περιτίθημι (peritithēmi)
peritithēmi
to put on
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb peritithēmi describes the physical act of placing something around another object, such as draping a garment over someone or binding a cloth to them. In the Gospels, this image appears in vivid detail during the passion narratives, where soldiers put a scarlet robe on Jesus (Matthew 27:28; Mark 15:17) and later offer him sour wine on a hyssop branch (John 19:29). The word captures a deliberate action of covering or adorning.
Its meaning extends beyond literal clothing to metaphorical usage, where it signifies bestowing or conferring something upon a person. Paul uses this sense in 1 Corinthians 12:23 to describe how God honors parts of the body that seem less honorable. The prefix peri suggests an encircling action, emphasizing that what is given surrounds or envelops the recipient.
Translators typically render peritithēmi as "put on" or "clothe," though the context determines whether the focus is on physical covering or spiritual honor. The sources note its use in the Septuagint for various Hebrew verbs meaning to place or set, showing continuity between Old and New Testament imagery. This word reminds readers that God’s actions often involve both tangible acts and deeper meanings of grace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word peritithēmi paints a picture of deliberate care through the act of placing or draping something around another. In the Gospels, this verb describes soldiers putting a scarlet robe on Jesus before his crucifixion (Matthew 27:28). While this moment was intended as mockery, it highlights how God’s sovereignty works even in acts of cruelty. The physical covering of Christ reminds us that no part of His suffering is unnoticed or unvalued by the Father.
Paul later uses this same word in a different context to speak about honor within the church (1 Corinthians 12:23). He notes that God bestows abundant honor on parts of the body we might consider less significant. This shift from physical clothing to spiritual recognition shows that peritithēmi is not just about fabric, but about value and dignity. It suggests that what seems overlooked by the world is often held with special care by God.
For your faith life, this word offers a quiet comfort. You do not need to strive for visibility or external validation to be valued. Just as God places honor upon the humble parts of the body, He surrounds you with His grace in ways that may feel small or hidden. This divine attention is steady and intentional, offering peace in seasons where you might feel unseen.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- placed2×
- having put2×
- we bestow,1×
- they put around1×
- he placed around [it]1×
- having put [it] on1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιέθηκεν2×
- περιθεὶς2×
- περιέθηκαν1×
- περιτίθεμεν,1×
- περιτιθέασιν1×
- περιθέντες1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 27:28
They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him.
This verse captures the stark irony of the passion narrative, where a garment meant for royalty is used to mock Jesus, yet God’s plan remains intact.
-
Mark 15:17
They clothed him with purple; and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on him.
Here the word emphasizes the physical burden placed on Christ, linking the weight of the robe and crown to the weight of His mission.
-
John 19:29
Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop, and held it at his mouth.
The act of putting the sponge on hyssop fulfills Old Testament imagery while showing the careful attention given to Jesus’ final moments.
-
I Corinthians 12:23
Those parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant modesty,
Paul uses this term to explain how God deliberately bestows extra honor on humble aspects of the church, correcting human pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does peritithēmi mean in the Bible?
Why is this word important in 1 Corinthians 12?
How is peritithēmi different from other words for 'clothe'?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“Hear another parable. There was a man who was a master of a household who planted a vineyard, set a hedge about it,…
Matthew 27:28They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him.
Matthew 27:48Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave him a drink.