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G1903 · Greek · New Testament
ἐπενδύτης
ependutēs
Noun masculine
outer garment, fisherman's coat — the outer covering put on for work

Definition

Ependutēs refers to an outer garment or over-coat — the kind of clothing a worker would put on over their undergarment for labor. It appears only once in the NT, in the famous scene of Peter jumping into the Sea of Galilee to swim to Jesus on the shore after the resurrection.

Usage & Theological Significance

The single NT use of ependutēs is remarkably vivid. Peter, fishing naked (or in minimal undergarment), hears it is the Lord and puts on his outer garment before leaping into the water — an almost comical act of reverence and urgency. He cannot be naked before the risen Christ. The image is theologically rich: our best response to the risen Lord is not dignified composure but urgent, clothed-in-whatever-we-have pursuit. Peter's gesture recalls Adam and Eve covering themselves before God — but now, in the new creation, we run toward God rather than hiding from Him.

Key Bible Verses

John 21:7 As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, 'It is the Lord,' he put on his outer garment [ependutēn] (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
John 21:4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
Genesis 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
Luke 15:20 But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son.
Song of Songs 3:4 Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves.

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External Resources

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