In the context of the Bible, "fashions" refers to the styles of dress, adornment, and personal appearance that are prevalent in a particular period or culture. The Bible addresses the concept of fashion in various ways, often focusing on the principles of modesty, humility, and the inner character of a person rather than outward appearance.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, clothing often had symbolic significance and was used to denote status, role, or identity. For example, Joseph's "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3) was a sign of his father's favor and set him apart from his brothers. Priestly garments, as described in Exodus 28, were elaborate and detailed, signifying the sacred duties of the priests.

The Israelites were also given specific instructions regarding clothing to distinguish themselves from surrounding nations. Deuteronomy 22:5 states, "A woman must not wear men's clothing, and a man must not wear women's clothing, for whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD your God." This command underscores the importance of maintaining distinct roles and identities as ordained by God.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts more towards the inner qualities of a person rather than their outward appearance. 1 Peter 3:3-4 advises, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight."

Similarly, 1 Timothy 2:9-10 instructs 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." These passages highlight the importance of modesty and the value of good works over physical appearance.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

Throughout biblical history, fashions have varied significantly, influenced by cultural, economic, and social factors. In ancient times, clothing was often made from wool, linen, or leather, and the styles were relatively simple. Wealthier individuals might have access to dyed fabrics and more elaborate designs.

The Bible does not prescribe specific fashions but rather provides principles that guide believers in their choices. Modesty, humility, and a focus on inner beauty are recurring themes. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:2 , advises, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This suggests that believers should not be overly influenced by worldly fashions but should instead focus on spiritual transformation.

Spiritual Implications

The Bible's teachings on fashion are closely linked to the broader theme of identity in Christ. Galatians 3:27 states, "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." This metaphorical clothing signifies a new identity and a call to live in a manner that reflects Christ's character.

Ultimately, the biblical perspective on fashion encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and their inner spiritual life over external appearances. The focus is on cultivating virtues that reflect God's character and living in a way that honors Him.3335. yatsar -- to form, fashion
... root Definition to form, fashion NASB Word Usage Creator (1), devises (1), earthenware*
(1), fashion (1), fashioned (1), fashioning (2), fashions (1), formed ...
/hebrew/3335.htm - 6k

6213a. asah -- do, make
... evildoer* (2), evildoers* (1), execute (24), executed (10), executes (5), executing
(1), exercise (1), exercises (1), exerted (1), fared (1), fashions (1), fit ...
/hebrew/6213a.htm - 8k

This Taught Me that those Fashions and Tinseled Vanities
... THE THIRD CENTURY 31 This taught me that those fashions and tinseled vanities.
This taught me that those fashions and tinseled vanities ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/31 this taught me that.htm

We Hear Much of the Human Error which Accepts what is Sham and ...
... I mean merely, as a guide to history, that we should not be surprised if things
wrought in fashions remote from ours seem artificial; we should convince ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 20 we hear much.htm

The Fruits of the Spirit.
... The old earnest hearts go home one by one to their rest; and the young earnest
hearts"and who shall blame them?"go elsewhere; and try new fashions of doing ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon vi the fruits of.htm

The Kingdom of Christ
... of the Jews. It is a comfort to remember this as we watch the world change,
and the fashions of it vanish away. Great kingdoms, venerable ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xxiii the kingdom of christ.htm

The victory of Faith
... answers, That in you which is born of God; and it, if you will listen to it, will
enable you to overcome the world's deceit, and its vain fashions, and foolish ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon vii the victory of.htm

External Foes.
... Worldly Habits and Fashions. For one thing we must fight worldly habits and
fashions. We must often go against the customs of the world. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/part iii external foes.htm

An Unanswerable Question.
... very impressible, and their character"the quality, that is, of their life"is fixed
by prevailing influences, which show themselves in fashions, habits, and ...
/.../percival/sermons at rugby/viii an unanswerable question.htm

Ezekiel xiii. 22
... There are allusions to customs,"to fashions rather,"common amongst the Israelites
at the time, which we can now scarcely do more than guess at; but we may ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xx ezekiel xiii 22.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... The frivolities of dress and laxity of morals introduced by James the First, increased
by the mixture of French fashions under the popish wife of Charles the ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

But if it Seems Difficult for You to Understand This...
... For he who constructs [1612] the temple interrogates him who fashions the image,
and inquires carefully about the measurements of magnitude, and breadth, and ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/19 but if it seems.htm

Fashions (10 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fashions (10 Occurrences). ... Psalms 33:15 he who fashions
all of their hearts; and he considers all of their works. (WEB NAS RSV). ...
/f/fashions.htm - 9k

Antiochians
... He promised, on condition the king would permit him to build a Greek gymnasium at
Jerusalem, "to train up the youth of his race in the fashions of the heathen ...
/a/antiochians.htm - 10k

Hair (135 Occurrences)
... case trichos, kome): 1. Hair Fashions: Hair was worn in different fashions by the
Orientals of Biblical times, and not always in the same way among the same ...
/h/hair.htm - 60k

Understands (16 Occurrences)
... place. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 33:15 he who fashions all of their hearts;
and he considers all of their works. (See NAS). Psalms ...
/u/understands.htm - 10k

Observes (14 Occurrences)
... His eyes examine the children of men. (See NIV). Psalms 33:15 he who fashions all
of their hearts; and he considers all of their works. (See RSV). ...
/o/observes.htm - 10k

Outlets (3 Occurrences)
... of the chambers that 'are' northward, according to their length so 'is' their breadth,
and all their outlets, and according to their fashions, and according to ...
/o/outlets.htm - 7k

Fashioner (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who fashions, forms, or gives shape to anything.
Multi-Version Concordance Fashioner (1 Occurrence). ...
/f/fashioner.htm - 6k

Fashioning (4 Occurrences)

/f/fashioning.htm - 7k

Exits (4 Occurrences)
... chambers which were toward the north; according to their length so was their breadth:
and all their exits were both according to their fashions, and according ...
/e/exits.htm - 7k

Egresses (3 Occurrences)
... which were toward the north; according to their length so was their breadth: and
all their egresses were both according to their fashions, and according to ...
/e/egresses.htm - 7k

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