Definition and Etymology:
The term "hosen" refers to a type of garment mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of clothing worn by certain individuals. The word "hosen" is derived from the Old English "hose," which historically referred to a covering for the legs, akin to stockings or breeches. In the biblical context, it is used to describe a part of the attire of the Jewish captives in Babylon.

Biblical References:
The primary reference to "hosen" is found in the Book of Daniel. In Daniel 3:21, the Berean Standard Bible states: "So they were tied up, wearing robes, trousers, turbans, and other clothes, and were thrown into the blazing furnace." Here, "trousers" is the term used in the BSB, which corresponds to "hosen" in other translations. This passage describes the attire of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they were cast into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near Eastern context, clothing was an important indicator of status, identity, and cultural affiliation. The mention of "hosen" or trousers in Daniel 3:21 highlights the influence of Babylonian culture on the Jewish exiles. Trousers were not traditionally part of Hebrew attire, suggesting an adaptation to the customs of their captors. This adaptation can be seen as a reflection of the broader theme of the Jewish people's resilience and ability to maintain their faith and identity even while adopting certain aspects of foreign cultures.

Theological Significance:
The account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, including the detail of their clothing, underscores the theme of divine protection and faithfulness. Despite being fully clothed and bound, the three men emerged unharmed from the furnace, demonstrating God's power to deliver His faithful servants. The inclusion of specific garments like "hosen" serves to emphasize the miraculous nature of their preservation, as even their clothes were untouched by the flames.

Symbolism and Interpretation:
From a symbolic perspective, the "hosen" can be seen as representing the intersection of cultural assimilation and spiritual steadfastness. While the Jewish exiles adopted certain elements of Babylonian dress, they did not compromise their devotion to God. This duality is a recurring theme in the Book of Daniel, where external conformity is contrasted with internal fidelity to God's commandments.

Relevance for Today:
The mention of "hosen" in the Bible, though seemingly minor, invites reflection on the broader themes of cultural engagement and spiritual integrity. Believers today can draw inspiration from the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who navigated the complexities of living in a foreign land while remaining true to their faith. The account encourages Christians to consider how they can engage with contemporary culture without compromising their core beliefs and values.1. (n.) Plural of Hose.

2. (n. pl.) See Hose.

HOSEN

ho'-z'-n.

See BREECHES.

Harmless Fires
... Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their
other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.22. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/harmless fires.htm

The Fiery Furnace
... "Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their
other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 41 the fiery furnace.htm

Klementos Pros Korinthious B
... tosouton agathon. hosen gar hedonen echei ta rhemata tauta tois poiesasin
auta, tosauten katakrisin echei tois parakousasin. XVI. 1 ...
/.../lake/the apostolic fathers/klementos pros korinthious b.htm

Of St. Austin that Brought Christendom to England
... an holy and devout place; and as it is said that of old time, ancient holy men that
used to come thither would at the entry of it do off their hosen and shoes ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/of st austin that brought.htm

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... his threats. They do not even take off their hats to him. There they stand
in their hosen and their hats calm and quiet. They defy ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/godly fear and its goodly.htm

Fire! Fire! Fire!
... You shall not be burned, neither shall your hosen, nor your hats, but like the men
that you read of in Daniel, you shall be wholly preserved intact from the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/fire fire fire.htm

The Same Necessary and Eternal Different Relations
A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God. <. ...
/.../i proposition i the same.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Breeches (6 Occurrences)
... reference to a similar garment among the Israelites is found in Daniel 3:21, where
the carbal, the Revised Version (British and American) "hosen," is mentioned ...
/b/breeches.htm - 12k

Cloaks (13 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:21 Then these men were bound in their hosen, their tunics, and their cloaks,
and their garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery ...
/c/cloaks.htm - 9k

Hosen (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Plural of Hose. 2. (n. pl.) See Hose. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
HOSEN. ho'-z'-n. See BREECHES. Multi-Version Concordance Hosen (2 Occurrences). ...
/h/hosen.htm - 7k

Prefects (18 Occurrences)
... gathered together, saw these men, that the fire had no power upon their bodies,
nor was the hair of their head singed, neither were their hosen changed, nor ...
/p/prefects.htm - 12k

Coats (29 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats,
and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery ...
/c/coats.htm - 14k

Dress (38 Occurrences)
... The King James Version margin has "mantles" the English Revised Version "hosen"
the American Standard Revised Version "breeches" (see HOSEN). ...
/d/dress.htm - 53k

Hats (1 Occurrence)
... Daniel 3:21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats,
and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery ...
/h/hats.htm - 6k

Hoshaiah (3 Occurrences)

/h/hoshaiah.htm - 8k

Ministers (49 Occurrences)
... gathered together, saw these men, that the fire had no power upon their bodies,
nor was the hair of their head singed, neither were their hosen changed, nor ...
/m/ministers.htm - 21k

Hose (1 Occurrence)
... Daniel 3:21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats,
and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery ...
/h/hose.htm - 7k

Hosen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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