ἐγκομβόομαι
enkombóomai
G1463 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To tie or fasten oneself with a garment, specifically to put on or wrap about oneself an article of clothing (often in preparation for service or work); metaphorically, to adopt an attitude or bearing, especially of humility. The core sense is to fasten clothing to oneself, particularly an apron or garment associated with servanthood.
Semantic Range
to gird oneself, to tie or fasten clothing on oneself, to put on a servant's apron, to assume a servant's role, to adopt an attitude (of humility), to ready oneself for service
Root / Etymology
From ἐν (in, on) + κομβόομαι (to gird, fasten with a band or knot). The verb is built from the prepositional prefix ἐν- and the rare verb κομβόομαι, which is from κόμβος (a knot, band, fastening).
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb ἐγκομβόομαι is rare in Greek literature and does not occur in earlier classical sources. Its attestation is primarily in post-classical, Koine Greek, notably in 1 Peter 5:5 in the New Testament and a limited number of later writings. The imagery alludes to the tying on of a servant’s apron or outer garment, a visual symbol of readiness to serve others. In New Testament context, particularly 1 Peter, the metaphor extends to adopting humility in one's relationship with others. Standard English translations typically render the term as 'clothe yourselves' (with humility), but this may obscure the vivid servant-related imagery implied by the verb. Unlike more generic verbs for clothing oneself (e.g., ἐνδύω), ἐγκομβόομαι signals a self-actuated readiness for humble service, resonating with Greco-Roman household attire for servants. The word is derived from κομβόομαι, a rare verb that is itself associated with the action of fastening or tying a knot. The prefix ἐν- denotes the act upon oneself (reflexive use in the middle voice), reinforcing the image of personal, intentional activity. The sense of 'badges of servitude' is figurative, but the physical act was rooted in commonplace labor and service roles, especially for household workers.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
middle voice from ἐν and (to gird); to engirdle oneself (for labor), i.e. figuratively (the apron as being a badge of servitude) to wear (in token of mutual deference):--be clothed with.
Root Family
ἐγκομβόομαι (enkombóomai) — to knot, to fasten, to tie about, to gird oneself
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1463-01 |
ἐγκομβώσασθε | egkombosasthe | V AOR MID IMP 2P PL |
clothe yourselves with | Tie on yourselves | tie on yourselves | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1463-01 |
1 Peter 5:5 | ἐγκομβώσασθε | egkombosasthe | V AOR MID IMP 2P PL |
clothe yourselves with | Tie on yourselves | tie on yourselves |