ἐπενδύτης
ependýtēs
G1903 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An outer garment or cloak worn over other clothing, typically referring to a mantle or tunic used for added warmth or protection; in some contexts, specifically denotes the garment worn by fishers or workers, but can also refer generically to any kind of overgarment or coat.
Semantic Range
outer garment, cloak, mantle, tunic worn over other clothing, worker's or fisher's outer wrap, protective clothing
Root / Etymology
From ἐπενδύομαι ('to put on over, to put on in addition'), itself derived from ἐπί ('upon, over') and ἐνδύω ('to clothe, to dress'). The noun ἐπενδύτης thus denotes something 'put on over' another garment.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Koine Greek, especially in the New Testament (notably in John 21:7), where it denotes a specific kind of overgarment worn by fishers while working. The term is rare in broader Hellenistic literature and appears to have a practical, utilitarian reference. In the New Testament passage, ἐπενδύτης is linked to manual labor contexts, not to formal or ceremonial attire. English Bibles traditionally render this as 'fisher's coat' or simply 'coat,' but this may over-specify the term, which more generally refers to any heavy or outer garment. The term’s rare attestation limits precise nuance; it is more inclusive than a modern Western 'coat,' functioning as a mantle, tunic, or wrap addition, akin to garments for protection from the weather. Not to be confused with χιτών (chitōn, inner tunic) or ἱμάτιον (himátion, outer standard cloak), but is closely related in functional use as an extra layer.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπενδύομαι; a wrapper, i.e. outer garment:--fisher's coat.
Root Family
ἐπενδύτης (ependýtēs) — outer garment, over-garment, cloak, mantle, protective wrap
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1903-01 |
ἐπενδύτην | ependuten | N ACC M SG |
outer garment | outer garment | outer garment | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1903-01 |
John 21:7 | ἐπενδύτην | ependuten | N ACC M SG |
outer garment | outer garment | outer garment |