Understanding the “Putting On“ Metaphor in Isa 59:17 and Eph 6:10–20: An Intertextual Correspondence

Abstract

The Hebrew verb לבשׁ (lavash), synonymous with “to wear” or “to put on,” is instrumental in comprehending the Divine Warrior’s depiction in the context of Isaiah’s battle (Isa 59:17). This article aims to probe the intertextual resonance between the two biblical excerpts, focusing specifically on how Paul metaphorically used Isaiah’s clothing imagery to depict the spiritual battle of Christians. The Greek term ενδυω (enduō), meaning “to wear” or “to put on,” mirrors the Hebrew verb lavash in the Ephesian text, both of which play a critical role in comprehending these scriptural fragments. In addition, the contextual anchoring of these passages is an indispensable aspect of this inquiry. The final part of this discourse extrapolates the modern theological ramifications of the apostle’s message, drawing substantive conclusions for contemporary Christian practitioners.