highlighting the emptiness of seeking worldly status.
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John 19:24
Then they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says, “They parted my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.
The soldiers cast lots for Jesus' seamless tunic, fulfilling prophecy and showing how even valuable items serve God's sovereign plan.
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Acts 20:33
I coveted no one’s silver, gold, or clothing.
Paul declares he coveted no one’s silver, gold, or clothing, using the word to emphasize his integrity and lack of material greed.