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G2440 · Greek · New Testament
ἱμάτιον
himation
Noun, neuter
garment/cloak/robe/outer garment

Definition

A noun meaning garment, cloak, or outer robe — the primary outer covering worn in the ancient Mediterranean world. The himation was the large outer garment, distinct from the inner tunic. It appears throughout the Gospels in healing narratives, the crucifixion accounts, and the transfiguration.

Usage & Theological Significance

Garments in Scripture carry extraordinary symbolic weight. The soldier's casting lots for Jesus's seamless himation fulfills Psalm 22 — even the stripping of his garments is prophetically ordained. Conversely, in the transfiguration his garments become blazing white — the eternal glory shows through the temporal covering. The woman with the hemorrhage touches the edge of his himation — not the person directly but the boundary of his personal space — and power goes out. Theologically, we are clothed in Christ: 'all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ' (Galatians 3:27). The eternal garment is righteousness itself.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 27:35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Matthew 17:2 His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Matthew 9:21 She said to herself, 'If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.'
Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Revelation 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.

Related Words

External Resources

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