Lexical Summary marbad: Covering, spread, carpet Original Word: מַרְבַד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance covering of tapestry From rabad; a coverlet -- covering of tapestry. see HEBREW rabad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom rabad Definition a spread, coverlet NASB Translation coverings (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַרְבָד noun [masculine] spread, coverlet; — only plural absolute מַרְבַדִּים (Köii. 1, 97, 471) Proverbs 7:16; Proverbs 31:22. Topical Lexicon Entry: מַרְבַד (marbad) – Decorative Bed CoveringBiblical Usage and Narrative Setting The noun appears only twice, both in the Wisdom books, and always in the plural. In Proverbs 7:16 the seductive woman boasts, “I have covered my bed with coverings, with colored linens from Egypt”, flaunting imported luxury as bait for moral compromise. In Proverbs 31:22 the excellent wife is praised because “She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple”. The same article of household textile thus frames two sharply contrasting portraits: one manipulates opulence for sin, the other employs beauty and craftsmanship in faithful stewardship. Historical and Cultural Background Marbadim were richly woven spreads or tapestries placed over sleeping couches or day-beds. Egypt was renowned for fine linen (compare Genesis 41:42), while Phoenicia supplied purple dye (Ezekiel 27:7). Possessing such imports signaled status. In urban Israelite homes of the monarchic period, wooden frames with inlaid ivory or metal were fitted with cushions and then finished with decorative coverlets. These textiles not only provided comfort but also protected costly wool blankets from dust. Theological and Ethical Emphases in Proverbs 1. Moral Discretion: Proverbs 7 contrasts shallow allure with the lasting consequences of sin. The marbadim underscore how the senses can be enlisted either for temptation or for righteous enjoyment within God-ordained bounds (Hebrews 13:4). Typological and Devotional Insights Coverings in Scripture often point to protection and righteousness: the atoning “mercy seat” (kapporet), the blood-stained doorposts at Passover, or the wedding garment in Matthew 22:11-12. Marbadim, while everyday items, hint at the deeper covering God provides in salvation (Isaiah 61:10). Their beauty foreshadows the Church’s adornment as the Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:8), clothed not in seductive display but in “the righteous acts of the saints.” Practical Ministry Applications • Teaching on Sexual Purity: Use Proverbs 7 to address how contemporary media and consumer culture mimic the seductress, offering appealing “coverings” that hide spiritual danger. Selected Passages for Meditation Proverbs 7:16-17; Proverbs 31:22; Isaiah 61:10; Hebrews 13:4; Revelation 19:8. Forms and Transliterations מַ֭רְבַדִּים מַרְבַדִּ֥ים מרבדים mar·ḇad·dîm marḇaddîm MarvaddimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 7:16 HEB: מַ֭רְבַדִּים רָבַ֣דְתִּי עַרְשִׂ֑י NAS: my couch with coverings, With colored KJV: my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved INT: coverings have spread my couch Proverbs 31:22 2 Occurrences |
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