The term "swathed" refers to the act of wrapping or binding in layers of fabric or cloth. In biblical contexts, this term is often associated with the practice of wrapping infants or the dead in cloths, a custom that holds significant cultural and theological implications.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Infancy and Birth: The most notable biblical reference to swaddling is found in the account of the birth of Jesus Christ. In Luke 2:7 , it is recorded, "And she gave birth to her firstborn Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." The act of swaddling Jesus is significant as it highlights His humble beginnings and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. Swaddling was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, symbolizing care, protection, and the nurturing of a newborn.

2. Symbolism of Humility and Humanity: The swaddling of Jesus underscores His incarnation and the mystery of God becoming flesh. It emphasizes His full participation in human experience, from birth to death. The humble circumstances of His birth, including being swathed in simple cloths, contrast with His divine nature and mission.

3. Death and Burial Practices: While the term "swathed" is not directly used in the context of burial in the Bible, the practice of wrapping the dead in cloths is evident. For instance, in John 11:44 , when Lazarus is raised from the dead, it is noted, "The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth." This practice reflects the customs of the time and foreshadows the burial and resurrection of Jesus.

4. Theological Implications: The imagery of swaddling can also be seen as a metaphor for God's care and provision. Just as a child is swathed for protection and warmth, believers are enveloped in God's love and grace. This imagery is consistent with the biblical theme of God as a nurturing and protective Father.

Cultural and Historical Background

In ancient Jewish culture, swaddling was a well-established practice. Newborns were wrapped in strips of cloth to ensure they remained warm and secure. This practice was believed to promote proper growth and development. The use of swaddling cloths in the nativity account aligns with historical customs, providing authenticity to the Gospel accounts.

Conclusion

The concept of being swathed, particularly in the context of Jesus' birth, carries deep theological significance. It serves as a reminder of the humility of Christ's incarnation and the profound mystery of God entering human history in the most vulnerable form. The practice of swaddling, both in life and in death, reflects broader themes of care, protection, and the fulfillment of divine promises throughout Scripture.(imp. & p. p.) of Swathe.2848. chittul -- a bandage
... Word Origin from chathal Definition a bandage NASB Word Usage bandage (1). roller.
From chathal; swathed, ie A bandage -- roller. see HEBREW chathal. ...
/hebrew/2848.htm - 6k

'In this Mountain'
... of humanity as it presents itself before this prophet"a world of men entangled in
the folds of a dark pall that lay over their heads, and swathed them round ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/in this mountain.htm

Per??a to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
... [It is thought by some that Lazarus walked forth from the tomb, and the fact that
the Egyptians sometimes swathed their mummies so as to keep the limbs and ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xciii peraea to bethany raising.htm

A Homily for Humble Folks
... He had none of that boasted understanding which climbed the heavens, bound the winds,
and swathed the sea, and so found out the sacred name; he was content ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/a homily for humble folks.htm

When Turbo had Made this Statement, Archelaus was Intensely ...
... appearance; in his hand he grasped a very sturdy staff of ebony-wood; [1541] he
carried a Babylonian book under his left arm; his legs were swathed in trousers ...
/.../12 when turbo had made.htm

Chapter l
... palm wine. Then it was daubed with pitch or gums, swathed in many folds
of white cloth and laid away in its mummy case. Jacob and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm

Christ's Mission the Revelation of God's Love
... day, in the drift of our English literature and that of other nations, when men
turn their backs upon the Cross, they look upon a landscape all swathed in mists ...
/.../christs mission the revelation of.htm

A Strange Reward for Faithfulness
... heaped misery is, and why the world is thus allowed to run along its course surrounded
by an atmosphere made up of the breath of sighs, and swathed in clouds ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a strange reward for faithfulness.htm

The Charge to the Soldier of the Lord
... have their highest development in Jesus Christ, and learn that the firmest strength
must be accompanied with the tenderest love and swathed in meekest ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the charge to the soldier.htm

To the Rev. J. Jowett
... an excellent hotel in the street called the Neuenwall, and sent for a physician,
who caused me to take forty drops of laudanum and my head to be swathed in wet ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev j jowett 5.htm

Isaiah's Prophecies Considered the virginity of Christ's Mother a ...
... They are, I ween, taught to lance before they lacerate; [3259] swathed at first
in sunshine and ointment, [3260] afterwards armed with the satchel, [3261] and ...
/.../chapter xiii isaiahs prophecies considered the.htm

Swathed (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Swathed (4 Occurrences). ... Acts 5:6 And the young men, rising
up, swathed him up for burial, and having carried him out, buried him. ...
/s/swathed.htm - 7k

Sway (7 Occurrences)

/s/sway.htm - 9k

Flax (11 Occurrences)
... The Jewish priestly garments were of pure linen. Egyptian mummies were swathed in
linen. Several other Hebrew words were used for linen garments. See LINEN. ...
/f/flax.htm - 13k

Birth (357 Occurrences)
... As soon as a child was born it was washed, and rubbed with salt (Ezek.
16:4), and then swathed with bandages (Job 38:9; Luke 2:7, 12). ...
/b/birth.htm - 71k

Swarthy (1 Occurrence)

/s/swarthy.htm - 6k

Rising (162 Occurrences)
... all, (YLT). Acts 5:6 And the young men, rising up, swathed him up for burial,
and having carried him out, buried him. (DBY). Acts ...
/r/rising.htm - 36k

Burial (25 Occurrences)
... (WEY DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). Acts 5:6 And the young men, rising up, swathed him
up for burial, and having carried him out, buried him. (DBY). ...
/b/burial.htm - 42k

Swathed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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