Lexical Summary periballó: To clothe, to put on, to wrap around, to surround Original Word: περιβάλλω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance array, cast about, clothed me, put on. From peri and ballo; to throw all around, i.e. Invest (with a palisade or with clothing) -- array, cast about, clothe(-d me), put on. see GREEK peri see GREEK ballo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peri and balló Definition to throw around, put on NASB Translation clothe (4), clothed (13), dressed (1), wear for clothing (1), wearing (2), wrap...around (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4016: περιβάλλωπεριβάλλω: future περιβαλῶ; 2 aorist περιέβαλον; perfect passive participle περιβεβλημένος; 2 aorist middle περιεβαλομην; 2 future middle περιβαλοῦμαι; from Homer down; the Sept. chiefly for כָּסָה, to cover, cover up; also for לָבַשׁ, to clothe, and עָטָה, to veil; to throw around, to put round; a. χάρακα, to surround a city with a bank (palisade), Luke 19:43 ((R G Tr L text WH marginal reading); see παρεμβάλλω, 2). b. of garments, τινα, to clothe one: Matthew 25:36, 38, 43; τινα τί, to put a thing on one, to clothe one with a thing (Buttmann, 149 (130); Winer's Grammar, § 32,4 a.): Luke 23:11 (here T WH omit; L Tr brackets accusative of person); John 19:2; passive, Mark 14:51; Mark 16:5; Revelation 7:9, 13; Revelation 10:1; Revelation 11:3; Revelation 12:1; Revelation 17:4 (where Rec. has the dative of the thing; (so The verb translated “to clothe, wrap, array” traces a continuum from the most ordinary acts of putting on a garment to majestic scenes of eschatological glory. It describes: Across all settings the act of being “clothed” points to identity, status, and destiny granted by another, never earned by the wearer. Occurrences and Literary Distribution The twenty-three New Testament uses cluster in the Synoptic Gospels (especially teachings on providence and compassion), Acts (a single prison-escape narrative), and Revelation (fourteen visionary scenes that develop the theology of clothing from shame to glory). Clothing as Divine Provision and Protection Matthew 6:29–31 and Luke 12:27 contrast human anxiety with God’s care: “not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these.” Lilies become living sermons that the Father “clothes” creation, urging disciples to trust Him for daily needs rather than chase temporal splendor. Garments of Salvation, Purity, and Victory Revelation 3:5; 3:18 portray white garments offered by Christ Himself—emblems of forgiveness and triumph. Revelation 19:8 explains their substance: “For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.” The clothing is both gifted and evidenced by holy living, confirming the harmony of grace and obedience. Angelic and Celestial Clothing Angels appear “dressed in a white robe” (Mark 16:5) or “wrapped in a cloud” (Revelation 10:1), visually distinguishing the heavenly realm from earthly corruption and reinforcing the reliability of their message. The twenty-four elders “clothed in white garments” (Revelation 4:4) symbolize redeemed humanity enthroned with God. Mockery, Shame, and Suffering The same verb depicts humiliation. Herod’s soldiers “arrayed Him in a splendid robe” to ridicule Christ’s kingship (Luke 23:11), and the Roman cohort “dressed Him in a purple robe” before the crucifixion (John 19:2). Ironically, the apparel meant to deride His authority becomes a prophetic sign of the royal dignity He truly possesses. Everyday Dependence and God’s Providence Believers are admonished not to worry: “What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear?” (Matthew 6:31). The verb underscores ordinary life, reminding disciples that clothing—like food and drink—is a gift from a caring Father. Compassionate Ministry to the Needy In the judgment parable of Matthew 25, the righteous ask, “When did we see You naked and clothe You?” (Matthew 25:38). The verb locates true piety in practical mercy; to “clothe” the least is to serve Christ Himself. Failure to do so reveals a heart untouched by grace (Matthew 25:43). Prophetic Adornment in Revelation Revelation repeatedly contrasts pure and defiled adornment. Pastoral and Devotional Application 1. Assurance: White garments promise final vindication for overcomers (Revelation 3:5). Historical Insights into First-Century Garments Typical outer garments (himation) were large rectangular cloths wrapped around the body. Fine linen (bussos) signified wealth and priestly service; purple dye (porphura) was exorbitantly costly. Thus the verb’s range—from simple cloak (Acts 12:8) to regal or priestly vestments (Revelation 19:13)—mirrors the socio-economic and religious spectrum of the ancient Mediterranean world while conveying enduring theological truths about identity bestowed by God. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 6:29 V-AIM-3SGRK: δόξῃ αὐτοῦ περιεβάλετο ὡς ἓν NAS: his glory clothed himself like KJV: was not arrayed like one INT: glory of him was clothed as one Matthew 6:31 V-ASM-1P Matthew 25:36 V-AIA-2P Matthew 25:38 V-AIA-1P Matthew 25:43 V-AIA-2P Mark 14:51 V-RPM/P-NMS Mark 16:5 V-RPM/P-AMS Luke 12:27 V-AIM-3S Luke 23:11 V-APA-NMS John 19:2 V-AIA-3P Acts 12:8 V-AMM-2S Revelation 3:5 V-FIM-3S Revelation 3:18 V-ASM-2S Revelation 4:4 V-RPM/P-AMP Revelation 7:9 V-RPM/P-AMP Revelation 7:13 V-RPM/P-NMP Revelation 10:1 V-RPM/P-AMS Revelation 11:3 V-RPM/P-AMP Revelation 12:1 V-RPM/P-NFS Revelation 17:4 V-RPM/P-NFS Revelation 18:16 V-RPM/P-NFS Revelation 19:8 V-ASM-3S Revelation 19:13 V-RPM/P-NMS Strong's Greek 4016 |
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