Linen, a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant, holds significant importance in the biblical context, particularly concerning the vestments of the priests. The use of linen in priestly garments is deeply rooted in the instructions given by God to the Israelites, emphasizing purity, holiness, and separation from the common.

Biblical Instructions and Symbolism

The Book of Exodus provides detailed instructions for the making of priestly garments, highlighting the use of fine linen. In Exodus 28:39 , God commands, "You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion the sash with embroidered work." This directive underscores the importance of linen as a material that signifies purity and sanctity, suitable for those serving in the presence of the Lord.

Linen's natural qualities—its whiteness, durability, and ability to remain cool—symbolize the righteousness and holiness required of those who minister before God. The priests, as mediators between God and the people, were to reflect God's purity, and their linen garments served as a constant reminder of this calling.

Priestly Garments

The priestly garments, as described in Exodus 28 and 39, included several pieces made of linen: the tunic, the turban, and the undergarments. The high priest's attire was even more elaborate, incorporating linen in the ephod and the breastpiece, which were adorned with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns. The use of linen in these garments was not merely for aesthetic purposes but was deeply symbolic of the priest's role in maintaining the sanctity of worship.

Leviticus 16:4 further specifies the use of linen on the Day of Atonement: "He shall put on the holy linen tunic, and the linen undergarments shall be next to his body; he shall tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments." This passage highlights the exclusive use of linen on this most sacred day, reinforcing the theme of purity and the need for the priest to be ceremonially clean when entering the Holy of Holies.

Ezekiel's Vision

The prophet Ezekiel also references linen in his vision of the new temple. In Ezekiel 44:17-18 , the priests are instructed, "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 vision reiterates the importance of linen as a symbol of purity and the avoidance of anything that might defile the sacred service.

New Testament References

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on priestly garments, the symbolism of linen continues. In Revelation 19:8 , the fine linen worn by the bride of Christ is described as "the righteous acts of the saints." This imagery connects the purity and righteousness symbolized by linen in the Old Testament to the holiness expected of believers in the New Covenant.

In summary, linen as a material for priestly vestments is a profound biblical symbol of purity, holiness, and the sanctity of service to God. Its use in the garments of the priests underscores the divine requirement for those who minister before the Lord to be set apart, reflecting His righteousness and glory.Exodus 28:5-8,15,39-42
And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.
Nave's Topical Index

Excursus on the Vestments of the Early Church.
... that vestment but of other ecclesiastical vestments as well ... pallium, except that
it was of linen, while the ... by the council, includes bishops as well as priests. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the vestments of.htm

Devout Customs and Usages
... and it is also, like the dress of the priests in the ... The American Church has no law
upon the subject of vestments. ... "The Surplice is of linen, generally with no ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/devout customs and usages.htm

Whether the Vestments of the Ministers are Fittingly Instituted in ...
... Reply to Objection 1: The priests of the Old Law ... the bishop, rather than the priest,
wears those vestments. ... are replaced by the sandals, the linen garment by ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the vestments of the.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... altar. Of these eight vestments the lesser priests had four, viz. the linen
tunic and breeches, the belt and the tiara. According ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Arrangement and Furniture of the Church
... The linen pieces are always white ... In "The Form and Manner of Ordering Priests" there
is a ... Their vestments are the cassock and the cotta"a modification of the ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/arrangement and furniture of the.htm

On the Holy Eucharist
... A. The priests exercise this power of changing bread and ... altar where the sacred vessels
and vestments are kept ... it with a long, narrow, white linen cloth called ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 22 on the holy.htm

In common with the Roman Church, the Greek Church has seven ...
... is not administered unless several priests, usually three ... purely what they now are,
ecclesiastical vestments, we very ... white tunicle, not now of linen as formerly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the holy eastern church/iii.htm

On Idolatry
... alters, vases, and ornaments which belong to them, such as the cross, the chalice
and its covers, linen clothes, the vestments of priests, and of ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... The priests of subsequent times claimed to define exactly the attributes of each
of ... the mutual concessions which Semite and Sumerian must have made before they ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Of the Holy Men who Flourished About this Time in Egypt, Namely ...
... It is said that the peculiar vestments of these ... tiaras adorned with purple nails,
and linen tunics and ... his journeys habited like other priests, thus proving ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xiv of the holy men.htm

What was the significance of the commands against mixing different things in Deuteronomy 22:9 11? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.org

What should we learn from the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31? | GotQuestions.org

Linen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus