Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant and holds significant importance in biblical times, both practically and symbolically. It is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, indicating its widespread use and cultural significance in ancient Israel and surrounding regions.Historical and Cultural Context Linen was highly valued in the ancient Near East for its durability, breathability, and fine quality. The process of making linen involved harvesting flax, retting, drying, and then spinning the fibers into thread. This labor-intensive process made linen a luxury item, often associated with wealth and status. Biblical References Linen is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, often in the context of priestly garments, tabernacle furnishings, and burial cloths. Its use is prescribed in various laws and rituals, underscoring its purity and suitability for sacred purposes. 1. Priestly Garments: Linen was the primary material for the garments of the priests, as commanded by God. In Exodus 28:39, the instructions for the priestly attire include a linen turban and sash: "You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion the sash with embroidery." 2. Tabernacle and Temple: The tabernacle, and later the temple, incorporated linen in its construction and furnishings. Exodus 26:1 describes the use of linen in the tabernacle curtains: "You are to make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them." 3. Symbol of Purity and Righteousness: Linen often symbolizes purity and righteousness in Scripture. Revelation 19:8 uses linen to describe the righteous acts of the saints: "She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure. For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints." 4. Burial Cloths: Linen was also used for burial purposes, as seen in the account of Jesus' burial. In John 19:40, it is recorded: "So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom." 5. Everyday Use: While linen was a luxury, it was also used in everyday life by those who could afford it. Proverbs 31:22 describes the virtuous woman: "She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple." Symbolic Significance Linen's association with purity and holiness is evident in its prescribed use for sacred purposes. The requirement for priests to wear linen garments signifies the need for purity when approaching God. The use of linen in the tabernacle and temple further emphasizes the holiness required in worship. In the New Testament, linen continues to symbolize righteousness and purity, as seen in the imagery of the saints' garments in Revelation. This symbolism extends to the believer's call to live a life of holiness and righteousness, clothed in the purity that comes from Christ. Conclusion Linen in the Bible is more than just a fabric; it is a symbol of purity, holiness, and righteousness. Its use in sacred contexts underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity. Through its rich symbolism, linen continues to remind believers of the call to live a life set apart for God. Smith's Bible Dictionary Linencloth made from flax. Several different Hebrew words are rendered linen, which may denote different fabrics of linen or different modes of manufacture. Egypt was the great centre of the linen trade. Some linen, made form the Egyptian byssus , a flax that grew on the banks of the Nile, was exceedingly soft and of dazzling whiteness. This linen has been sold for twice its weight in gold. Sir J.G. Wilkinson says of it, "The quality of the fine linen fully justifies all the praises of antiquity, and excites equal admiration at the present day, being to the touch comparable to silk, and not inferior in texture to our finest cambric." ATS Bible Dictionary LinenAs is well known, is made of the fine fibers of flax, and was much used by the ancients. Four different words in Hebrew are translated in our Bible, "Linen," "fine linen," and "silk:" PISHTAH, Jud 15:14 Ezekiel 44:17,18; BAD, worn by the priests, Exodus 28:42 39:28, and by king David, etc., 2 Samuel 6:14; SHESH, worn by Joseph when governor of Egypt, Genesis 41:42, and by the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:22, (see SILK;) and BUTZ, of which the veil of the temple and David's outer mantle were made, 1 Chronicles 15:27 2 Chronicles 2:14 3:14 5:12. These words may indicate different qualities of linen, but are thought to mean in part cloth of different materials, particularly the last two. Some think BUTZ, in Latin byssus, denotes cotton cloth, and SHESH that made of hemp. See COTTON, and FLAX. Fine linen was sometimes made of snowy whiteness, and was a symbol of the purity of angels and of the redeemed church, Revelation 15:6 19:8. Easton's Bible Dictionary (1.) Hebrews, pishet, pishtah, denotes "flax," of which linen is made (Isaiah 19:9); wrought flax, i.e., "linen cloth", Leviticus 13:47, 48, 52, 59; Deuteronomy 22:11. Flax was early cultivated in Egypt (Exodus 9:31), and also in Palestine (Joshua 2:6; Hosea 2:9). Various articles were made of it: garments (2 Samuel 6:14), girdles (Jeremiah 13:1), ropes and thread (Ezek. 40:3), napkins (Luke 24:12; John 20:7), turbans (Ezek. 44:18), and lamp-wicks (Isaiah 42:3). (2.) Hebrews buts, "whiteness;" rendered "fine linen" in 1 Chronicles 4:21; 15:27; 2 Chronicles 2:14; 3:14; Esther 1:6; 8:15, and "white linen" 2 Chronicles 5:12. It is not certain whether this word means cotton or linen. (3.) Hebrews bad; rendered "linen" Exodus 28:42; 39:28; Leviticus 6:10; 16:4, 23, 32; 1 Samuel 2:18; 2 Samuel 6:14, etc. It is uniformly used of the sacred vestments worn by the priests. The word is from a root signifying "separation." (4.) Hebrews shesh; rendered "fine linen" Exodus 25:4; 26:1, 31, 36, etc. In Proverbs 31:22 it is rendered in Authorized Version "silk," and in Revised Version "fine linen." The word denotes Egyptian linen of peculiar whiteness and fineness (byssus). The finest Indian linen, the finest now made, has in an inch one hundred threads of warp and eighty-four of woof; while the Egyptian had sometimes one hundred and forty in the warp and sixty-four in the woof. This was the usual dress of the Egyptian priest. Pharaoh arrayed Joseph in a dress of linen (Genesis 41:42). (5.) Hebrews `etun. Proverbs 7:16, "fine linen of Egypt;" in Revised Version, "the yarn of Egypt." (6.) Hebrews sadin. Proverbs 31:24, "fine linen;" in Revised Version, "linen garments" (Judges 14:12, 13; Isaiah 3:23). From this Hebrew word is probably derived the Greek word sindon, rendered "linen" in Mark 14:51, 52; 15:46; Matthew 27:59. The word "linen" is used as an emblem of moral purity (Revelation 15:6). In Luke 16:19 it is mentioned as a Mark of luxury. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Made of linen; as, linen cloth; a linen stocking.2. (n.) Resembling linen cloth; white; pale. 3. (n.) Thread or cloth made of flax or (rarely) of hemp; -- used in a general sense to include cambric, shirting, sheeting, towels, tablecloths, etc. 4. (n.) Underclothing, esp. the shirt, as being, in former times, chiefly made of linen. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LINENlin'-en (badh, "white linen," used chiefly for priestly robes, buts, "byssus," a fine white Egyptian linen, called in the earlier writings shesh; pesheth, "flax," cadhin; bussos, othonion, linon, sindon): Thread or cloth made of flax. Greek 4616. sindon -- fine linen cloth ... fine linen cloth. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sindon Phonetic Spelling: (sin-done') Short Definition: a linen cloth Definition: fine linen ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4616.htm - 6k 1039. bussinos -- fine linen 1040. bussos -- byssus (a species of flax), also (the) linen (made ... 3608. othonion -- a piece of fine linen 3043. linon -- flax, linen 3607. othone -- fine linen, hence a sheet or sail 3012. lention -- a linen cloth, a towel Strong's Hebrew 6593. pesheth -- flax, linen... 6592, 6593. pesheth. 6594 . flax, linen. Transliteration: pesheth Phonetic Spelling: (pish-teh') Short Definition: linen. Word Origin ... /hebrew/6593.htm - 6k 906. bad -- white linen 5466. sadin -- linen garment 3768. karpas -- cotton or fine linen 8336. shesh -- byssus 948. buts -- byssus 330. etuwn -- thread, yarn 8162. shaatnez -- mixed stuff 4723. miqveh -- a hope 2353. chur -- white stuff Library Easter Even. And Joseph Wrapped the Body in a Clean Linen Cloth ... The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ... Of the Question Whether the First Three Evangelists are Quite in ... Arrangement and Furniture of the Church Reverence in Worship. The Day of Atonement How Throughout all the East the Services of Tierce, Sext, and None ... That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action. The Crucifixion. The Marriage of the Lamb. Thesaurus Linen (111 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary. (1.) Hebrews, pishet, pishtah, denotes "flax," of which linen is made (Isaiah 19:9); wrought flax, ie, "linen cloth", Leviticus 13:47 ... /l/linen.htm - 50k Linen-work (2 Occurrences) Linen-yarn Linen-worker's (1 Occurrence) Twined (25 Occurrences) Finely (27 Occurrences) Breeches (6 Occurrences) Undergarments (6 Occurrences) Turban (13 Occurrences) Needlework (23 Occurrences) Resources Why does the Bible speak against wearing clothing made of different types of fabric? | GotQuestions.orgIs the Shroud of Turin authentic? | GotQuestions.org What is the origin of baptism? | GotQuestions.org Linen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Linen (111 Occurrences)Matthew 10:10 Matthew 27:59 Mark 14:51 Mark 14:52 Mark 15:46 Luke 2:7 Luke 2:12 Luke 10:34 Luke 16:19 Luke 23:53 Luke 24:12 John 11:44 John 13:4 John 13:5 John 19:40 John 20:5 John 20:6 John 20:7 Acts 19:12 Revelation 15:6 Revelation 18:12 Revelation 18:16 Revelation 19:8 Revelation 19:14 Genesis 41:42 Genesis 50:2 Exodus 25:4 Exodus 26:1 Exodus 26:31 Exodus 26:36 Exodus 27:9 Exodus 27:16 Exodus 27:18 Exodus 28:4 Exodus 28:5 Exodus 28:6 Exodus 28:8 Exodus 28:15 Exodus 28:39 Exodus 28:42 Exodus 29:9 Exodus 35:6 Exodus 35:23 Exodus 35:25 Exodus 35:35 Exodus 36:8 Exodus 36:35 Exodus 36:37 Exodus 38:9 Exodus 38:16 Exodus 38:18 Exodus 38:23 Exodus 39:2 Exodus 39:3 Exodus 39:5 Exodus 39:8 Exodus 39:24 Exodus 39:27 Exodus 39:28 Exodus 39:29 Leviticus 6:10 Leviticus 6:11 Leviticus 13:47 Leviticus 13:48 Leviticus 13:52 Leviticus 13:59 Leviticus 16:4 Leviticus 16:23 Leviticus 16:32 Deuteronomy 22:11 Judges 14:12 Judges 14:13 1 Samuel 2:18 1 Samuel 22:18 2 Samuel 6:14 1 Kings 10:28 1 Chronicles 4:21 1 Chronicles 15:27 2 Chronicles 1:16 2 Chronicles 2:14 2 Chronicles 3:14 2 Chronicles 5:12 Esther 1:6 Esther 8:15 Proverbs 7:16 Proverbs 31:13 Proverbs 31:22 Proverbs 31:24 Isaiah 3:23 Isaiah 19:9 Jeremiah 13:1 Ezekiel 9:2 Ezekiel 9:3 Ezekiel 9:4 Ezekiel 9:11 Ezekiel 10:2 Ezekiel 10:6 Ezekiel 10:7 Ezekiel 16:4 Ezekiel 16:10 Subtopics Linen: Curtains of the Tabernacle Made of Linen: Garments for Men Made of Linen: Garments for Women Made of Linen: Livery of Royal Households Made of Linen: Mosaic Law Forbade Its Being Interwoven With Wool Linen: Pure and White, of Righteousness Linen: The Corpse of Jesus Was Wrapped In Linen: Vestments of Priests Made of Related Terms |