Lexical Summary machalatsah: Garment, robe, change of clothes Original Word: מַחֲלָצָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance changeable suit of apparel, change of raiment From chalats; a mantle (as easily drawn off) -- changeable suit of apparel, change of raiment. see HEBREW chalats NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chalats Definition robe of state NASB Translation festal robes (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַחֲלָצָה] noun feminine robe of state (taken off in ordinary life); — only plural absolute מַחֲלָצוֺת Isaiah 3:22 robes of ladies of Jerusalem; Zechariah 3:4 of high priest. Topical Lexicon Terminology and Conceptual Scope מַחֲלָצָה designates an outer garment of special quality—an over-robe or change of clothes reserved for formal occasions. While Hebrew possesses several words for clothing, מַחֲלָצָה is distinct in pointing to attire that is both valuable and symbolically charged, marking status, joy, or cleansing. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Isaiah 3:22 places the word among a list of luxurious accessories stripped from the proud daughters of Zion: “the festive robes, capes, cloaks, and purses”. These two contexts—judgment in Isaiah and restoration in Zechariah—frame מַחֲלָצָה within the larger biblical drama of removal and bestowal, loss and grace. Historical and Cultural Setting In the Ancient Near East an outer garment served several functions. It provided warmth, signified social rank, and could even be pledged as collateral (Exodus 22:26). Fine outer robes, often of imported fabrics or ornate embroidery, advertised prosperity and were handed down as heirlooms (Genesis 37:3). To “change garments” after travel or illness was an act of renewal (Genesis 35:2). Thus Isaiah’s prophecy threatens not mere discomfort but the dismantling of Jerusalem’s elite culture, whereas Zechariah’s vision supplies the very garment that confirms divine acceptance. Symbolism in Prophetic Literature Isaiah employs the removal of מַחֲלָצָה to portray the stripping away of pride and security. The women’s finery epitomizes Judah’s misplaced confidence; its loss signals national humiliation. Zechariah, written after the exile, reverses the image. Joshua’s filthy clothes embody corporate sin; the splendid robes (מַחֲלָצָה) declare forgiveness and priestly reinstatement. The prophetic contrast underscores a covenant pattern: sin leads to exposure, repentance invites re-clothing. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Divine Initiative in Cleansing. Joshua contributes nothing to his new attire. The angel commands, others obey, and the priest simply receives. Salvation is likewise God’s work (Titus 3:5). Contemporary Application • Personal Devotion: Regular self-examination allows the Holy Spirit to identify “filthy garments,” leading to fresh appropriation of Christ’s righteousness (1 John 1:9). Summary מַחֲלָצָה is more than ancient attire; it is a narrative thread connecting judgment, mercy, and identity. Whether removed in discipline or bestowed in grace, the outer garment teaches that the Lord both exposes sin and clothes His people in honor, pointing ultimately to the righteousness granted through the Messiah. Forms and Transliterations הַמַּֽחֲלָצוֹת֙ המחלצות מַחֲלָצֽוֹת׃ מחלצות׃ ham·ma·ḥă·lā·ṣō·wṯ hammachalatzOt hammaḥălāṣōwṯ ma·ḥă·lā·ṣō·wṯ machalaTzot maḥălāṣōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 3:22 HEB: הַמַּֽחֲלָצוֹת֙ וְהַמַּ֣עֲטָפ֔וֹת וְהַמִּטְפָּח֖וֹת NAS: festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, KJV: The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, INT: festal outer cloaks Zechariah 3:4 2 Occurrences |
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