Tassels, also known as "tzitzit" in Hebrew, are a significant element in biblical tradition, particularly within the context of the Old Testament. They are mentioned in several passages and hold symbolic and religious importance for the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 15:37-41 : The LORD instructed Moses to speak to the Israelites and tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations. These tassels were to have a blue cord, serving as a visual reminder of the commandments of the LORD. The passage states: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come, you are to make tassels for the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. These will serve as tassels for you to look at, so that you may remember all the commandments of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by following your own hearts and eyes."

2. Deuteronomy 22:12 : This verse reiterates the command to make tassels on the four corners of the cloak one wears. It emphasizes the continuity of this practice as part of the daily life and attire of the Israelites: "You are to make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear."

Symbolism and Purpose:

Tassels served as a physical and visual reminder for the Israelites to keep the commandments of God. The inclusion of a blue cord is particularly significant, as blue is often associated with divinity and the heavens in biblical symbolism. The tassels were a daily, tangible reminder of the covenant between God and His people, encouraging them to live in obedience and holiness.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In Jewish tradition, the wearing of tassels, or tzitzit, continues to be a practice observed by many. It is a mitzvah, or commandment, that is fulfilled by wearing a tallit, a prayer shawl with tassels, during prayer services. The practice underscores a commitment to God's laws and serves as a constant reminder of one's faith and duties.

New Testament Context:

In the New Testament, tassels are mentioned in the context of Jesus' ministry. In Matthew 9:20-22 , a woman suffering from bleeding for twelve years touched the edge of Jesus' cloak, which likely had tassels, believing that she would be healed. Her faith was rewarded, and she was healed instantly. This account highlights the continued presence and recognition of tassels in Jewish life during the time of Jesus.

Theological Implications:

For Christians, the concept of tassels can be seen as a precursor to the New Covenant, where the law is written on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:33). While the physical practice of wearing tassels is not a requirement in Christian doctrine, the underlying principle of remembering and adhering to God's commandments remains relevant. The tassels symbolize a life dedicated to God, a theme that resonates throughout both the Old and New Testaments.2899. kraspedon -- a border, tassel
... 2899 () refers to the of a garment, especially with . Word Origin of uncertain origin
Definition a border, tassel NASB Word Usage fringe (4), tassels (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2899.htm - 6k1434. gedil -- twisted threads
... 1433, 1434. gedil. 1435 . twisted threads. Transliteration: gedil Phonetic
Spelling: (ghed-eel') Short Definition: tassels. Word ...
/hebrew/1434.htm - 6k

6734. tsitsith -- a tassel, lock
... tassel. Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a tassel, lock NASB
Word Usage lock (1), tassel (2), tassels (1). fringe, lock. ...
/hebrew/6734.htm - 6k

Appendix.
... but he sewed thereon three golden tassels worth the price of an hundred oxen each,
as their author Homer [1107] relates, if it is fair to believe it. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/appendix.htm

Choosing the Tens
... dimensions. Above this was raised a military standard, a hawk upon a
cross-bar, from which hung party-colored tassels of linen floss. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter i choosing the tens.htm

The Spread Net
... life of a woman.". Laodice played with the tassels of her girdle and did
not look up. What was all this to lead to? "I have spoken ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xvi the spread net.htm

Following the Star.
... were who looked liked princes from a foreign court, for they had armed servants,
and from their camels hung tinkling silver bells, and swinging tassels of silk ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter ii following the star.htm

King David's Little Boy.
... And as his nurse carried him about the garden, clad in a little blue robe with white
tassels, the people said that he too was a beautiful child; and he grew up ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/king davids little boy.htm

Personal Notes: Relics Nearby that the Three Kings had Given to ...
... their collars. It was like a ceremonial stole and fluttered over back and
shoulders. It had a fringe with tassels. The splinters ...
/.../the life of the blessed virgin mary/xv personal notes relics nearby.htm

Knox and Queen Mary (Continued): 1563-1564
... " {228c} The tassels on the trains of the ladies, it was declared by the preachers,
"would provoke God's vengeance . . . against the whole realm . . ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xvi knox and queen.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... and ancient chasubles. The lower hem ended in fringes and tassels, while
the upper edge joined the white neck-covering. After this ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... corners. The sides of this box were covered with carpets reaching down
to the floor and were decorated with tassels and fringes. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

On Clothes.
... of faith, of those that have found mercy, that is, the Church; in which the guileless
Jesus shines conspicuous as gold, and the elect are the golden tassels. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi name clothes.htm

Tassels (3 Occurrences)
...Tassels (3 Occurrences). ... Deuteronomy 22:12 Tassels shalt thou make thee on the four
corners of thy clothing, wherewith thou coverest thyself. (DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/tassels.htm - 7k

Tassel (5 Occurrences)
... 7. (vi) To put forth a tassel or flower; as, maize tassels. 8. (vt) To adorn
with tassels. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TASSEL. ...
/t/tassel.htm - 9k

Fringes (4 Occurrences)
... frin'-jis (tsitsith, "tassel, lock" (Numbers 15:38, 39), gedhilim, "twisted threads,"
"festoons" (Deuteronomy 22:12)): Tassels worn by the Israelites on the ...
/f/fringes.htm - 10k

Corners (56 Occurrences)
... Numbers 15:38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them
tassels on the corners of their garments, throughout their generations, and ...
/c/corners.htm - 25k

Observed (84 Occurrences)
... Matthew 23:5 And everything they do they do with a view to being observed by men;
for they widen their phylacteries and make the tassels large, (WEY). ...
/o/observed.htm - 30k

Lace (7 Occurrences)
... Numbers 15:38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them
tassels on the corners of their garments, throughout their generations, and ...
/l/lace.htm - 10k

Widen (2 Occurrences)
... Matthew 23:5 And everything they do they do with a view to being observed by men;
for they widen their phylacteries and make the tassels large, (WEY). ...
/w/widen.htm - 7k

Wide (206 Occurrences)
... Matthew 23:5 And everything they do they do with a view to being observed by men;
for they widen their phylacteries and make the tassels large, (Root in WEY ...
/w/wide.htm - 37k

Attach (12 Occurrences)
... Numbers 15:38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them
tassels on the corners of their garments, throughout their generations, and ...
/a/attach.htm - 11k

What is a prayer shawl? | GotQuestions.org

What are phylacteries? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian view fashion? | GotQuestions.org

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