Lexical Summary addereth: Cloak, mantle, splendor, glory Original Word: אַדֶּרֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance garment, glory, goodly, mantle, robe Feminine of 'addiyr; something ample (as a large vine, a wide dress); also the same as 'eder -- garment, glory, goodly, mantle, robe. see HEBREW 'addiyr see HEBREW 'eder NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom adar Definition glory, a cloak NASB Translation garment (1), glory (1), mantle (7), robe (2), splendid (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַדֶּ֫רֶת noun feminine glory, cloak — ׳א absolute Joshua 7:24; אַדָּ֑רֶת Ezekiel 17:8; construct Genesis 25:25 4t.; אַדַּרְתּוֺ 1 Kings 19:13 3t.; אַדַּרתָּם Zechariah 11:3 — 1 glory, magnificence, of vine Ezekiel 17:8 (so Thes MV, but < adjective f. from אַדִּיר q. v.), of shepherds Zechariah 11:3 (or sub 2). 2 mantle, cloak (wide garment) of hair שֵׂעָר Genesis 25:25; Zechariah 13:4 (as prophetic mantle, so perhaps Zechariah 11:3 of shepherds = false prophets) compare of Elijah 1 Kings 19:13,19; 2 Kings 2:8,13,14; but אַדֶּרֶת שִׁנְעָר טוֺבָה (fine mantle of Shinar = Babylonian mantle — doubtless costly) Joshua 7:21,24 (J) & (late) ׳א alone Jonah 3:6. Topical Lexicon Definition and Range of Meaning אַדֶּרֶת embraces both material and immaterial concepts. Literally it denotes a large outer garment—often woven of animal hair—while figuratively it conveys ideas of majesty, splendor, or proud magnificence. Scripture therefore uses the word to picture visible clothing, prophetic authority, royal dignity, national glory, and even deceptive show. A Garment of Hair and Human Identity (Genesis 25:25) The first occurrence links the word to Esau’s birth: “The first one came out red, covered with hair like a fur coat” (Genesis 25:25). The simile underscores the newborn’s physical nature and anticipates the rugged character that will mark the nation of Edom. Here אַדֶּרֶת sets the tone for a life distinguished by natural strength yet lacking spiritual priority (Hebrews 12:16–17). Coveted Finery and Corporate Judgment (Joshua 7:21, 24) Achan’s theft of “a beautiful cloak from Shinar” (Joshua 7:21) demonstrates how external splendor can entice the heart away from covenant loyalty. By hiding the cloak, silver, and gold, he brought defeat upon Israel and death upon himself. The episode warns believers that secret fascination with worldly glory invites divine discipline, no matter how attractive the garment or how hidden the sin (James 1:14–15). The Prophetic Mantle of Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19; 2 Kings 2) Elijah’s אַדֶּרֶת becomes a visible sign of prophetic calling: • In Horeb’s cave he “wrapped his face in his cloak” while standing before the whisper of Yahweh (1 Kings 19:13), highlighting reverent awe. Thus the אַדֶּרֶת operates as the tangible transfer of office, power, and continuity in prophetic ministry. The scene prefigures Christ endowing the church with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2), and calls modern servants to depend not on personal prestige but on divine empowerment. Royal Robes Exchanged for Repentance (Jonah 3:6) “When word reached the king of Nineveh, he… took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.” The literal removal of the אַדֶּרֶת dramatizes sincere humility. Earthly majesty is relinquished before heavenly sovereignty, illustrating that true greatness lies in repentance and obedience (Matthew 12:41). Splendor Lost in Divine Judgment (Ezekiel 17:8; Zechariah 11:3) In Ezekiel’s parable the vine was meant to become “a splendid vine” (Ezekiel 17:8); in Zechariah “the shepherds… wail, for their glory is ruined” (Zechariah 11:3). In both passages אַדֶּרֶת speaks of national greatness destined for ruin because of faithlessness. The prophetic message is clear: God bestows glory, and God removes it when covenant responsibilities are despised. False Prophets and Deceptive Cloaks (Zechariah 13:4) Future cleansing will expose counterfeits: “They will no longer wear a hairy cloak to deceive.” The external sign of prophetic authenticity will lose its manipulative power when truth prevails. Substance, not spectacle, authenticates ministry (Matthew 7:15–20). Themes and Theological Insights 1. Authority: A legitimate אַדֶּרֶת symbolizes God-given office; illegitimate use invites judgment. Practical Application for Believers • Seek the inner anointing of the Spirit rather than the outer appearance of greatness. Summary אַדֶּרֶת weaves through Scripture as cloak, pride, and prophetic mantle. Whether covering a newborn, tempting a soldier, empowering a prophet, or adorning a king, it reveals that true splendor comes only from the Lord, who clothes His servants with holiness and strips the proud of empty show. Forms and Transliterations אַדֶּ֣רֶת אַדֶּ֥רֶת אַדֶּ֨רֶת אַדַּרְתָּ֑ם אַדַּרְתּ֖וֹ אַדַּרְתּ֤וֹ אַדָּֽרֶת׃ אדרת אדרת׃ אדרתו אדרתם בְּאַדַּרְתּ֔וֹ באדרתו הָאַדֶּ֣רֶת האדרת כְּאַדֶּ֣רֶת כאדרת ’ad·dā·reṯ ’ad·dar·tām ’ad·dar·tōw ’ad·de·reṯ ’addāreṯ ’addartām ’addartōw ’addereṯ adDaret addarTam addarTo adDeret bə’addartōw bə·’ad·dar·tōw beaddarTo hā’addereṯ hā·’ad·de·reṯ haadDeret kə’addereṯ kə·’ad·de·reṯ keadDeretLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 25:25 HEB: אַדְמוֹנִ֔י כֻּלּ֖וֹ כְּאַדֶּ֣רֶת שֵׂעָ֑ר וַיִּקְרְא֥וּ NAS: over like a hairy garment; and they named KJV: all over like an hairy garment; and they called INT: red all garment A hairy called Joshua 7:21 Joshua 7:24 1 Kings 19:13 1 Kings 19:19 2 Kings 2:8 2 Kings 2:13 2 Kings 2:14 Ezekiel 17:8 Jonah 3:6 Zechariah 11:3 Zechariah 13:4 12 Occurrences |
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