Linen, a fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant, holds significant symbolic and practical importance throughout the Bible. Known for its purity, durability, and fine quality, linen is frequently associated with righteousness, holiness, and divine service.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Linen is first mentioned in the context of the priestly garments in the Old Testament. In Exodus 28:39, God commands Moses regarding the attire of the priests: "You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion the sash with embroidered work." The use of linen for priestly garments underscores its association with purity and sanctity, as the priests were set apart for service to the Lord.

The symbolism of linen extends to the tabernacle and temple furnishings. In Exodus 26:1, the instructions for the tabernacle include curtains made of "finely twisted linen," signifying the holiness and separation of God's dwelling place. Linen's purity and whiteness serve as a visual representation of the divine presence and the righteousness required to approach it.

In the New Testament, linen continues to symbolize righteousness and purity. Revelation 19:8 describes the bride of Christ, the Church, as being "given fine linen to wear, bright and pure." The passage explains, "For the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." Here, linen represents the righteous deeds and moral purity of believers, reflecting their sanctification and readiness for the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Practical Uses and Cultural Significance

Beyond its symbolic meaning, linen was a valuable and practical material in ancient times. It was used for clothing, as seen in Proverbs 31:22, where the virtuous woman "makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple." Linen's breathability and comfort made it a preferred fabric in the warm climates of the biblical world.

Linen also played a role in burial practices. In John 19:40, after the crucifixion of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus "took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to Jewish burial customs." The use of linen in burial reflects its association with dignity and respect, even in death.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The consistent use of linen in contexts of holiness and righteousness throughout Scripture serves as a reminder of the moral and spiritual purity required of God's people. Just as linen is pure and white, believers are called to live lives marked by righteousness and holiness. The imagery of linen encourages Christians to pursue purity in thought, word, and deed, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily lives.

In summary, linen in the Bible is more than a mere fabric; it is a profound symbol of righteousness, purity, and divine service. Its presence in both the Old and New Testaments underscores the timeless call to holiness and the pursuit of a life pleasing to God.Revelation 15:6
And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 19:8,14
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Nave's Topical Index

That the Logos is One, not Many. Of the Word, Faithful and True ...
... called [4669] Word of God. And His armies in heaven followed Him on white
horses, clothed in pure fine linen. And out of His mouth ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/4 that the logos is.htm

Sin.
... The pure soul is spoken of as being clothed in "fine linen, clean and white."
Sin stains those robes with crimson, or scarlet spots. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter iii sin.htm

Gifts to the Prodigal
... they who come knowing themselves to be foul, and needing forgiveness, will surely
receive from Him 'the fine linen white and pure, the righteousness of saints ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/gifts to the prodigal.htm

The Portrait of the Bride
... see in the glorious apparel the figure of the pure character with ... Book of the Revelation
dresses her in the fine linen clean and white, which symbolises ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the portrait of the bride.htm

The Seventh vision "In Heaven"
... Ans." I that speak in righteousness, [I that am] mighty to save ... heaven followed him
upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and pure] "Behold, the ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh vision in heaven.htm

A Word from the Beloved's Own Mouth. "And Ye are Clean. " --John ...
... How is it that I, who wallowed with swine, should be made pure as the ... Are we even
now clothed with the fair white linen which is the righteousness of saints ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/a word from the beloveds.htm

The Wedding Garment
... threshing floor of Zion the heap is not all pure wheat, the ... put on the garment of
obedience, they reject the white linen which is the righteousness of saints ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the wedding garment.htm

The New Man
... Grecian moralists supplied him with the names true, honest, just, and pure. ... the heavens
who follow Him, clothed with fine linen clean and white, which is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the new man.htm

That one God Formed all Things in the World, by Means of the Word ...
... sat upon him was called Faithful and True; and in righteousness doth He ... And the armies
of heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in pure white linen. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xx that one god formed.htm

Arrangement and Furniture of the Church
... The linen pieces are always white. ... As its name indicates (from the Latin word for
a fountain or spring), this is the repository for the pure water which in ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/arrangement and furniture of the.htm

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Linen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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