The term "armhole" appears in the Bible in contexts that often relate to clothing or armor, symbolizing vulnerability or a point of weakness. In the Berean Standard Bible, the word is used to describe a part of a garment or armor that is strategically significant, often in a metaphorical sense.

Biblical References:

1. Jeremiah 38:12 : "And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, 'Put these old rags and worn-out clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.' So Jeremiah did so." In this passage, the armhole is implied as a place where padding is needed to protect the body from injury when Jeremiah is being lifted out of the cistern. This highlights the armhole as a point of vulnerability that requires protection.

2. Ezekiel 13:18 : "And say, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on all their wrists and make veils of every size to ensnare souls. Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own?" Although the term "armhole" is not directly mentioned in this verse, the concept of sewing charms on wrists can be related to the idea of armholes as openings or points of attachment in garments. This passage criticizes false prophets and those who use deceptive practices, symbolizing spiritual vulnerability.

Symbolic Significance:

In biblical literature, the armhole can symbolize a point of weakness or exposure. It is a place where protection is necessary, whether in the form of padding, as seen in Jeremiah, or spiritual vigilance, as implied in Ezekiel. The armhole, therefore, serves as a metaphor for areas in life where one might be susceptible to harm or deception.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, garments and armor were crafted with specific openings for the arms, known as armholes. These were essential for mobility and functionality but also represented potential points of weakness in battle or daily life. The armhole's significance in biblical texts often extends beyond the physical to encompass spiritual and moral dimensions, reflecting the need for divine protection and integrity.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the armhole can be seen as a reminder of human vulnerability and the need for God's protection. Just as physical armholes require covering and reinforcement, believers are called to guard their spiritual lives against the snares of sin and false teachings. The armhole serves as a metaphor for the areas in life where one must remain vigilant and seek God's strength and guidance.1. (n.) The cavity under the shoulder; the armpit.

2. (n.) A hole for the arm in a garment.

ARMHOLE

arm'-hol: The Hebrew word 'atstsil, is used in Jeremiah 38:12 in the sense of armpits. When the prophet was pulled up out of the pit by ropes, the armpits were protected with rags and old garments. The meaning in Ezekiel 13:18 the King James Version (the Revised Version (British and American) "elbows," the Revised Version, margin "joints of the hands") is far from clear. The phrase is used, without doubt, of some ornament or article of dress worn by the false prophetesses and priestesses of Ashtaroth in order to allure the unwary and tempt the simple. The "pillows" were probably "amulets" supposed to have magical virtues, and worn on the arms or wrists.

W. W. Davies

The Sunday-School Teacher --A Steward
... Might there not have been a season when I uttered something by mistake, which may
have been a pillow for the armhole of his conscience on which he might rest? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the sunday-school teachera steward.htm

Armhole
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ARMHOLE. arm'-hol: The Hebrew word 'atstsil,
is used in Jeremiah 38:12 in the sense of armpits. ...
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Armholes (2 Occurrences)

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Armeth (1 Occurrence)

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