Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, clothing often symbolizes one's spiritual state or moral condition. The imagery of filthy garments is used to represent unrighteousness, sin, and moral impurity. This symbolism is vividly illustrated in several passages throughout the Bible, where the contrast between clean and filthy garments serves as a metaphor for the spiritual condition of individuals or groups.One of the most prominent examples is found in the book of Zechariah. In Zechariah 3:3-4 , the high priest Joshua is depicted standing before the angel of the Lord, clothed in filthy garments. The passage reads: "Now Joshua was dressed in filthy garments as he stood before the Angel. So the Angel said to those standing before Him, 'Take off his filthy clothes!' Then He said to Joshua, 'See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.'" Here, the filthy garments represent Joshua's iniquity, and their removal signifies the forgiveness and cleansing of sin, followed by the bestowal of righteousness symbolized by the splendid robes. The concept of filthy garments as a representation of sin is further echoed in the New Testament. In Jude 1:23 , believers are exhorted to "save others by snatching them from the fire; and to others show mercy, tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh." This passage underscores the idea that sin defiles, much like a stain on clothing, and that believers should be wary of the corrupting influence of sin. The imagery of filthy garments is also linked to the broader biblical theme of repentance and transformation. In Isaiah 64:6 , the prophet laments the sinful state of the people, saying, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away." This verse highlights the inadequacy of human righteousness apart from divine intervention, likening it to filthy rags that cannot cover or cleanse the inherent sinfulness of humanity. The transformation from filthy to clean garments is a powerful metaphor for the redemptive work of God in the life of a believer. In Revelation 7:14 , the great multitude standing before the throne of God is described as having "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." This imagery signifies the cleansing and purification that comes through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, which removes the stain of sin and clothes believers in righteousness. Throughout Scripture, the metaphor of filthy garments serves as a poignant reminder of the human condition marred by sin and the need for divine cleansing and redemption. It calls believers to recognize their own unrighteousness and to seek the transformative power of God's grace, which alone can replace the filthy garments of sin with the pure robes of righteousness. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 64:6But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Nave's Topical Index Library Homiletical. Sunday after Ascension Day Good Works A Description of Heart-Purity The Lord Our Righteousness Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness Rom. vi. 5 Letter Lii. To Nepotian. Ephesians iv. 17-19 Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy. Resources Who are the Mennonites, and what are their beliefs? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christian women wear pants (trousers)? | GotQuestions.org What is Hasidic Judaism? What do Hasidic Jews believe? | GotQuestions.org Dress: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dress of the Head: Bonnets (R. V., Head-Tires), Prescribed by Moses, for the Priests Dress: Bonnets (Rv , Head-Tires), Worn by Women Dress: Ceremonial Purification of Dress: Changes of Clothes, the Folly of Excessive Dress: Filthy, of Unrighteousness Dress: Hats (Turbans, RV Margin), Worn by Men Dress: Men Forbidden to Wear Women's, and Women Forbidden to Wear Men's Dress: Mixed Materials In, Forbidden Dress: Not to be Held Overnight As a Pledge for Debt Dress: Presents Made of Changes of Clothes Dress: Rules With Respect to Women's Dress: Sleeveless Shirt, Called Coat Dress: Symbolical: Filthy, of Iniquity Dress: Uniform Vestments Kept in Store for Worshipers of Baal Dress: Various Articles of Mantle Dress: Various Articles of Many-Colored Dress: Various Articles of Purple Related Terms |
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