φορέω (phoreō)
phoreō
to wear
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb phoreō describes the act of wearing or bearing something on one’s body, particularly clothing, garments, or armor. It implies a habitual or continuous state rather than a momentary action, suggesting that what is worn has become a regular part of a person’s appearance or identity.
This word appears in several key New Testament passages to illustrate different aspects of this constant bearing. In Matthew 11:8, it describes John the Baptist’s clothing, while John 19:5 uses it for the soldiers placing a crown of thorns on Jesus. Paul employs it in Romans 13:4 to describe the ruler who bears the sword as an agent of justice, and in 1 Corinthians 15:49 to speak of bearing the image of the heavenly man.
Its root connection to carrying or bearing gives it a sense of weight and responsibility. Unlike words that might simply mean "to put on," phoreō emphasizes the ongoing nature of wearing something, whether it be physical garments or spiritual realities like righteousness or the image of Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word phoreō describes more than just putting on clothes; it speaks to a continuous state of wearing or bearing something as part of your identity. In Matthew 11:8, we see John the Baptist dressed simply, while in John 19:5, Jesus is depicted wearing the crown of thorns and purple robe. These images show how what we carry on our bodies can reflect who we are and what we represent.
Paul uses this idea in Romans 13:4 to describe rulers bearing the sword as agents of justice, and in 1 Corinthians 15:49 to remind us that we bear the image of the heavenly man. This word invites us to consider how our outward lives reflect inner truths. What do you wear? How does it point to the One who wears your burdens?
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wearing3×
- we will bear1×
- we have born1×
- he bears.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐφορέσαμεν1×
- φορῶν1×
- φορέσομεν1×
- φοροῦντες1×
- φοροῦντα1×
- φορεῖ.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 11:8
But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
This verse uses phoreō to highlight John the Baptist's simple attire, contrasting him with those who wear soft clothing in kings' houses.
-
John 19:5
Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. Pilate said to them, “Behold, the man!”
Here, phoreō describes Jesus wearing the crown of thorns and purple garment, symbolizing His suffering and kingship.
-
Romans 13:4
for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
Paul employs phoreō to explain how rulers bear the sword as God's servants for justice.
-
I Corinthians 15:49
As we have borne the image of those made of dust, let’s also bear the image of the heavenly.
This verse uses phoreō to urge believers to bear the image of the heavenly man, just as they bore the image of dust.