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    Clothe (Enduō)

    ἐνδύω (enduō)

    To put on, to be dressed in — taking on a new identity, character, or spiritual reality.

    Greek
    Strong's G1746
    Pronunciation: en-DOO-oh
    Quick Answer

    Enduō is the Greek word for 'to clothe' or 'to put on,' used metaphorically for taking on new identity in Christ. Believers are called to 'put on' Christ, the armor of God, and the character qualities of the new self.

    "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." — Galatians 3:27 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Galatians 3:27

    “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
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    Ephesians 6:11

    “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
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    Colossians 3:12

    “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G1746 — Clothe (Enduō) (ἐνδύω (enduō))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἐνδύω (enduō) appears.

    Open Strong's G1746

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Enduō means 'to put on' clothing — literally, to dress oneself. In the metaphorical sense, it describes taking on a new identity, character, or reality as completely as putting on a garment. The imagery is deliberate and active: just as dressing requires choosing and putting on specific clothes, so spiritual transformation requires intentional choices to embrace the new self.

    Putting on Christ

    Paul declares, 'As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ' (Galatians 3:27). This is positional — in baptism, believers are clothed with Christ's identity. They are wrapped in His righteousness, covered by His merit, identified with His person. What God sees when He looks at the believer is Christ — not their failures but His perfection.

    Putting on the Armor

    Ephesians 6:11-17 commands believers to 'put on the whole armour of God.' Each piece — belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, sword — represents a spiritual reality (truth, righteousness, gospel readiness, faith, salvation, the Word). The armor metaphor stresses that the Christian life is combat, and preparation is essential. The armor is God's provision; the putting on is the believer's responsibility.

    Putting on the New Self

    Colossians 3:9-14 pictures the Christian life as a wardrobe change: 'put off the old man' and 'put on the new man.' The garments to put on are mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love. Character transformation is not passive but active — a daily decision to dress the soul in Christ-like qualities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does it mean to put on Christ?

    To 'put on Christ' (Galatians 3:27) means to be clothed with His identity through faith and baptism. Believers are wrapped in Christ's righteousness and identified with His person — their old identity exchanged for His.

    What is the armor of God?

    The armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17) is spiritual equipment for spiritual warfare: truth, righteousness, gospel readiness, faith, salvation, and God's Word. Each piece is God's provision that believers must intentionally 'put on' daily.

    What is the Greek word for "Clothe (Enduō)" in the Bible?

    ἐνδύω (enduō), pronounced "en-DOO-oh." It means to put on, to be dressed in — taking on a new identity, character, or spiritual reality. Its Strong's number is G1746. It is the word behind "Clothe (Enduō)" in the New Testament, for example in Galatians 3:27.

    What does "Clothe (Enduō)" mean in the Bible?

    To put on, to be dressed in — taking on a new identity, character, or spiritual reality. The underlying Greek word is ἐνδύω (enduō) ("en-DOO-oh"), Strong's G1746. Enduō is the Greek word for 'to clothe' or 'to put on,' used metaphorically for taking on new identity in Christ.

    Related Words

    Righteousness (Tsedaqah)
    Faith

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    Word Meaning

    Clothe (Enduō) (ἐνδύω (enduō))

    To put on, to be dressed in — taking on a new identity, character, or spiritual reality.

    Strong's

    Strong's G1746 — Clothe (Enduō)

    ἐνδύω (enduō) • To put on, to be dressed in — taking on a new identity, character, or spiritual reality.

    Q&A

    What Is the Meaning of Emmanuel?

    Life of Jesus

    Word Meaning

    Commandment (ἐντολή (entolē))

    A divine directive — God's authoritative instruction for how His people should live.

    Strong's

    Strong's G1785 — Commandment

    ἐντολή (entolē) • A divine directive — God's authoritative instruction for how His people should live.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Wine in a Dream (KJV)

    Joy, covenant, and — in excess — a warning.

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