Lexical Summary mitpachath: Cloak, shawl, garment Original Word: מִטְפַּחַת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance vail, wimple From taphach; a wide cloak (for a woman) -- vail, wimple. see HEBREW taphach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom taphach Definition a cloak NASB Translation cloak (1), cloaks (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִטְמַּ֫חַת noun feminine cloak, absolute הַמִּטְמַּחַת אֲשֶׁרֿ עָלַיִךְ Ruth 3:15; plural הַמִּטְמָּחוֺת Isaiah 3:22. Topical Lexicon Definition and General Description מִטְפַּחַת denotes a loose outer cloth worn or carried by women in ancient Israel. Depending on context it serves as a shawl, cloak, wrap, or even a makeshift pouch. Made of linen or wool, it could be both practical—providing warmth and modesty—and ornamental, displaying a family’s craftsmanship or wealth. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Ruth 3:15 – “And he said, ‘Bring the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.’ So she held it out, and he poured six measures of barley into it and put it on her. Then he went into the city.” These two scenes place the same article of clothing at opposite ends of Israel’s social spectrum: humble gleaner and affluent socialite. Historical and Cultural Background • Everyday Garment. In a subsistence culture, a woman’s shawl doubled as a blanket, head covering, and carry-all. A generous width of fabric fastened with a pin allowed grain or goods to be knotted inside, as Ruth’s encounter demonstrates. Theological and Symbolic Significance Provision and Redeeming Grace (Ruth). The shawl becomes the vessel of Boaz’s kindness and anticipates his role as kinsman-redeemer. What begins as a practical wrap ends as an emblem of overflowing provision and covenant faithfulness, foreshadowing the fullness found in Christ, our ultimate Redeemer (Ephesians 1:7). Pride and Impending Judgment (Isaiah). Isaiah lists the ornate cloaks of Jerusalem’s women to expose a culture captivated by vanity while neglecting righteousness. The same garment that sheltered Ruth from hunger is now swollen with self-indulgence. The Lord’s stripping away of such finery warns every age against trusting adornment over holiness (1 Timothy 2:9–10). Covering and Righteousness. Scripture repeatedly links clothing with spiritual standing—“He has clothed me with garments of salvation” (Isaiah 61:10). The shawl therefore invites meditation on Christ who covers believers with His righteousness, turning our poverty into wealth (2 Corinthians 8:9). Practical Ministry Applications • Generosity: Like Boaz, disciples today can “fill the shawl” of the needy—food banks, benevolence funds, and personal hospitality serve as modern parallels (James 2:15–16). Related Biblical Themes Garments of Salvation – Genesis 3:21; Zechariah 3:3–4; Isaiah 61:10 Kinsman-Redeemer – Leviticus 25:25; Ruth 4:1–10 Warnings against Pride – Proverbs 16:18; 1 John 2:16 Care for the Poor – Deuteronomy 24:19; Luke 14:13–14 Summary מִטְפַּחַת showcases how a single article of clothing can illustrate both grace and judgment. In Ruth it becomes a vessel of provision leading to redemption; in Isaiah it symbolizes self-indulgence provoking divine discipline. In every era, the Lord who clothes His people with salvation still calls them to extend practical mercy and to walk in humble holiness. Forms and Transliterations הַמִּטְפַּ֧חַת המטפחת וְהַמִּטְפָּח֖וֹת והמטפחות ham·miṭ·pa·ḥaṯ hammitPachat hammiṭpaḥaṯ vehammitpaChot wə·ham·miṭ·pā·ḥō·wṯ wəhammiṭpāḥōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ruth 3:15 HEB: וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הָ֠בִי הַמִּטְפַּ֧חַת אֲשֶׁר־ עָלַ֛יִךְ NAS: Give me the cloak that is on you and hold KJV: Bring the vail that [thou hast] upon thee, and hold INT: said Give the cloak that is on Isaiah 3:22 2 Occurrences |
    |