Linens
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Linens in the Bible are often associated with purity, holiness, and service, reflecting their significance in both religious and everyday life in ancient Israel. The use of linen is mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures, highlighting its importance in various contexts, from priestly garments to burial cloths.

Priestly Garments

Linen was the fabric of choice for the garments of the priests, signifying purity and separation unto God. In Exodus 28:39-42, the instructions for the priestly attire include a linen tunic, turban, and undergarments: "You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion the sash with embroidery" . The high priest's ephod and breastplate also incorporated linen, emphasizing the sanctity and special role of the priesthood.

Tabernacle and Temple

The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, featured linen in its construction and furnishings. The curtains of the Tabernacle were made of fine twisted linen, as described in Exodus 26:1: "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" . This use of linen underscored the sacredness of the space where God dwelled among His people.

Everyday Use and Symbolism

Linen was also a common material for clothing in everyday life, valued for its quality and comfort. Proverbs 31:22 describes the virtuous woman as one who "makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple" , indicating both her industriousness and the esteem of linen as a fabric.

In biblical symbolism, linen often represents righteousness and purity. Revelation 19:8 speaks of the bride of Christ being given "fine linen, bright and clean," which "stands for the righteous acts of the saints" . This imagery reinforces the association of linen with moral and spiritual purity.

Burial Practices

Linen was also used in burial practices, as seen in the account of Jesus' burial. In John 19:40, it is recorded that "they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom" . This practice highlights the respect and honor given to the deceased, as well as the continued symbolic connection between linen and purity.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, linen serves as a powerful symbol of purity, righteousness, and divine service. Its use in priestly garments, sacred spaces, and even in burial customs underscores its significance in the religious and cultural life of ancient Israel.
Strong's Hebrew
330a. etun -- thread, yarn
... etun. 330b . thread, yarn. Transliteration: etun Short Definition: linens. Word
Origin from atam Definition thread, yarn NASB Word Usage linens (1). 330, 330a ...
/hebrew/330a.htm - 5k
Library

On Clothes.
... and effeminate men, who blend these deceptive dyes with dainty fabrics, carry their
insane desires beyond all bounds, and export their fine linens no longer ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi name clothes.htm

Imperial Caesar
... the poor, the once rich, the humble and the haughty; figures in burnooses, gabardines,
gowns and tunics; striped and checkered woolens, linens or rags; noisy ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter vii imperial caesar.htm

The Second Part.
... house. The spirit is tormented in hell: what doth it profit him, that the
body lieth in spices and perfumes, wound in costly linens? ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/the second part.htm

Whether the Defects Occurring During the Celebration of this ...
... penance; if it penetrates to the third, let him do nine days' penance; if to the
fourth, let him do twenty days' penance; and let the altar linens which the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the defects occurring during.htm

Psalm LXVI.
... down, and with lance in the side art pierced, and Sacraments from Thy side flow
forth; [2609] Thou art taken down from the Tree, wound in linens, laid in the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxvi.htm

From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to ...
... I don't know how we shall come on with the thread trade, but it seems as if we were
to be done out with both thread and linens, for there is scarcely any thing ...
/.../chapter ii from his entrance.htm

2 Cor. vi. 1, 2
... For if it were requisite to light a furnace, and then one man were to throw in silken
garments and fine linens, many and numberless, and so kindle it; and ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xii 2 cor vi.htm

The First Theban Empire
... of wild beasts and of robbers lurking in every valley, while transporting beyond
the isthmus products of Egyptian manufacture, such as fine linens, chased or ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
Commentary on Revelation. <. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Thesaurus
Linens (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Linens (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 7:16 I have decked my
bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. ...
/l/linens.htm - 6k

Linen-work (2 Occurrences)
Linen-work. Linens, Linen-work. Linen-worker's . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Linens, Linen-work. Linen-worker's . Reference Bible.
/l/linen-work.htm - 7k

Linen (111 Occurrences)

/l/linen.htm - 50k

Resources
What is the Swoon Theory? Did Jesus survive the crucifixion? | GotQuestions.org

Linens: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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