The phrase "clothed upon" is a biblical expression that appears in the New Testament, specifically in the writings of the Apostle Paul. It is a metaphorical term used to describe the transformation and glorification of the believer's body in the resurrection. This concept is primarily found in 2 Corinthians 5:2-4, where Paul discusses the hope of eternal life and the transformation that believers will experience.

Biblical Context

In 2 Corinthians 5:2-4 , Paul writes: "Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. So while we are in this tent, we groan under our burdens, because we do not wish to be unclothed but clothed, so that our mortality may be swallowed up by life." Here, Paul contrasts the temporary, earthly body ("this tent") with the eternal, heavenly body that believers will receive. The term "clothed upon" signifies the desire to be covered with this new, glorified body, which is imperishable and immortal.

Theological Significance

The concept of being "clothed upon" is deeply rooted in the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life. It reflects the belief that the physical body, subject to decay and death, will be transformed into a glorified state. This transformation is not merely an escape from the physical realm but a fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity. The new body will be free from the limitations and sufferings of the present world, fully equipped for eternal communion with God.

Relation to Other Biblical Themes

The idea of being "clothed upon" is related to other biblical themes such as the "new creation" and the "resurrection of the dead." In 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 , Paul elaborates on this transformation: "For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.'" This passage underscores the victory over death that believers will experience through Christ.

Additionally, the imagery of clothing is used throughout Scripture to signify righteousness and salvation. In Isaiah 61:10 , the prophet declares, "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness." This metaphorical use of clothing highlights the transformation and covering provided by God's grace.

Practical Implications

For believers, the hope of being "clothed upon" offers comfort and assurance in the face of life's trials and the reality of death. It encourages a perspective that looks beyond the temporal to the eternal, fostering a life of faith and perseverance. The anticipation of a glorified body serves as a motivation for holy living, as believers seek to align their lives with the reality of their future transformation.

In summary, the phrase "clothed upon" encapsulates the Christian hope of resurrection and the ultimate transformation of the believer's body. It is a powerful reminder of the eternal life promised through Jesus Christ and the glorious future that awaits those who trust in Him.Clothed Upon

CLOTHED UPON

klothd, (ependuo, "to put on over" another garment): Used only in 2 Corinthians 5:2, 4. In 5:4 in contrast with unclothed, compare 1 Corinthians 15:53, in which the idea of putting on, as a garment, is expressed of incorruption and immortality. The meaning here is very subtle and difficult of interpretation. In all probability Paul thinks of a certain envelopment of his physical mortal body even in this life ("in this we groan," i.e. in this present body), hence, the force of the prefixed preposition. The body itself was regarded by the philosophers of his day as a covering of the soul, and hence, it was to be clothed upon and at the same time transformed by the superimposed heavenly body. Ependutes, an outer garment, is used several times in Septuagint for me`il, an upper garment or robe (compare John 21:7).

Walter G. Clippinger

1902. ependuomai -- to have on over
... be clothed upon. Middle voice from epi and enduo; to invest upon oneself -- be clothed
upon. see GREEK epi. see GREEK enduo. (ependusasthai) -- 2 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1902.htm - 7k3847. labash -- to put on, wear, clothe, be clothed
... came (3), clothe (11), clothe yourself (3), clothe yourselves (1), clothed (36),
dress ... in apparel, arm, array self, clothe self, come upon, put on, upon, wear. ...
/hebrew/3847.htm - 6k

The Eternal Home in Heaven Beautiful Exposition by Tertullian of ...
... is even more manifest from what follows, when he adds, that "in this tabernacle
of our earthly body we do groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with the ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xii the eternal home in.htm

The Old House and the New
... boundless ocean, is but the type of the spirit in the brief moment of transition,
when the consciousness of two worlds blends, and it is clothed upon with the ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the old house and the.htm

2 Cor. v. 1
... [2.] Ver.2. "For verily in this we groan, longing to be clothed upon with our
habitation which is from heaven.". What habitation? tell me. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily x 2 cor v.htm

Praying with Desire
... first resurrection. In this human body we yearn, earnestly desiring to be
clothed upon with our house which is from heaven. "For we ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 6 praying with desire.htm

Tent and Building
... for in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house, which
is from heaven.' Now that singular collocation of ideas may be set forth thus ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/tent and building.htm

The Dissolution of Our Tabernacle Consistent with the Resurrection ...
... For the apostle makes a distinction, when he goes on to say, "For in this we groan,
earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xli the dissolution of our.htm

To Sister Daniella of Orvieto Clothed with the Habit of Saint ...
... her many analyses of the means that lead to perfection, urging upon her discretion
and ... of which he divests himself in mind, although he may be clothed with it ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to sister daniella of orvieto.htm

Psalm CXI.
... But this life demandeth from us self-restraint, that although groaning and weighed
down with our toil and struggles, and desiring to be clothed upon with our ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxi.htm

Christ Clothed with the True Substance of Human Nature.
... It remains, therefore, to see how, when clothed with our flesh, he fulfilled ... The
apostle, to magnify the honour which Christ has conferred upon us, contrasts ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 christ clothed with.htm

Death Changes, Without Destroying, Our Mortal Bodies Remains of ...
... mortal must put on immortality," [7558] this will assuredly be that house from heaven,
with which we so earnestly desire to be clothed upon, whilst groaning in ...
/.../chapter xlii death changes without destroying.htm

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