χλαμύς
chlamýs
G5511 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A short outer cloak or mantle, typically worn by soldiers or high officials; specifically refers to a garment draped over the shoulders, fastened at one shoulder, used both for utilitarian and symbolic purposes. In some contexts, denotes a distinctive military cape or, symbolically, a garment marking dignity or authority.
Semantic Range
short cloak, military mantle, officer's cape, symbolic garment of authority, robe (in literary or mock-royal contexts)
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain; not clearly derived from any known Greek root. Some scholars speculate a possible loan from Thracian or other non-Greek source.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Χλαμύς appears relatively late in Greek literature, with earliest attestations in classical and especially Hellenistic sources. In classical and Hellenistic Greek, it primarily denotes a short military garment, distinct from the longer himation or chiton. It marked status, particularly military rank, and was generally associated with horsemen or young men of status. In the New Testament (e.g. Matthew 27:28, Mark 15:17, John 19:2), χλαμύς is used to describe the robe placed on Jesus in a mock royal display; in this context, it functions symbolically to represent mock kingship and imperial authority. Standard English Bible translations often use "robe" or "scarlet cloak," but the term denotes a specific garment type in Greek. The word does not carry directly religious or ethnic connotations; its significance is social and symbolic within the narrative context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain derivation; a military cloak:--robe.
Root Family
χλαμύς (chlamys) — cloak, short mantle, military garment
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5511-01 |
χλαμύδα | chlamuda | N ACC F SG |
robe | short military cloak | short military cloak | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5511-01 |
Matthew 27:28 | χλαμύδα | chlamuda | N ACC F SG |
robe | short military cloak | short military cloak |
G5511-01 |
Matthew 27:31 | χλαμύδα | chlamuda | N ACC F SG |
robe | short military cloak | short military cloak |