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στολή

stolḗ

G4749 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A long, flowing robe or garment, typically worn as an outer garment and often signifying status, dignity, or distinction; used in contexts ranging from general clothing to specific garments associated with honor, authority, or religious function. In some uses, it denotes festive attire or special dress for important occasions.

Semantic Range

long robe, outer garment, stately garment, special or ceremonial clothing, festive attire, official or distinctive dress

Root / Etymology

Derived from the verb στέλλω (to set in order, arrange, equip), with the nominal ending -ή, forming a noun that refers to something set or arranged for wear (i.e., clothing or garment).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, στολή frequently refers to a robe or outer garment, often one that is elaborate or distinctive. In the Septuagint, it is the standard translation for Hebrew terms like כְּתֹנֶת (ketonet), the tunic or robe, especially when denoting garments of rank or distinction (e.g., Joseph's 'special coat'). In the New Testament, στολή is associated with wealthy or prominent persons (Luke 20:46, Mark 12:38, referring to the attire of scribes; Mark 16:5, describing the clothing of the young man at Jesus' tomb; also used in LXX Daniel for royal apparel). The word connotes not just clothing but attire that conveys social status or ceremonial function, which is not always captured by English 'robe' or 'garment.' The translation 'stole' in ecclesiastical contexts comes from this term, though this is a later, specialized usage. English 'long robe' or 'long clothing' can reflect the sense but may miss the nuances of distinction and dignity implied by the term in many contexts.

Translation Consistency

primary "robe" 9 occurrences

Stolḗ typically denotes a long, flowing outer garment or special ceremonial dress. 'Robe' is a natural, concise English noun that captures the sense of a stately or formal outer garment (more specific than 'garment' and more natural than the adjective 'stately'), and will read well in varied contexts of honor, office, or festive clothing.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from στέλλω; equipment, i.e. (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity):--long clothing (garment), (long) robe.

Root Family

στολή (stolē) — arranged garment, long robe, stately attire, official dress

Root στολ- to arrange, to equip, to clothe

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4749-02 στολὰς stolas N ACC F PL robes stately outer garments stately outer robes 4
G4749-01 στολαῖς stolais N DAT F PL robes to stately robes stately robes 2
G4749-04 στολὴν stolen N ACC F SG robe stately long robe stately long robe 2
G4749-03 στολὴ stole N NOM F SG robe stately robe stately robe 1

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4749-01 Mark 12:38 στολαῖς stolais N DAT F PL robes to stately robes stately robes
G4749-04 Mark 16:5 στολὴν stolen N ACC F SG robe stately long robe stately long robe
G4749-04 Luke 15:22 στολὴν stolen N ACC F SG robe stately long robe stately long robe
G4749-01 Luke 20:46 στολαῖς stolais N DAT F PL robes to stately robes stately robes
G4749-03 Revelation 6:11 στολὴ stole N NOM F SG robe stately robe stately robe
G4749-02 Revelation 7:9 στολὰς stolas N ACC F PL robes stately outer garments stately outer robes
G4749-02 Revelation 7:13 στολὰς stolas N ACC F PL robes stately outer garments stately outer robes
G4749-02 Revelation 7:14 στολὰς stolas N ACC F PL robes stately outer garments stately outer robes
G4749-02 Revelation 22:14 στολὰς stolas N ACC F PL robes stately outer garments stately outer robes
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