Lint, in the context of biblical times, refers to the small fibers or particles that accumulate from fabric, particularly linen or wool. While the Bible does not explicitly mention "lint" as we understand it today, the concept can be related to the broader biblical themes of cleanliness, purity, and the care of garments, which were significant in ancient Israelite culture.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

In the Bible, clothing often holds symbolic meaning, representing righteousness, purity, and status. For instance, in Isaiah 64:6, the prophet compares human righteousness to "filthy rags," emphasizing the need for spiritual cleanliness. The presence of lint, as a byproduct of worn or unclean garments, can metaphorically relate to the imperfections and impurities that believers are called to cleanse from their lives.

Garments and Cleanliness

The Law of Moses contains numerous instructions regarding cleanliness, including the care of garments. In Leviticus 13:47-59, the laws concerning leprous diseases in clothing highlight the importance of maintaining purity and cleanliness. While lint itself is not mentioned, the meticulous care required for garments underlines the broader principle of maintaining purity in all aspects of life.

Linen in Scripture

Lint is most commonly associated with linen, a fabric frequently mentioned in the Bible. Linen was used for priestly garments, as seen in Exodus 28:39-42, where the priests were commanded to wear linen tunics, sashes, and caps. The use of linen, a fabric that naturally produces lint, underscores the importance of maintaining the purity and sanctity of the priestly office.

Spiritual Implications

The presence of lint can serve as a reminder of the need for continual spiritual cleansing. Just as lint accumulates on clothing, so can sin and impurity accumulate in one's life. Believers are encouraged to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24), which involves a conscious effort to remove the "lint" of sin through repentance and sanctification.

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, the removal of lint from garments can be seen as an act of stewardship and care for one's possessions. Proverbs 31:21-22 praises the virtuous woman for her attention to the needs of her household, including the making of fine linen garments. This attention to detail reflects a broader biblical principle of diligence and care in all areas of life.

Conclusion

While lint itself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its association with clothing and cleanliness provides a rich tapestry of symbolic meaning. It serves as a reminder of the importance of purity, both physically and spiritually, and the ongoing need for believers to maintain their garments—both literal and metaphorical—in a state of holiness and righteousness.1. (n.) Flax.

2. (n.) Linen scraped or otherwise made into a soft, downy or fleecy substance for dressing wounds and sores; also, fine ravelings, down, fluff, or loose short fibers from yarn or fabrics.

A Pressed Man Yielding to Christ
... agony? They need personal attention, and it is your business, as an army
surgeon, to go and put on the lint, and bind up the wounds. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/a pressed man yielding to.htm

Lint (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lint (1 Occurrence). Joshua 5:3 Joshua made himself flint
knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. ...
/l/lint.htm - 6k

Lintel (4 Occurrences)

/l/lintel.htm - 8k

Links (1 Occurrence)

/l/links.htm - 6k

Flue
... Small flues are called fire tubes or simply tubes. 5. (n.) Light down, such
as rises from cotton, fur, etc.; very fine lint or hair. Int. ...
/f/flue.htm - 7k

Tent (333 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) A roll of lint or linen, or a conical or cylindrical piece of sponge or
other absorbent, used chiefly to dilate a natural canal, to keep open the ...
/t/tent.htm - 48k

Strip (33 Occurrences)
... electrolytic action. 11. (vt) To remove fiber, flock, or lint from; -- said
of the teeth of a card when it becomes partly clogged. 12. (vt ...
/s/strip.htm - 18k

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