Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the headdress served both practical and symbolic purposes, reflecting cultural, religious, and social significance. The use of headdresses is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often indicating status, modesty, or religious observance.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, headdresses were commonly worn by both men and women. For men, the headdress often signified authority or priestly function. The high priest's turban, for example, was an essential part of the priestly garments. Exodus 28:4 describes the garments of the high priest, including the turban: "These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve Me as priests." Women’s headdresses were often associated with modesty and marital status. In Genesis 24:65, Rebekah covers herself with a veil upon meeting Isaac, indicating her modesty and readiness for marriage: "and said to the servant, 'Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?' 'It is my master,' the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself." New Testament References In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11:4-7, emphasizing the importance of head coverings for women during prayer and prophecy as a sign of authority and respect: "Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as if her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man." Cultural and Symbolic Significance Headdresses in biblical times were often made from materials such as linen, wool, or leather, and could be adorned with jewels or embroidery, especially for those of higher status. The headdress served as a symbol of dignity and respect, and its style and adornment could indicate the wearer’s social or religious standing. In Isaiah 3:18-23, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the judgment on the daughters of Zion, listing various adornments, including headdresses, that will be taken away: "In that day the Lord will take away the finery of their anklets and headbands and crescents, their pendants, bracelets, and veils, their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes, their perfume bottles and charms, their signet rings and nose rings, their festive robes, capes, cloaks, and purses." Religious Observance and Modesty The headdress also played a role in religious observance and expressions of modesty. For Jewish men, the wearing of a head covering, such as a kippah or yarmulke, has become a traditional practice symbolizing reverence before God, although this specific practice is not directly mentioned in the biblical text. For women, the head covering was a sign of modesty and submission, reflecting the cultural norms of the time. The practice of head covering for women has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history, with some traditions maintaining the practice as a sign of respect and others viewing it as a cultural custom specific to the time of the early church. Overall, the headdress in biblical times was a multifaceted symbol, deeply embedded in the cultural, religious, and social fabric of the ancient world, reflecting the values and beliefs of the people who wore them. Smith's Bible Dictionary HeaddressThe Hebrews do not appear to have regarded a covering for the head as an essential article of dress. Hats were unknown. The earliest notice we have of such a thing is in connection with the sacerdotal vestments. (Exodus 28:40) The tsaniph (something like a turban) is noticed as being worn by nobles, (Job 29:14) ladies, (Isaiah 3:23) and kings, (Isaiah 62:3) while the peer was an article of holiday dress, (Isaiah 61:3) Authorized Version "beauty;" (Ezekiel 24:17,23) and was worn at weddings. (Isaiah 61:10) The ordinary head-dress of the Bedouin consists of the keffieh , a square handkerchief, generally of red and yellow cotton or cotton and silk, folded so that three of the corners hang down over the back and shoulders, leaving the face exposed, and bound round the head by a cord. It is not improbable that a similar covering was used by the Hebrews on certain occasions. The Assyrian head-dress is described in (Ezekiel 23:15) under the terms "exceeding in dyed attire." The word rendered "hats" in (Daniel 3:21) properly applies to a cloak. Easton's Bible Dictionary Not in common use among the Hebrews. It is first mentioned in Exodus 28:40 (A.V., "bonnets;" R.V., "head-tires"). It was used especially for purposes of ornament (Job 29:14; Isaiah 3:23; 62:3). The Hebrew word here used, tsaniph, properly means a turban, folds of linen wound round the head. The Hebrew word peer, used in Isaiah 61:3, there rendered "beauty" (A.V.) and "garland" (R.V.), is a head-dress or turban worn by females (Isaiah 3: 20, "bonnets"), priests (Exodus 39:28), a bridegroom (Isaiah 61:10, "ornament;" R.V., "garland"). Ezek. 16:10 and Jonah 2:5 are to be understood of the turban wrapped round the head. The Hebrew shebisim (Isaiah 3:18), in the Authorized Version rendered "cauls," and marg. "networks," denotes probably a kind of netted head-dress. The "horn" (Hebrews keren) mentioned in 1 Samuel 2:1 is the head-dress called by the Druses of Mount Lebanon the tantura. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A covering or ornament for the head; a headtire.2. (n.) A manner of dressing the hair or of adorning it, whether with or without a veil, ribbons, combs, etc. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HEADDRESShed'dres. Strong's Hebrew 6287b. peer -- headdress, turban... 6287a, 6287b. peer. 6288 . headdress, turban. Transliteration: peer Short Definition: garland. Word Origin from paar Definition ... /hebrew/6287b.htm - 5k Library The Speaking Statue Again The World, the Flesh, and the Devil The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple A vision of Judgement and Cleansing Letter Liv. To Furia. Chaldaean Civilization Ephesians iv. 31 Ancestors of the Blessed virgin The Immaculate Conception Chapter xx Thesaurus Headdress (1 Occurrence)... etc. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HEADDRESS. hed'dres. See DRESS. Multi-Version Concordance Headdress (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel ... /h/headdress.htm - 8k Turban (13 Occurrences) Tower (74 Occurrences) Bonnet (1 Occurrence) Cornet (8 Occurrences) Dress (38 Occurrences) Head-dress (22 Occurrences) Ostrich (9 Occurrences) Fret (9 Occurrences) Tire (5 Occurrences) Resources What is cultural appropriation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)? | GotQuestions.org Headdress: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Headdress (1 Occurrence)Ezekiel 24:17 Subtopics Related Terms |