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ἱμάτιον

himátion

G2440 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Primary meaning: outer garment, cloak, or robe worn as a principal piece of clothing. In various contexts, ἱμάτιον can refer more broadly to any garment, either outer or (less commonly) inner clothing, often in reference to clothing in general, especially when plural. Sometimes denotes symbolic or characteristic attire.

Semantic Range

outer garment, cloak, robe, apparel in general, article of clothing; clothing (collective, especially in plural); symbolic or characteristic attire

Root / Etymology

From the root ἱμάς (cord, strap) with the diminutive or relational suffix -ιον, indicating something made of or related to ἱμάς, likely originally 'something tied or fastened with a cord.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἱμάτιον is widely attested across classical, Hellenistic, and Koine periods. In classical usage, it usually denotes the outer cloak, distinct from the χιτών (chitōn, inner tunic), as part of standard male and female dress. By the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the distinction between ‘outer’ and ‘general’ garment became more flexible. In the Septuagint, ἱμάτιον frequently renders Hebrew בֶּגֶד (beged, garment) or שִׂמְלָה (simlah, outer cloak), translating a wide range of terms for clothing. In the New Testament, it often appears in the plural to indicate general apparel or sets of clothes. It may carry symbolic meaning (e.g., garments of praise/affliction, expressions of status or identity). English translations such as 'garment,' 'clothing,' 'cloak,' or 'robe' sometimes imply more specificity than the Greek term itself, and do not always distinguish between outer and inner wear. Related words: χιτών (inner tunic), στολή (long robe, formal attire).

Translation Consistency

primary "garment" 60 occurrences

Himation most commonly refers to an article of clothing—especially an outer cloak or robe—but also can mean clothing in general. 'Garment' is natural, neutral, and easily renders both singular and plural (garments) and covers the typical senses (cloak/robe/apparel) without over‑specifying.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of a presumed derivative of ennumi (to put on); a dress (inner or outer):--apparel, cloke, clothes, garment, raiment, robe, vesture.

Root Family

ἱμάτιον (himation) — garment, cloak, outer clothing

Root ἱμάτ- garment, cloak, outer clothing

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2440-01 ἱμάτια imatia N NOM N PL garments outer garments outer garments 29
G2440-04 ἱμάτιον imation N ACC N SG garment outer garment outer garment 19
G2440-05 ἱματίου imatiou N GEN N SG garment of an outer garment of an outer garment 8
G2440-03 ἱματίοις imatiois N DAT N PL garments to outer garments garments 3
G2440-02 ἱματίῳ imatio N DAT N SG garment to a garment a garment 1

Occurrences in Scripture

60 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2440-04 Matthew 5:40 ἱμάτιον imation N ACC N SG cloak outer garment outer garment
G2440-02 Matthew 9:16 ἱματίῳ imatio N DAT N SG garment to a garment a garment
G2440-05 Matthew 9:16 ἱματίου imatiou N GEN N SG garment of an outer garment of an outer garment
G2440-05 Matthew 9:20 ἱματίου imatiou N GEN N SG garment of an outer garment of an outer garment
G2440-05 Matthew 9:21 ἱματίου imatiou N GEN N SG garment of an outer garment of an outer garment
G2440-05 Matthew 14:36 ἱματίου imatiou N GEN N SG garment of an outer garment of an outer garment
G2440-01 Matthew 17:2 ἱμάτια imatia N NOM N PL garments outer garments outer garments
G2440-01 Matthew 21:7 ἱμάτια imatia N ACC N PL clothes outer garments outer garments
G2440-01 Matthew 21:8 ἱμάτια imatia N ACC N PL garments outer garments outer garments
G2440-04 Matthew 24:18 ἱμάτιον imation N ACC N SG cloak outer garment outer garment
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