Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Apparel in the Bible is a significant topic that encompasses various aspects of clothing, its symbolism, and its practical uses. Throughout the Scriptures, apparel is often mentioned in the context of cultural practices, religious observances, and moral teachings.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, apparel often signifies status, identity, and religious observance. Genesis 3:21 records the first instance of clothing, where God made garments of skin for Adam and Eve after the Fall, indicating a divine provision and the covering of human shame. Clothing in ancient Israel was typically made from wool, linen, or animal skins, and its style and quality could denote social status or wealth. The priestly garments described in Exodus 28 are particularly significant, as they were designed for glory and beauty, symbolizing the holiness and service of the priests. The high priest's ephod, breastplate, and other garments were intricately designed and held deep spiritual meaning, representing the tribes of Israel before God. In Deuteronomy 22:5, the law prohibits cross-dressing, stating, "A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this." This reflects the importance of maintaining distinct gender roles and identities as ordained by God. New Testament Context In the New Testament, apparel continues to hold symbolic meaning. Jesus, in Matthew 6:28-29, uses the example of the lilies of the field to teach about God's provision, emphasizing that even Solomon in all his splendor was not dressed like one of these. This passage highlights the futility of anxiety over material needs and the importance of trusting in God's care. The Apostle Paul addresses apparel in the context of modesty and propriety. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, he instructs women to dress modestly and with decency, focusing on good deeds rather than outward adornment. Similarly, 1 Peter 3:3-4 advises women that their beauty should not come from outward adornment but from the inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons Apparel in the Bible often symbolizes righteousness and salvation. Isaiah 61:10 declares, "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness." This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:24) and to clothe themselves with Christ (Galatians 3:27). The Book of Revelation also uses apparel symbolically, depicting the saints in white robes, representing purity and victory through the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). Cultural and Practical Aspects Apparel in biblical times was not only functional but also a reflection of cultural norms and religious practices. Sackcloth, for instance, was worn as a sign of mourning or repentance (Jonah 3:5-6). The tearing of garments was a common expression of grief or distress (2 Samuel 1:11). In summary, apparel in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol of identity, spiritual truth, and divine provision. It reflects cultural practices and conveys deeper theological meanings, reminding believers of the importance of modesty, righteousness, and reliance on God's provision. Easton's Bible Dictionary In Old Testament times the distinction between male and female attire was not very Marked. The statute forbidding men to wear female apparel (Deuteronomy 22:5) referred especially to ornaments and head-dresses. Both men and women wore (1) an under garment or tunic, which was bound by a girdle. One who had only this tunic on was spoken of as "naked" (1 Samuel 19:24; Job 24:10; Isaiah 20:2). Those in high stations sometimes wore two tunics, the outer being called the "upper garment" (1 Samuel 15:27; 18:4; 24:5; Job 1:20). (2.) They wore in common an over-garment ("mantle, Isaiah 3:22; 1 Kings 19:13; 2 Kings 2:13), a loose and flowing robe. The folds of this upper garment could be formed into a lap (Ruth 3:15; Psalm 79:12; Proverbs 17:23; Luke 6:38). Generals of armies usually wore scarlet robes (Judges 8:26; Nahum 2:3). A form of conspicuous raiment is mentioned in Luke 20:46; comp. Matthew 23:5. Priests alone wore trousers. Both men and women wore turbans. Kings and nobles usually had a store of costly garments for festive occasions (Isaiah 3:22; Zechariah 3:4) and for presents (Genesis 45:22; Esther 4:4; 6:8, 11; 1 Samuel 18:4; 2 Kings 5:5; 10:22). Prophets and ascetics wore coarse garments (Isaiah 20:2; Zechariah 13:4; Matthew 3:4). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) External clothing; vesture; garments; dress; garb; external habiliments or array.2. (n.) A small ornamental piece of embroidery worn on albs and some other ecclesiastical vestments. 3. (n.) The furniture of a ship, as masts, sails, rigging, anchors, guns, etc. 4. (v. t.) To make or get (something) ready; to prepare. 5. (v. t.) To furnish with apparatus; to equip; to fit out. 6. (v. t.) To dress or clothe; to attire. 7. (v. t.) To dress with external ornaments; to cover with something ornamental; to deck; to embellish; as, trees appareled with flowers, or a garden with verdure. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia APPARELa-par'-el: The English equivalent of six Hebrew and three Greek words, variously signifying all kinds of raiment, chiefly garments costly and beautiful: ornamental (2 Samuel 1:24); royal, as of Ahasuerus (Esther 6:8), of Herod (Acts 12:21, esthes); of kings' daughters (2 Samuel 13:18); priestly (Ezra 3:10); also mourning (2 Samuel 14:2). In 1 Samuel 17:38, 39 "apparel" replaces "armor" of King James Version: "Saul clad David with his apparel," probably some close-fitting garment worn under the armor, or sometimes without it. Severe judgment was pronounced on Jewish princes who clothed themselves with "strange" (the King James Version), i.e. "with foreign apparel" (Ze 1:8; compare Isaiah 2:6-8). "Modest apparel" as against "costly raiment" is commended as suited to Christians (1 Timothy 2:9; himatismos, and katastole). Angels are robed in white apparel (Acts 1:10; compare Luke 24:4, "dazzling"). Fig. of the glorious and red (suggestive of the wine-press) apparel of the Messiah (Isaiah 63:1, 2), and of "a meek and quiet spirit" (1 Peter 3:4). Greek 1742. enduma -- apparel (esp. the outer robe) ... enduma. 1743 . apparel (esp. ... Word Origin from enduo Definition apparel (esp. the outer robe) NASB Word Usage clothes (2), clothing (5), garment (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1742.htm - 6k 4749. stole -- equipment, apparel 2066. esthes -- clothing 2689. katastole -- a garment 2441. himatismos -- clothing 2440. himation -- an outer garment, a cloak, robe Strong's Hebrew 4458. meltachah -- probably wardrobe, wearing apparel... 4457, 4458. meltachah. 4459 . probably wardrobe, wearing apparel. Transliteration: meltachah Phonetic Spelling: (mel-taw-khaw') Short Definition: wardrobe. ... /hebrew/4458.htm - 6k 899. beged -- treachery 3830. lebush -- a garment, clothing, raiment 3847. labash -- to put on, wear, clothe, be clothed 1264. berom -- variegated cloth 8071. simlah -- a wrapper, mantle 4403. malbush -- raiment, attire 4254. machalatsah -- robe of state Library On the Apparel of Women Of Modesty in the Outward Apparel (Two Articles) Spiritual Apparel; Namely, the Robe of Righteousness, and Garments ... Spiritual Apparel. Isa. 61:10:00 Introduction. Modesty in Apparel Becoming to Women, Whether There Can be virtue and vice in Connection with Outward ... On the Apparel of Women If any Woman, under Pretence of Asceticism, Shall Change Her ... That it Does not Become one in Holy Orders to be Clad in Costly ... Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Wear Coarser Clothes than ... Thesaurus Apparel (38 Occurrences)... The statute forbidding men to wear female apparel (Deuteronomy 22:5) referred especially to ornaments and head-dresses. ... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. APPAREL. ... /a/apparel.htm - 24k Attire (11 Occurrences) Dress (38 Occurrences) Deportment (12 Occurrences) Cupbearers (2 Occurrences) Cup-bearers (7 Occurrences) Array (63 Occurrences) Attending (14 Occurrences) Splendid (14 Occurrences) Attendants (30 Occurrences) Resources Why does the Bible speak against braided hair? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Christians are not of this world? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian woman wear sexually provocative lingerie for her husband? | GotQuestions.org Apparel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Apparel (38 Occurrences)Luke 23:11 Luke 24:4 Acts 1:10 Acts 10:30 Acts 12:21 Acts 20:33 1 Timothy 2:9 James 2:2 James 2:3 1 Peter 3:3 1 Peter 3:4 Deuteronomy 22:5 Judges 17:10 1 Samuel 17:38 1 Samuel 17:39 1 Samuel 18:4 1 Samuel 27:9 2 Samuel 1:24 2 Samuel 12:20 2 Samuel 14:2 2 Samuel 20:8 1 Kings 10:5 2 Chronicles 9:4 Ezra 3:10 Esther 5:1 Esther 6:8 Esther 6:9 Esther 6:10 Esther 6:11 Esther 8:15 Psalms 109:19 Isaiah 3:22 Isaiah 4:1 Isaiah 63:1 Isaiah 63:2 Zephaniah 1:8 Zechariah 3:4 Zechariah 14:14 Subtopics Related Terms |
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