Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia A cloak in biblical times was a significant garment, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. It was typically a loose outer garment, often made of wool, that provided protection against the elements. The cloak is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, reflecting its importance in daily life and its symbolic meanings.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the cloak is often associated with authority and prophetic office. For instance, Elijah's cloak is a notable symbol of his prophetic authority. In 1 Kings 19:19, Elijah throws his cloak over Elisha, signifying the transfer of his prophetic role: "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him." The cloak also served as a pledge or collateral in financial transactions. In Exodus 22:26-27, the law provides protection for the poor by requiring the return of a cloak taken as a pledge before sunset: "If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am compassionate." New Testament References In the New Testament, the cloak continues to hold practical and symbolic significance. Jesus refers to the cloak in His teachings, emphasizing the principle of non-retaliation and generosity. In Matthew 5:40, He instructs, "If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." This teaching underscores the call to go beyond what is required, demonstrating a spirit of love and selflessness. The cloak also appears in the context of healing and faith. In Mark 10:50, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, throws aside his cloak when Jesus calls him, symbolizing his faith and readiness to receive healing: "Throwing aside his cloak, Bartimaeus jumped up and came to Jesus." Additionally, the Apostle Paul mentions a cloak in a personal request in 2 Timothy 4:13, highlighting its practical necessity: "When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments." Symbolism and Cultural Context The cloak often symbolizes protection, authority, and identity. In ancient cultures, a person's cloak was a valuable possession, sometimes used as a blanket at night. The act of tearing one's cloak was a sign of mourning or distress, as seen in the actions of Job (Job 1:20) and others. In the broader cultural context, the cloak was a versatile garment, essential for travel and daily life. It was often made from heavy materials to provide warmth and could be used to carry belongings. Conclusion The cloak in biblical times was more than just a piece of clothing; it was a symbol of authority, a practical necessity, and a representation of one's identity and status. Its presence in both the Old and New Testaments highlights its enduring significance in the biblical narrative. Easton's Bible Dictionary An upper garment, "an exterior tunic, wide and long, reaching to the ankles, but without sleeves" (Isaiah 59:17). The word so rendered is elsewhere rendered "robe" or "mantle." It was worn by the high priest under the ephod (Exodus 28:31), by kings and others of rank (1 Samuel 15:27; Job 1:20; 2:12), and by women (2 Samuel 13:18).The word translated "cloke", i.e., outer garment, in Matthew 5:40 is in its plural form used of garments in general (Matthew 17:2; 26:65). The cloak mentioned here and in Luke 6:29 was the Greek himation, Latin pallium, and consisted of a large square piece of wollen cloth fastened round the shoulders, like the abba of the Arabs. This could be taken by a creditor (Exodus 22:26, 27), but the coat or tunic (Gr. chiton) mentioned in Matthew 5:40 could not. The cloak which Paul "left at Troas" (2 Timothy 4:13) was the Roman paenula, a thick upper garment used chiefly in travelling as a protection from the weather. Some, however, have supposed that what Paul meant was a travelling-bag. In the Syriac version the word used means a bookcase. (see Dress.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A loose outer garment, extending from the neck downwards, and commonly without sleeves. It is longer than a cape, and is worn both by men and by women.2. (n.) That which conceals; a disguise or pretext; an excuse; a fair pretense; a mask; a cover. 3. (v. t.) To cover with, or as with, a cloak; hence, to hide or conceal. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CLOAK; CLOKEklok, (me`il, simlah, etc.; himation, stole, etc.): "Cloke" is retained in the English Revised Version, as in the King James Version, instead of modern "cloak" (American Revised Version). In the Old Testament, me'il (compare New Testament himation) uniformly stands for the ordinary upper garment worn over the coat (kethoneth). In Matthew 5:40 both "cloak" and "coat" are mentioned together; compare Luke 6:29. In size and material the "cloak" differed according to age and sex, class and occupation, but in shape it was like our mantle or shawl. It might be sewed up to have the surplice form of the robe of the Ephod (Exodus 39:23), or be worn loose and open like a Roman toga, the Arabic Abaa, or the Geneva gown. This is the "garment" referred to in Genesis 39:12 Exodus 22:26 Deuteronomy 24:13; "the robe" that Jonathan "stripped himself of" and gave to David (1 Samuel 18:4); "the robe" of Saul, "the robe" in which it is said the "old man" (Samuel) was "covered" (1 Samuel 28:14); and in the New Testament "the best robe" put on the returning prodigal (Luke 15:22). Paul's "cloak" that he left at Troas (2 Timothy 4:13; phailones, Latin, paenula, Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek phelones), it has been suggested, "may have been a light mantle like a cashmere dust-cloak, in which the books and parchment were wrapped" Greek 5511. chlamus -- a chlamys or short cloak ... a chlamys or short cloak. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: chlamus Phonetic Spelling: (khlam-ooce') Short Definition: a short cloak Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5511.htm - 7k 5315b. phailones -- a cloak 5341. phelones -- cloak. 2440. himation -- an outer garment, a cloak, robe 1942. epikalumma -- a cover, veil 4210. porphurous -- purple 5509. chiton -- a tunic 4018. peribolaion -- that which is thrown around, a covering Strong's Hebrew 4304. mitpachath -- a cloak... 4303, 4304. mitpachath. 4305 . a cloak. Transliteration: mitpachath Phonetic Spelling: (mit-pakh'-ath) Short Definition: cloak. ... /hebrew/4304.htm - 6k 145. eder -- glory, magnificence, a mantle, cloak 155. addereth -- glory, a cloak 4598. meil -- a robe 8008. salmah -- a wrapper, mantle 8071. simlah -- a wrapper, mantle 4595. maataphah -- an overtunic 5622. sarbal -- probably a mantle 4055. mad -- a measure, cloth garment Library How Jesus Carried Water in a Cloak. Heretics Usually Cover their Doctrines with a Cloak of Holy ... The Revolt of Babylon. 2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep Elucidations. Christ Appears to St. Martin. Of Arsenius, and his Hand which was Said to have Been Cut Off. Personal Notes: Relics Nearby that the Three Kings had Given to ... Annas and Caiaphas, Summas and Datam, Gamaliel, Judas, Levi... Having Called a Council, the High Priests and Scribes Annas and ... Thesaurus Cloak (73 Occurrences)... The cloak mentioned here and in Luke 6:29 was the Greek himation, Latin pallium, and consisted of a large square piece of wollen cloth fastened round the ... /c/cloak.htm - 30k Cloke (7 Occurrences) Mantle (35 Occurrences) Parchments (1 Occurrence) Coat (54 Occurrences) Inside (185 Occurrences) Crimson (10 Occurrences) Carpus (1 Occurrence) Belt (32 Occurrences) Garments (232 Occurrences) Resources What can we learn from the account of Potiphar's wife? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the Lady of Guadalupe? Were the apparitions of Mary at Guadalupe real? | GotQuestions.org Who was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Cloak: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cloak (73 Occurrences)Matthew 5:40 Matthew 9:16 Matthew 9:20 Matthew 9:21 Matthew 14:36 Matthew 24:18 Matthew 27:28 Matthew 27:31 Mark 5:27 Mark 6:56 Mark 10:50 Mark 13:16 Mark 15:17 Mark 15:20 Luke 6:29 Luke 8:44 Luke 22:36 John 15:22 John 19:2 John 19:5 John 19:24 Acts 12:8 1 Thessalonians 2:5 2 Timothy 4:13 1 Peter 2:16 Genesis 39:12 Genesis 39:15 Genesis 39:16 Genesis 39:18 Exodus 4:6 Exodus 4:7 Exodus 12:11 Exodus 22:26 Exodus 22:27 Exodus 28:4 Exodus 28:31 Exodus 28:34 Exodus 39:22 Exodus 39:23 Exodus 39:24 Exodus 39:25 Exodus 39:26 Leviticus 8:7 Deuteronomy 22:3 Deuteronomy 22:12 Deuteronomy 24:13 Deuteronomy 24:17 Judges 3:16 Ruth 3:15 1 Kings 11:29 1 Kings 11:30 1 Kings 18:46 1 Kings 19:13 1 Kings 19:19 2 Kings 2:8 2 Kings 2:13 2 Kings 4:29 2 Kings 4:39 2 Kings 9:1 Ezra 9:3 Ezra 9:5 Psalms 102:26 Psalms 104:2 Psalms 104:6 Psalms 109:29 Proverbs 21:14 Proverbs 30:4 Song of Songs 5:7 Isaiah 3:6 Isaiah 3:7 Isaiah 9:5 Isaiah 59:17 Jeremiah 43:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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