Lexical Summary takrik: Wrapping, shroud, covering Original Word: תַּכְרִיךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance garment Apparently from an unused root meaning to encompass; a wrapper or robe -- garment. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a robe NASB Translation garment (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs תַּכְרִיךְ noun masculine robe וְתַכְרִיךְ בּוּץ וְאַרְגָּמָן Esther 9:15. כרכב quadril. (√ of following; compare Late Hebrew כִּרְכֵּב, furnish with a rim, enclose, set). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence and ContextThe word appears a single time in Scripture, within Esther 8:15, at the climactic reversal of Israel’s fortunes in Persia: “Mordecai went out from the king’s presence in royal purple and white, with a large gold crown and a robe of fine linen and purple; and the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced” (Berean Standard Bible). The term designates the sumptuous outer garment that completes Mordecai’s new royal apparel. It is listed after the color‐coded “royal attire” and before the public celebration of Susa, marking the hinge between personal elevation and communal deliverance. Cultural and Historical Background Persian court protocol featured multiple layers of state dress. Texts and reliefs from Persepolis indicate that honored officials wore distinctive over‐garments—often linen or wool, richly dyed, and sometimes embroidered. Such layers signified office, rank, and granted authority. By employing this specific term, the writer of Esther underlines that Mordecai is not merely wearing nice clothes; he is clothed with imperial sanction. The scroll’s Persian readership would immediately recognize this as a visible bestowal of power enacted by the monarch himself. Symbolism and Theological Implications 1. Reversal and Vindication The garment marks the precise moment that humiliation is replaced by honor (compare Esther 3:2 with 8:15). What Haman plotted for destruction, God overturned for salvation. The outward clothing mirrors an inward divine vindication. 2. Covenant Preservation through Providence Although the name of God is absent from Esther, His covenant faithfulness is displayed in the details. The royal robe becomes a tangible instrument through which divine providence safeguards the promised seed (see Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 54:17). 3. Foreshadowing of Robes of Righteousness Prophets speak of being “clothed with garments of salvation” and “robes of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10). Mordecai’s public array anticipates the theological pattern: God clothes His people with a righteousness not their own, preparing them for service and witness (Romans 3:22; Revelation 7:14). Ministry Applications • Identity in Christ As Mordecai’s new garment testified to his transformed status, so believers put on “the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14). Teaching on the book of Esther can point congregations to the deeper reality of regeneration and adoption. • Public Witness The robe is displayed before the watching city. Ministry today likewise includes visible, ethical testimony—“so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). • Intercession and Leadership The narrative moves directly from Mordecai’s investiture to his legislative action for the Jews (Esther 8:17–9:2). Spiritual leaders are clothed for intercessory service, not personal prestige (Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 5:2–3). Connections to Redemption History Mordecai’s garment episode stands as a microcosm of biblical redemption: exile to exaltation, mourning to joy, death sentence to life. The same pattern culminates at the cross and empty tomb, where the true Royal Representative bears our shame and robes His people in glory (Philippians 2:6–11; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Forms and Transliterations וְתַכְרִ֥יךְ ותכריך vetachRich wə·ṯaḵ·rîḵ wəṯaḵrîḵLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 8:15 HEB: זָהָב֙ גְּדוֹלָ֔ה וְתַכְרִ֥יךְ בּ֖וּץ וְאַרְגָּמָ֑ן NAS: of gold and a garment of fine linen KJV: of gold, and with a garment of fine linen INT: of gold A large garment of fine and purple 1 Occurrence |
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