ποδήρης (podērēs)
podērēs
floorlength
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The rare adjective podērēs describes a garment that reaches down to the feet or ankles. Its meaning is straightforward: it denotes length that covers the entire lower body, distinguishing such clothing from shorter tunics or robes that might end at the knee or thigh.
Lexical sources trace its formation to the Greek word for foot (pous), indicating a garment designed to protect or cover the feet entirely. This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 1:13, where John describes one "like a son of man" wearing a long robe. In this vision, the floor-length garment emphasizes dignity and authority, consistent with its use in the Septuagint for priestly vestments.
Because it is so uncommon, the word does not carry complex theological nuances beyond its physical description. It simply provides visual detail, helping readers picture the solemnity of the figure described. Translators often render it as "long robe" or "garment reaching to his feet," focusing on the literal extent of the cloth rather than symbolic meaning.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word podērēs describes a garment reaching all the way to the feet. In Revelation 1:13, John sees Jesus wearing this long robe. It is not just about fabric; it shows dignity and authority. This visual detail helps us picture the solemnity of Christ's presence among us.
When we read this vision, we are reminded of who Jesus is. He stands with full authority and grace. The length of the robe covers the entire lower body, symbolizing completeness. It invites us to rest in His steady, unchanging nature.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to the feet1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ποδήρη1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 1:13
And among the lamp stands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest.
This verse uses podērēs to describe Jesus' robe, emphasizing His dignity and authority as He stands among the lamp stands.