Jump to: Topical • ATS • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Purpose: Clothes, in the biblical context, serve both practical and symbolic purposes. They provide protection and modesty, signify status and identity, and often carry spiritual symbolism. Clothing is mentioned throughout the Bible, from the garments of Adam and Eve to the robes of the priests and the attire of Jesus Christ. Biblical Origins: The first mention of clothing in the Bible occurs in Genesis 3:21, where God made garments of skin for Adam and Eve after the Fall: "And the LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and He clothed them." This act signifies God's provision and care, even after humanity's disobedience. Symbolism and Significance: Clothing in the Bible often symbolizes righteousness or unrighteousness. For instance, 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." Conversely, filthy garments can symbolize sin, as seen in Zechariah 3:3-4, where Joshua the high priest is given clean garments to replace his filthy ones, representing the removal of iniquity. Priestly Garments: The attire of the priests, particularly the high priest, was detailed and significant. Exodus 28 describes the garments of Aaron, the first high priest, including the ephod, breastplate, robe, and turban. These garments were not only for glory and beauty but also served as a means of consecration and identification of the priestly role. Cultural and Social Aspects: Clothing in biblical times also reflected cultural and social norms. For example, Joseph's "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3) was a sign of his father's favor and possibly his status within the family. In the New Testament, the parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:11-12 highlights the importance of appropriate attire, symbolizing readiness and acceptance of God's invitation. Modesty and Adornment: The Bible addresses modesty and the adornment of clothing, particularly in the New Testament. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 advises women to dress modestly and with propriety, focusing on good deeds rather than outward adornment: "Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God." Spiritual Clothing: The New Testament frequently uses clothing metaphorically to describe spiritual truths. Believers are encouraged to "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:24) and to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12). These exhortations emphasize the transformation and renewal that come through faith in Christ. Eschatological Imagery: In Revelation, clothing is used to depict the purity and victory of the saints. Revelation 19:8 describes the bride of Christ as being given "fine linen, bright and clean," symbolizing the righteous acts of the saints. This imagery underscores the ultimate redemption and glorification of believers. Conclusion: Throughout the Bible, clothing serves as a multifaceted symbol of God's provision, human identity, and spiritual truths. It reflects cultural practices, conveys moral and spiritual lessons, and points to the ultimate hope of being clothed in righteousness through Jesus Christ. Topical Bible Verses Matthew 6:25-34Therefore I say to you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Topicalbible.org 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 1 Corinthians 4:5 ATS Bible Dictionary ClothesSee GARMENTS. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Plural of Cloth.2. (n. pl.) Covering for the human body; dress; vestments; vesture; -- a general term for whatever covering is worn, or is made to be worn, for decency or comfort. 3. (n. pl.) The covering of a bed; bedclothes. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CLOTHES, RENDING OFklothz, (keri`ath beghadhim): This term is used to describe an ordinary tear made in a garment. Samuel's skirt was rent when Saul laid hold upon it (1 Samuel 15:27). Jesus spoke about a rent being made in a garment (Matthew 9:16). The term is also used to describe a Hebrew custom which indicated deep sorrow. Upon the death of a relative or important personage, or when there was a great calamity, it was customary for the Hebrews to tear their garments. Reuben rent his clothes when he found that Joseph had been taken from the pit (Genesis 37:29). The sons of Jacob rent their clothes when the cup was found in Benjamin's sack (Genesis 44:13). A messenger came to Eli with his clothes rent to tell of the taking of the ark of God and of the death of his two sons (1 Samuel 4:12). David rent his garments when he heard that Absalom had slain his brothers (2 Samuel 13:31). See also 2 Samuel 15:32 2 Kings 18:37; Isaiah 36:22 Jeremiah 41:5. Rending of clothes was also an expression of indignation. The high priest rent his garment when Jesus spoke what he thought was blasphemy (Matthew 26:65). Greek 4683. sparganoo -- to wrap in swaddling clothes ... to wrap in swaddling clothes. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sparganoo Phonetic Spelling: (spar-gan-o'-o) Short Definition: I wrap in swaddling clothes ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4683.htm - 6k 2750. keiria -- a bandage, grave-clothes 5509. chiton -- a tunic 3608. othonion -- a piece of fine linen 292b. amphiazo -- to clothe 2440. himation -- an outer garment, a cloak, robe 5511. chlamus -- a chlamys or short cloak 2066. esthes -- clothing 555. apekdusis -- a stripping off 1742. enduma -- apparel (esp. the outer robe) Strong's Hebrew 8008. salmah -- a wrapper, mantle... salmah. 8009 . a wrapper, mantle. Transliteration: salmah Phonetic Spelling: (sal-maw') Short Definition: clothes. ... clothes, garment, raiment. Transp. ... /hebrew/8008.htm - 6k 1545. gelom -- a wrapping, garment 8071. simlah -- a wrapper, mantle 4055. mad -- a measure, cloth garment 5497. suth -- vesture 5499. sechabah -- a rag 3831. lebush -- a garment 899b. beged -- a garment, covering 6614. pethigil -- perhaps an expensive robe 899. beged -- treachery Library On Clothes. Song 22. Against Pride in Clothes. Song 22. Against Pride in Clothes. The Reason Why the Clothes of the Renunciants with which they ... Wesley Clothes French Prisoners Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Wear Coarser Clothes than ... The Reason Why those who Give up the World, when they are Received ... None of those who are in the Catalogue of the Clergy Shall Wear ... Does the Soul Take the Body's Clothes Also Away with It? A Slave Girl who Helped Her Master Thesaurus Clothes (208 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CLOTHES, RENDING OF. ... Reuben rent his clothes when he found that Joseph had been taken from the pit (Genesis 37:29). ... /c/clothes.htm - 37k Grave-clothes (1 Occurrence) Swaddling-clothes (2 Occurrences) Bathe (35 Occurrences) Tore (59 Occurrences) Toucheth (45 Occurrences) Wearing (43 Occurrences) Rending (8 Occurrences) Picks (7 Occurrences) Carries (27 Occurrences) Resources What did it mean to tear one's clothes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes? | GotQuestions.org Why did the time period of being unclean end in the evening? | GotQuestions.org Clothes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Clothes (208 Occurrences)Matthew 3:4 Matthew 6:25 Matthew 6:28 Matthew 6:30 Matthew 11:8 Matthew 17:2 Matthew 21:7 Matthew 21:8 Matthew 22:11 Matthew 22:12 Matthew 24:18 Matthew 25:36 Matthew 25:38 Matthew 25:43 Matthew 25:44 Matthew 26:65 Matthew 27:31 Matthew 27:35 Matthew 28:3 Mark 5:27 Mark 5:28 Mark 5:30 Mark 11:7 Mark 11:8 Mark 14:63 Mark 15:20 Mark 15:24 Luke 2:7 Luke 2:12 Luke 7:25 Luke 8:27 Luke 9:29 Luke 10:30 Luke 12:23 Luke 12:28 Luke 19:36 Luke 23:34 Luke 24:4 Luke 24:12 John 11:44 John 13:12 John 19:23 John 19:40 John 20:5 John 20:6 John 20:7 John 21:7 Acts 7:58 Acts 10:30 Acts 12:8 Acts 14:14 Acts 16:22 Acts 18:6 Acts 19:16 Acts 20:33 Acts 22:20 Acts 22:23 1 Timothy 2:9 James 2:2 James 2:3 James 2:15 James 5:2 1 Peter 3:3 Revelation 3:4 Revelation 3:18 Revelation 16:15 Genesis 27:15 Genesis 27:27 Genesis 28:20 Genesis 35:2 Genesis 37:29 Genesis 37:34 Genesis 38:14 Genesis 38:19 Genesis 41:14 Genesis 41:42 Genesis 44:13 Genesis 45:22 Genesis 49:11 Exodus 12:34 Exodus 19:10 Exodus 19:14 Exodus 31:10 Exodus 35:19 Exodus 39:1 Exodus 39:41 Leviticus 6:10 Leviticus 10:6 Leviticus 11:25 Leviticus 11:28 Leviticus 11:40 Leviticus 13:6 Leviticus 13:34 Leviticus 13:45 Leviticus 14:8 Leviticus 14:9 Leviticus 14:47 Leviticus 15:5 Leviticus 15:6 Leviticus 15:7 Subtopics Related Terms |