The term "stomacher" refers to a decorative garment or accessory that was worn in ancient times, particularly by women, as part of their attire. In the context of the Bible, the stomacher is mentioned in the book of Isaiah, where it is associated with the attire of women in Jerusalem and Judah.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to the stomacher is found in Isaiah 3:22. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows:

"the festive robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses,"

In this passage, the stomacher is listed among various luxurious items of clothing and accessories that the women of Jerusalem and Judah adorned themselves with. The context of Isaiah 3 is a prophetic warning against the pride and vanity of the people, particularly the women, who are described as haughty and ostentatious in their appearance. The stomacher, along with other items, symbolizes the excess and materialism that had become prevalent.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the stomacher was a part of the elaborate dress worn by women of status and wealth. It was typically a richly embroidered or ornamented piece of fabric that covered the chest and was often attached to the bodice of a dress. The stomacher could be adorned with jewels, gold, or other precious materials, reflecting the wearer's social standing and affluence.

The mention of the stomacher in Isaiah highlights the cultural practices of the time, where clothing and adornments were not only functional but also served as indicators of wealth and social position. The prophet Isaiah's critique of these items underscores a broader message about the dangers of pride and the fleeting nature of earthly riches.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the reference to the stomacher in Isaiah serves as a reminder of the biblical theme that true beauty and worth are found not in outward adornment but in the character and heart of a person. This theme is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as 1 Peter 3:3-4 , which advises women:

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight."

The stomacher, therefore, becomes a symbol of the temptation to prioritize external appearances over internal virtues. The biblical narrative encourages believers to seek after spiritual adornment, characterized by humility, righteousness, and a heart devoted to God.

Conclusion:

While the stomacher itself is a historical garment, its mention in the Bible serves as a timeless lesson on the values that should guide a believer's life. The focus on inner beauty and the dangers of materialism remain relevant teachings for Christians today, urging them to cultivate a spirit that reflects the character of Christ.(Isaiah 3:24), an article of female attire, probably some sort of girdle around the breast. 1. (n.) One who stomachs.

2. (n.) An ornamental covering for the breast, worn originally both by men and women. Those worn by women were often richly decorated.

STOMACHER

stum'-uk-er: Used to translate pethighil (Isaiah 3:24 the King James Version), where the meaning is uncertain. The English word denotes that part of a woman's dress which covered the breast and the pit of the stomach. It was usually much ornamented.

6614. pethigil -- perhaps an expensive robe
... stomacher. Of uncertain derivation; probably a figured mantle for holidays --
stomacher. 6613, 6614. pethigil. 6615 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6614.htm - 6k

1 Timothy ii. 10-Aug
... the eyes? to the putting on of the stomacher; so artfully as sometimes
to conceal, sometimes to disclose, the fastening? For this ...
/.../homily viii 1 timothy ii.htm

The Preacher as a Patriot.
... that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink, and instead of a girdle a rent,
and instead of well-set hair baldness, and instead of a stomacher a girdle of ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iii the preacher as.htm

Trinidad
... I showed them her Majesty's picture' (doubtless in ruff, farthingale, and stomacher
laden with jewels), 'which they so admired and honoured, as it had been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter iii trinidad.htm

A Description of the Temple.
... The like embroidery was upon the ephod; but the quantity of gold therein was
greater. Its figure was that of a stomacher for the breast. ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of 2.htm

Matt. xxvii. 62-64.
... the same time with their feet; the Lord shall take off their bravery, and instead
of a sweet smell there shall be dust, and instead of a stomacher, thou shalt ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxix matt xxvii 62-64.htm

Beauty for Ashes
... that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent;
and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/beauty for ashes.htm

Stomacher
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. STOMACHER. stum'-uk-er: Used to translate pethighil
(Isaiah 3:24 the King James Version), where the meaning is uncertain. ...
/s/stomacher.htm - 7k

Stomach (40 Occurrences)

/s/stomach.htm - 19k

Offensive (15 Occurrences)
... of sweet smell there shall be an offensive odor; and instead of a girdle a rent;
and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of ...
/o/offensive.htm - 11k

Dress (38 Occurrences)
... 3:22); (2) the "mantle," also a species of shawl (Isaiah 3:22); (3) a "veil," probably
a light summer dress (Genesis 24:65); (4) a "stomacher," a holiday dress ...
/d/dress.htm - 53k

Muck (2 Occurrences)
... 3:24 And it hath been, instead of spice is muck, And instead of a girdle, a rope,
And instead of curled work, baldness, And instead of a stomacher a girdle of ...
/m/muck.htm - 7k

Stomachs (3 Occurrences)

/s/stomachs.htm - 7k

Stink (11 Occurrences)
... that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent;
and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding ...
/s/stink.htm - 10k

Girdle (44 Occurrences)
... that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent;
and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding ...
/g/girdle.htm - 24k

Odor (46 Occurrences)
... of sweet smell there shall be an offensive odor; and instead of a girdle a rent;
and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of ...
/o/odor.htm - 22k

Rent (76 Occurrences)
... that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent;
and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding ...
/r/rent.htm - 32k

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