In biblical times, cloaks were essential garments, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. They were typically outer garments worn over tunics, providing warmth and protection from the elements. Cloaks are mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, often carrying deeper spiritual and cultural significance.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, cloaks were commonly used and held various symbolic meanings. For instance, in Exodus 22:26-27, the cloak is mentioned in the context of collateral for a loan: "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?" . This passage highlights the cloak's importance as a basic necessity for warmth and protection.

The cloak also appears in the account of Elijah and Elisha. In 1 Kings 19:19, Elijah places his cloak on Elisha, symbolizing the transfer of prophetic authority: "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" . This act signified Elisha's calling to follow Elijah and eventually succeed him as a prophet.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, cloaks continue to hold significance. In the Gospels, cloaks are often mentioned in the context of Jesus' ministry. For example, in Matthew 5:40, Jesus teaches about non-retaliation and generosity: "If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well" . Here, the cloak represents a willingness to go beyond what is required, embodying the spirit of selflessness and love.

Cloaks also appear in the account of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In Matthew 21:7-8, the crowd spreads their cloaks on the road as a sign of honor and respect: "They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road" . This act symbolized the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and King.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Cloaks in biblical times were often made of wool or linen and varied in quality and style, reflecting the wearer's social status. They were multifunctional, serving as blankets at night and protection during travel. The act of tearing one's cloak was a common expression of grief or repentance, as seen in the account of Job: "Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped" (Job 1:20).

In a spiritual sense, cloaks can symbolize righteousness and divine protection. Isaiah 61:10 speaks of being clothed with garments of salvation: "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 conveys the idea of being covered and protected by God's grace and righteousness.

Overall, cloaks in the Bible serve as more than just physical garments; they are rich in symbolism, representing authority, protection, and the transformative power of God's calling and righteousness.2440. himation -- an outer garment, a cloak, robe
... form of heima (a garment) Definition an outer garment, a cloak, robe NASB Word Usage
cloak (8), cloaks (1), clothes (1), clothing (2), coat (4), coats (8 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2440.htm - 7k4304. mitpachath -- a cloak
... Word Origin from taphach Definition a cloak NASB Word Usage cloak (1), cloaks (1).
vail, wimple. From taphach; a wide cloak (for a woman) -- vail, wimple. ...
/hebrew/4304.htm - 6k

Of Putting Off Cloaks.
... Chapter XV."Of Putting Off Cloaks. But since we have touched on one special
point of empty observance, [8851] it will not be irksome ...
/.../tertullian/on prayer/chapter xv of putting off cloaks.htm

Personal Notes: Relics Nearby that the Three Kings had Given to ...
... A piece of the cloth that covered the little table on which the kings laid their
presents and a piece of one of their cloaks are among my own relics.' [138 ...
/.../the life of the blessed virgin mary/xv personal notes relics nearby.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... They were all muffled in the long cloaks of Spain, but I instantly knew
by their demeanour that they were caballeros, or gentlemen. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 30.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... of the blessed Gospel. Suddenly two men wrapped in long cloaks came down
the narrow and almost deserted street. They were about ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 14.htm

The Test by Fire
... Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their robes, and their
other garments, and were thrown into the burning, fiery furnace. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the test by fire.htm

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
... 7 And they bring { ^a brought} the ass, and the colt, { ^c him} ^b unto Jesus,
^a and put on them their garments [The garments were the loose cloaks worn over ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cv jesus triumphal entry into.htm

The Puritan Beginnings of the Church in virginia ---Its Decline ...
... General and the Admiral and the Vice-Admiral and the Master of the Horse, together
with the body-guard of fifty halberdiers in fair red cloaks, commanded by ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter v the puritan beginnings.htm

The Story of Benjamin.
... Taking off their sandals and cloaks at the steps, the ten Hebrew shepherds
went between the pillars at the door and stood waiting. ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the story of benjamin.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... raised his hands to heaven the flames leapt up and burned the flesh; and all the
time the men of the village stood round him in their rough cloaks and striped ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

The Entry into Jerusalem.
... Others unwrapped their loose cloaks from their shoulders and spread them along the
rough path to form a carpet as He approached"a custom which is still, it ...
/.../ii the entry into jerusalem.htm

Cloaks (13 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cloaks (13 Occurrences). ... Luke 19:35 They brought it to
Jesus. They threw their cloaks on the colt, and set Jesus on them. (WEB NIV). ...
/c/cloaks.htm - 9k

Coats (29 Occurrences)
... Luke 19:35 They brought it to Jesus. They threw their cloaks on the colt, and set
Jesus on them. ... Luke 19:36 As he went, they spread their cloaks in the way. ...
/c/coats.htm - 14k

Threw (133 Occurrences)
... He was a Samaritan. (WEY NIV). Luke 19:35 They brought it to Jesus. They threw their
cloaks on the colt, and set Jesus on them. (WEB ASV NAS NIV). ...
/t/threw.htm - 34k

Clod (1 Occurrence)

/c/clod.htm - 8k

Kinds (110 Occurrences)
... On his arrival they took him upstairs, and the widow women all came and stood by
his side, weeping and showing him the underclothing and cloaks and garments of ...
/k/kinds.htm - 36k

Upstairs (8 Occurrences)
... On his arrival they took him upstairs, and the widow women all came and stood by
his side, weeping and showing him the underclothing and cloaks and garments of ...
/u/upstairs.htm - 8k

Underclothing (1 Occurrence)
... On his arrival they took him upstairs, and the widow women all came and stood by
his side, weeping and showing him the underclothing and cloaks and garments of ...
/u/underclothing.htm - 7k

Guarding (16 Occurrences)
... Acts 22:20 When the blood of Stephen, your witness, was shed, I also was standing
by, and consenting to his death, and guarding the cloaks of those who killed ...
/g/guarding.htm - 10k

Waved (29 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Waved (29 Occurrences). Acts 22:23 As they cried out,
and threw off their cloaks, and threw dust into the air, (See RSV). ...
/w/waved.htm - 16k

Tossing (4 Occurrences)
... the waves; (See NIV). Acts 22:23 As they cried out, and threw off their cloaks,
and threw dust into the air, (See NAS). Job 7:4 When ...
/t/tossing.htm - 7k

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