Lexical Summary hoplizó: To arm, to equip Original Word: ὁπλίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance arm self. From hoplon; to equip (with weapons (middle voice and figuratively)) -- arm self. see GREEK hoplon NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hoplon Definition to make ready, to equip NASB Translation arm (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3695: ὁπλίζωὁπλίζω: (1 aorist middle imperative 2 person plural ὁπλίσασθε); (ὅπλον); from Homer down; to arm, furnish with arms; universally, to provide; middle τί, to furnish oneself with a thing (as with arms); metaphorically, τήν αὐτήν ἔννοιαν ὁπλίσασθε (A. V. arm yourselves with i. e.) take on the same mind, 1 Peter 4:1 (θράσος, Sophocles Electr. 995). (Compare: καθσπλίζω.) Topical Lexicon Linguistic Background and Cultural Setting Derived from the world of the Greek hoplítēs (infantry soldier), the verb expresses the deliberate act of taking up arms. Classical writers used it for equipping phalanxes; Hellenistic Jews employed it in the Septuagint for Israelite soldiers preparing for battle (for example, Numbers 31:3). In every setting the word pictures purposeful readiness, not casual availability. New Testament Context (1 Peter 4:1) “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same resolve, because the one who has suffered in his body is done with sin” (1 Peter 4:1). The apostle selects a military metaphor to call believers to intentional identification with the sufferings of Christ. The “weapon” is not steel but the settled resolve to embrace persecution and resist sin. Key observations: Spiritual Warfare and Christian Mindset Although the term itself appears only here, its concept resonates throughout Scripture: Peter’s choice of vocabulary unites these themes, presenting suffering as both battleground and weapon. The believer’s willingness to suffer for righteousness disarms sinful desires (1 Peter 4:2-3) and silences hostile observers (1 Peter 2:15). Christ’s Sufferings as Weapon Christ conquered through apparent weakness (Philippians 2:8-11). By “arming” themselves with His outlook, disciples participate in that victory. The cross thus becomes not only atonement but strategy, reversing the world’s expectations (Matthew 16:24-25). Historical Church Usage Early martyr accounts echo Peter’s call: Polycarp, before the flames, prayed for strength “as though already crowned.” Reformers cited 1 Peter 4:1 to exhort believers facing imprisonment. Throughout history, the verse has framed baptismal vows, missionary send-offs, and pastoral charges, reminding Christians that spiritual readiness often involves literal risk. Related Biblical Motifs • “Gird up the loins of your mind” (1 Peter 1:13) – another preparedness image from Peter. Ministry Applications 1. Discipleship: New converts should be taught that suffering is normative (Acts 14:22). Pastoral Implications Peter’s imperative refutes passive Christianity. Faith is not merely defensive but offensively resolute in holiness. The church that arms itself with Christ’s mindset will endure, evangelize, and exemplify the triumph of obedience—even when swords remain sheathed. Forms and Transliterations οπλισασθε οπλίσασθε ὁπλίσασθε οπλίτης οπλοθήκας οπλόμαχοι οπλομάχω hoplisasthe hoplísasthe oplisastheLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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