Linen, a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant, holds significant importance in biblical times, particularly in the context of garments for men. The use of linen is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing purity, holiness, and divine service.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Linen garments are often associated with the priesthood and sacred duties. In Exodus 28:39-42, God commands Moses to make linen garments for Aaron and his sons, who serve as priests: "You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion the sash with embroidered work. Make tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron’s sons, to give them glory and splendor." These garments were to be worn when ministering in the Tabernacle, signifying the purity and sanctity required of those who approached God.

The significance of linen extends beyond the priesthood. In Ezekiel 44:17-18, the prophet describes the regulations for the priests in the future temple: "When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen garments; they must not wear anything made of wool when they minister at the gates of the inner court or inside the temple. They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire." This passage underscores the importance of linen in maintaining ceremonial cleanliness and preventing defilement through sweat.

Linen in Daily Life and Royalty

Linen was not only reserved for religious purposes but was also a common fabric for everyday clothing, especially among the affluent. In Genesis 41:42, Pharaoh dresses Joseph in fine linen as a sign of his elevated status: "Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck." This act of clothing Joseph in linen signifies honor and authority.

Similarly, in 2 Samuel 6:14, King David is described as wearing a linen ephod while dancing before the Lord: "And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD." The linen ephod, a priestly garment, highlights David's role as both king and worshiper, emphasizing his devotion and humility before God.

Linen in Prophetic and Eschatological Contexts

Linen also appears in prophetic and eschatological contexts, symbolizing righteousness and divine judgment. In Revelation 19:8, the fine linen worn by the bride of Christ is described as "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." This imagery connects linen with the purity and holiness expected of God's people.

Furthermore, in Daniel 10:5-6, the prophet describes a heavenly being clothed in linen: "I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude." The linen garment signifies the heavenly being's purity and authority.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, linen garments for men are consistently associated with purity, holiness, and divine service. Whether worn by priests, kings, or heavenly beings, linen symbolizes the righteousness and sanctity required in the presence of God.Genesis 41:42
And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in clothing of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
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Ezekiel 9:2
And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lies toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brazen altar.
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Luke 16:19
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
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Concerning the Garments of the Priests, and of the High Priest.
... tabernacle, and take a view of the garments of the ... division for God, because heaven
is inaccessible to men. ... the four elements; for the fine linen was proper to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 concerning the garments.htm

Of the Jews; of their Attempt at Building, and of the Heaven-Sent ...
... Moreover when a large number of men were sleeping at ... the heaven-sent plagues they
fled, and made their way ... these crosses were seen on linen garments, as shirt ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xv of the jews of.htm

Samson's Wedding Feast
... father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast: for so used the
young men to do ... it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iv samsons wedding feast.htm

The Day of Atonement
... the linen mitre, and girded with a linen girdle ... As Mayer tells us, he wore garments,
and glorious ones, on ... make him mighty and distinguished among men; he came ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the day of atonement.htm

Scythopolis. Beth-Shean, the Beginning of Galilee.
... The men of Beth ... He answered, It is not lawful." And mention is made "of something
done in ... sweetest of all in the land of Israel." "Fine linen garments were made ...
/.../from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 60 scythopolis beth-shean the.htm

Book 4 Footnotes
... necessity of the coming of Christ, that "men had formerly ... old idolaters this law
seems to have been made. ... rather to have been such close linen garments as were ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 4 footnotes.htm

Of the Holy Men who Flourished About this Time in Egypt, Namely ...
... woolen tiaras adorned with purple nails, and linen tunics and ... of or to be avoided,
what garments were to ... to a woman, by arraying themselves in men's apparel. ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xiv of the holy men.htm

That the Logos is One, not Many. Of the Word, Faithful and True ...
... perhaps the word of angels, a third of men, and so on ... with blood, for the Word who
was made flesh and ... out of the earth, may not those linen garments stand for ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/4 that the logos is.htm

Holy Raiment of One's Own Weaving.
... the contrary, in the assembly of just men made perfect we ... but the weaving of our
own wedding-garments He lays ... this makes the weaving of the fine linen our work ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/v holy raiment of ones.htm

Concerning Sanballat and Manasseh, and the Temple which they Built ...
... that he delivered up to him these men, who came ... the multitude at a distance, in white
garments, while the priests stood clothed with fine linen, and the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 concerning sanballat and.htm

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