περιβάλλω (periballō)
periballō
to clothe
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb periballō describes the physical act of throwing something around or over another object, which in Scripture most often translates to putting on clothing. Its core image is one of covering or investing a person with a garment, as seen when Jesus notes that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these flowers (Matthew 6:29). It can also refer to wrapping oneself in something, such as the young man who fled the garden leaving his linen cloth behind (Mark 14:51).
While commonly used for daily dress, the word carries a distinct weight when applied to armor or defensive structures. In Luke 19:43, Jesus predicts that enemies will throw up a palisade around Jerusalem, using the same term for building a siege wall as for dressing a body. This dual usage highlights its fundamental sense of encircling and protecting.
In the book of Revelation, periballō appears frequently to describe the vibrant, symbolic attire of heavenly figures, such as the great multitude clothed in white robes (Revelation 7:9) or the rider on the white horse arrayed in a robe dipped in blood (Revelation 19:13). Translators often render it as "arrayed" or "clothed," capturing this sense of being fully invested with a visible identity or status.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that Solomon was not dressed like the lilies, Jesus points to a simple truth: our worth does not depend on what we wear or own. The word periballō describes the act of covering oneself, whether with fine linen or rough sackcloth. It reminds us that God cares for the details of daily life, from the clothes on our back to the needs of those around us.
In the New Testament, this verb often shifts from physical garments to spiritual realities. Believers are described as clothed in white robes, symbolizing purity and victory through Christ. This imagery invites us to consider how we treat others—clothing the naked is a direct act of love that reflects God’s character. It is a call to let our outward actions match the inner grace we have received.
Whether facing hardship or celebrating joy, this word encourages us to look beyond surface appearances. We are invited to trust that God provides what is needed and to extend that same care to our neighbors. In every season, we can find comfort in knowing that our identity is secure in Him, not in the temporary garments of this world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having clothed themselves with3×
- having been clothed with2×
- you may be clothed1×
- you did clothe1×
- you clothed1×
- will be clothed1×
- was arrayed1×
- was adorned1×
- she may be clothed in1×
- shall we wear?1×
- having himself cast1×
- having clothed themselves in1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιβεβλημένη3×
- περιεβάλετέ2×
- περιεβάλετο2×
- περιβεβλημένους2×
- περιβεβλημένος2×
- περιβεβλημένον2×
- περιβεβλημένοι2×
- περιέβαλον1×
- περιεβάλομεν;1×
- περιβάλῃ,1×
- περιβάληται1×
- περιβαλώμεθα;1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 6:29
yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.
Jesus uses this word to contrast human effort with divine provision, showing that God’s care for creation surpasses even royal splendor.
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Matthew 25:36
I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.’
Here the verb links physical clothing to spiritual mercy, identifying service to the needy as direct service to Christ.
-
Revelation of John 19:8
It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
The text explicitly defines the white garments as the righteous acts of the saints, connecting external appearance with internal faithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does periballō mean in the Bible?
How is periballō different from other words for dress?
Why is this word important in Matthew 25?
Every Occurrence (23 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 5 verses
yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.
Matthew 6:31“Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’
Matthew 25:36I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.’
Matthew 25:38When did we see you as a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you?
Matthew 25:43I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me in; naked, and you didn’t clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn’t visit…