Lexical Summary endusis: Clothing, putting on Original Word: ἔνδυσις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance putting on. From enduo; investment with clothing -- putting on. see GREEK enduo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom enduó Definition a putting on, i.e. investment (with clothing) NASB Translation putting (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1745: ἔνδυσιςἔνδυσις, ἐνδύσεως, ἡ (ἐνδύω), a putting on, (German dasAnziehen,derAnzug): τῶν ἱματίων, 1 Peter 3:3; (clothing, Job 41:4; Athen. 12, p. 550c.; Dio Cassius, 78,3; an entering, Plato, Crat., p. 419 c.). Topical Lexicon Root Concept: “Putting On” as External Apparel versus Inner CharacterStrong’s 1745 centers on the visible “putting on” of clothing. Scripture frequently contrasts garments that merely cover the body with the moral and spiritual “clothing” God provides (Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:8). In 1 Peter 3:3 the noun points to outward apparel so that Peter can redirect attention to the “hidden person of the heart” (1 Peter 3:4). Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context 1 Peter 3:3: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes.” Peter writes to dispersed believers in Asia Minor, addressing wives whose husbands may be unbelievers (1 Peter 3:1). The command is not an absolute ban on attractive dress but a recalibration of values: external finery must never eclipse the inward adornment of “a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:4). Historical and Cultural Background First-century Roman matrons often signaled status with elaborate hairstyles, dyed fabrics, and abundant jewelry. Such displays could cost a year’s wages and were associated with imperial courts and pagan cult banquets. By opposing ostentation, Peter shields the fledgling church from two dangers: 1. Social elitism that would fracture Christian fellowship. At the same time the apostle affirms the dignity of women, granting them direct theological instruction that emphasizes their spiritual agency. Theological Significance 1. Inner versus outer: Scripture repeatedly ranks heart-level realities above visible tokens (1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 23:27-28). Inter-Canonical Connections • Genesis 24:53—Abraham’s servant gives garments to Rebekah; clothing expresses covenant generosity. Applications for Christian Life and Ministry 1. Discipleship: Teach believers to evaluate attire by motive (honor God), moderation (avoid extravagance), and modesty (promote purity). Homiletical and Educational Uses Outline suggestion: A. The Outward Adornment (1 Peter 3:3) B. The Hidden Person (1 Peter 3:4) C. The Exemplary Saints (1 Peter 3:5-6) D. The Enduring Beauty—Christlikeness Object lesson: Place two cloaks on a mannequin—one ornate, one plain but lined with gold fabric on the inside—to illustrate unseen worth. Pastoral Considerations Legalism is avoided by recognizing that Scripture celebrates tasteful beauty (Song of Solomon 4:9-11) and adorned sanctuaries (Exodus 28; 1 Kings 7); the issue is priority and proportion. Balanced teaching fosters freedom rather than shame, calling all believers—male and female—to reflect the glory of Christ more than the glamour of culture. Summary Strong’s 1745 serves as a linguistic doorway into the Bible’s theology of dress: what is worn externally must never overshadow the clothing of righteousness bestowed by grace. By anchoring identity in Christ, the church models a counter-cultural modesty that exalts inner holiness and magnifies the gospel before a watching world. Forms and Transliterations ενδυσεως ενδύσεως ἐνδύσεως enduseos enduseōs endyseos endyseōs endýseos endýseōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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