Lexical Summary egkomboomai: To clothe oneself, to put on Original Word: ἐγκομβόομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be clothed with. Middle voice from en and komboo (to gird); to engirdle oneself (for labor), i.e. Figuratively (the apron as being a badge of servitude) to wear (in token of mutual deference) -- be clothed with. see GREEK en HELPS Word-studies 1463 egkombóomai (from1722 /en, "in the condition" and kombos, "a roll, band, girth") – properly, the condition in which someone is secured (literally, "tucked up"); figuratively, clothed (securely girded). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom en and komboomai (to gird oneself) Definition to put on oneself (as a garment) NASB Translation clothe (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1463: ἐγκομβωμαιἐγκομβωμαι (see ἐν, III. 3), ἐγκομβοῦμαι: (1 aorist middle ἐνεκομβωσαμην); (from ἐν and κομβόω, to knot, tie, and this from κομβος, knot, band (German Schleife), by which two things are fastened together), to fasten or gird on oneself; the ἐγκομβωμα was the white scarf or apron of slaves, which was fastened to the girdle of the vest (ἐξωμίς), and distinguished slaves from freemen; hence, 1 Peter 5:5, τήν ταπεινοφροσύνην ἐγκομβώσασθε, gird yourselves with humility as your servile garb (ἐγκομβωμα) i. e. by putting on humility show your subjection one to another. That this idea lies in the phrase is shown by C. F. A. Fritzsche, with his usual learning, in Fritzschiorum Opuscc., p. 259ff. Topical Lexicon Imagery of the Servant’s Apron Strong’s Greek 1463 evokes the act of tying on the short apron worn by household slaves. The picture is not merely of putting on clothing but of preparing for humble, hands-on service. In the Greco-Roman world the apron was a visible badge of lowly status; Peter seizes that image and applies it to every believer’s attitude. Scriptural Occurrence 1 Peter 5:5 delivers the sole New Testament usage: “And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”. The imperative sits in a passage that addresses both elders and younger believers, making humility the atmosphere in which godly leadership and submission flourish. Connection to Christ’s Example John records that Jesus “laid aside His outer garments, and taking a towel, wrapped it around Himself” before washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:4-5). The Gospel uses common verbs for girding, yet the scene provides the living template behind Peter’s later exhortation. Peter, who once resisted the Lord’s act of service, now urges the churches of Asia Minor to replicate that very posture. Old Testament Roots of Girding for Service Hebrew Scripture frequently depicts servants or warriors girding their loins before work or battle (Exodus 12:11; 2 Kings 4:29). By telling believers to “gird on” humility, Peter unites priestly service, prophetic obedience, and messianic self-giving in a single command. Pastoral and Ecclesial Application • Elders lead by example, not domination (1 Peter 5:3). Their authority is authenticated when they first don the apron of humility. Theological Implications for Discipleship 1. Humility is not optional apparel; it is the uniform of everyone enlisted in Christ’s service. Historical Testimony in the Early Church Writings such as the Shepherd of Hermas and the Didache stress submission, hospitality, and lowliness, reflecting the Petrine call. By the second century, Christian leaders warned against clerical arrogance, echoing 1 Peter’s insistence that even overseers are fellow servants who must remain “clothed” with humility. Practical Ministry Application Today • Leadership Training: Mentoring programs should begin not with organizational skills but with exercises in hidden service—cleaning, visiting the overlooked, listening. As Peter’s readers once found, so every generation discovers: grace attends the believer who willingly ties on the servant’s garment, for God Himself “gives grace to the humble.” Forms and Transliterations εγκομβωσασθε εγκομβώσασθε ἐγκομβώσασθε enkombosasthe enkombōsasthe enkombṓsastheLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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