In biblical times, the hyke, or upper garment, was a significant piece of clothing worn by individuals in the ancient Near East. This garment, often referred to as a cloak or mantle in various translations, served both practical and symbolic purposes. It was typically a large, rectangular piece of cloth that could be draped over the shoulders and wrapped around the body, providing warmth and protection from the elements.

The hyke was an essential part of daily attire, yet it was also a garment that could be laid aside for various reasons, as seen in several biblical narratives. The act of laying aside one's upper garment often carried deeper meanings, reflecting humility, readiness for work, or preparation for a significant event.

In the New Testament, the act of laying aside one's garment is notably illustrated in the Gospel of John. During the Last Supper, Jesus laid aside His outer garments to wash the feet of His disciples, an act of profound humility and service. John 13:4-5 states, "So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel that was around Him." This gesture symbolized Jesus' willingness to serve and His call for His followers to do likewise.

In the Old Testament, the laying aside of the upper garment is seen in the account of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar. In Mark 10:50 , when Bartimaeus is called by Jesus, he "threw off his cloak, jumped up, and came to Jesus." This act of casting aside his garment signified Bartimaeus' eagerness and faith, as he left behind what was likely his only possession to approach the Savior.

The hyke also held cultural and legal significance. In Exodus 22:26-27 , the law provided protection for the poor, stating, "If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear him, for I am compassionate." This command underscores the importance of the garment as a basic necessity for survival and the compassion required in dealing with those in need.

Furthermore, the hyke was sometimes used in symbolic acts of mourning or repentance. In the book of Jonah, the people of Nineveh, upon hearing Jonah's message, demonstrated their repentance by wearing sackcloth, a coarse material often used in place of the regular garment during times of mourning or penitence (Jonah 3:5-6).

The hyke, or upper garment, thus emerges in Scripture as more than just a piece of clothing. It is a symbol of identity, status, and sometimes vulnerability. Its removal or alteration often marks moments of transformation, humility, and divine encounter, reflecting the deeper spiritual truths woven throughout the biblical narrative.Matthew 24:18
Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 10:50
And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

What is a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)? | GotQuestions.org

What did it mean to spread the corner of your garment over someone? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prayer shawl? | GotQuestions.org

Garment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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