Lexical Summary stolé: Robe, Garment, Attire Original Word: στολή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance long robe. From stello; equipment, i.e. (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity) -- long clothing (garment), (long) robe. see GREEK stello HELPS Word-studies 4749 stolḗ – a long, flowing robe worn by the elite (people of high station, wealth). "4749 (stolḗ) is a long robe, worn by the upper classes in the east" (Souter), "especially flowing raiment, a festal robe" (A-S). ["Milligan also finds in the papyri that robes are the expression of character" (Vincent, ala WP).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom stelló Definition equipment, apparel NASB Translation long robes (2), robe (3), robes (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4749: στολήστολή, στολῆς, ἡ (στέλλω (which see) to prepare, equip, 2 perfect 1. an equipment (Aeschylus). 2. an equipment in clothes, clothing; specifically, a loose outer garment for men which extended to the feet (cf. English stole (Dict. of Chris. Antiq. under the word)), worn by kings (Jonah 3:6), priests, and persons of rank: Mark 12:38; Mark 16:5; Luke 15:22; Luke 20:46; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 7:9, 13 (14{a},14{b} Rec.; Revelation 22:14 L T Tr WH). (Tragg., Xenophon, Plato, and following; the Sept. chiefly for בֶּגֶד.) (Cf. Trench, § l.) Stolē described a full-length outer garment reaching to the feet, woven of fine material, and generally worn by persons of dignity. In first-century Judea it marked social rank, learning, or priestly service. The Septuagint uses stolē for the “holy garments” of Aaron (Exodus 28:2) and the “coat of many colors” given to Joseph (Genesis 37:3), anchoring the word in Israel’s memory as a sign of honor and consecration. Earthly Status and Hypocrisy: The Long Robes of the Scribes Jesus warned, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes and receive greetings in the marketplaces” (Mark 12:38; Luke 20:46). The garment itself was not condemned; the ostentatious display of piety was. Stolē, intended to honor God’s servants, had become a badge of self-promotion. The contrast between outward splendor and inner corruption prepares the reader to value the true righteousness symbolized by the white robes of Revelation. Honor Restored: The Best Robe in Luke 15:22 In the parable of the prodigal son the father commands, “Bring the best robe and put it on him” (Luke 15:22). The stolē restores filial dignity, wipes away the shame of rebellion, and publicly proclaims reconciliation. The father’s initiative prefigures God’s grace in clothing repentant sinners with salvation (compare Isaiah 61:10). The scene demonstrates that divine forgiveness is not begrudging but celebratory, transforming wayward children into honored heirs. Heavenly Visitors in White Robes At the empty tomb the women “saw a young man dressed in a white robe” (Mark 16:5). The whiteness signifies purity and the heavenly origin of the messenger. Likewise, in Acts 1:10 two men appear “in white,” though the word stolē is not used there; the shared imagery testifies that angelic beings are characterized by holiness and glory, not by the worldly prestige sought by the scribes. White Robes of the Martyrs and the Multitude Revelation 6:11 records persecuted souls beneath the altar: “Each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little while longer.” The robe affirms God’s acceptance even before final vindication. Later John beholds “a multitude…wearing white robes” (Revelation 7:9). An elder explains, “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14). Purity, therefore, is not self-generated but blood-bought. The whitened stolē becomes a visible pledge that Christ’s atonement has fully cleansed His people. Eschatological Blessing: Robes Washed for Access to the Tree of Life “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life” (Revelation 22:14). The final occurrence of stolē closes Scripture with a promise: eternal communion with God hinges on being properly clothed. The washing of robes echoes priestly preparations for sanctuary service, hinting at believers’ future vocation to “serve Him day and night in His temple” (Revelation 7:15). Theological and Pastoral Themes 1. Substitutionary Cleansing: The robe white through blood teaches that purity is imputed, not earned. Implications for Worship and Ministry • Clergy vestments and choir robes may remind worshipers of priestly service and heavenly purity, yet leaders must guard against letting garments eclipse inward holiness. Summary Stolē threads through Scripture as a garment of honor, purity, and identity. Misused by the proud, bestowed by a gracious Father, worn by angels, granted to martyrs, and promised to the redeemed, it embodies the gospel narrative: from fallen hypocrisy to adopted sonship, from earthly struggle to heavenly triumph, all made possible through the blood of the Lamb. Englishman's Concordance Mark 12:38 N-DFPGRK: θελόντων ἐν στολαῖς περιπατεῖν καὶ NAS: to walk around in long robes, and [like] respectful greetings KJV: in long clothing, and INT: like in robes to walk about and Mark 16:5 N-AFS Luke 15:22 N-AFS Luke 20:46 N-DFP Revelation 6:11 N-NFS Revelation 7:9 N-AFP Revelation 7:13 N-AFP Revelation 7:14 N-AFP Revelation 22:14 N-AFP Strong's Greek 4749 |
    |