The term "upper-robe" in the Bible refers to an outer garment worn over the inner tunic. This piece of clothing was an essential part of the attire in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including among the Israelites. The upper-robe served both practical and symbolic purposes, providing warmth and protection while also indicating social status and identity.

Biblical References and Descriptions

The upper-robe is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, it is often associated with the attire of priests and individuals of high status. For instance, the high priest's garments included an ephod and a robe, which were part of the sacred vestments described in detail in the book of Exodus. Exodus 28:31-32 states, "You are to make the robe of the ephod entirely of blue cloth, with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven collar around this opening, like the opening of a garment, so that it will not tear."

The upper-robe was not limited to priestly garments. It was also worn by prophets and other significant figures. In 1 Samuel 15:27 , we read about the prophet Samuel: "As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore." This incident highlights the symbolic nature of the robe, as the tearing of Samuel's robe signified the tearing away of the kingdom from Saul.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

In ancient Israelite society, clothing was a marker of identity and status. The upper-robe, often made of fine materials and adorned with specific colors or patterns, could indicate the wearer's role or position. For example, the blue color of the high priest's robe was significant, symbolizing heavenly authority and divine service.

The act of tearing one's robe was a common expression of grief, repentance, or distress. This practice is seen in several biblical accounts, such as when Job tore his robe upon hearing of his children's death (Job 1:20) and when King David mourned the death of Absalom (2 Samuel 18:33).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the upper-robe continues to hold significance. Jesus Christ, during His crucifixion, had His garments divided among the soldiers, fulfilling the prophecy found in Psalm 22:18. John 19:23-24 describes this event: "When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided His garments into four parts, one for each soldier, with the tunic remaining. It was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. So they said to one another, 'Let us not tear it, but instead let us cast lots to see who will get it.' This was to fulfill the Scripture: 'They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.'"

The seamless nature of Jesus' tunic, akin to an upper-robe, underscores His role as the High Priest and the unity of His divine mission.

Conclusion

The upper-robe in biblical times was more than just a piece of clothing; it was a symbol of authority, identity, and divine service. Its presence in both the Old and New Testaments highlights its enduring significance in the biblical narrative, reflecting the cultural and spiritual values of the time.

Eutyches and Philip in Profundis
... No sheet was at hand, but one of them, glad to hide a spectacle which pained even
their eyes, flung his upper robe over the boy's remains, and then they ...
/.../chapter lvi eutyches and philip.htm

Upper-robe (1 Occurrence)
Upper-robe. Uppermost, Upper-robe. Upraised . Multi-Version
Concordance Upper-robe (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 59:17 And ...
/u/upper-robe.htm - 6k

Upper (99 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:4 And these 'are' the garments which they make: a breastplate, and an
ephod, and an upperrobe, and an embroidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle; yea ...
/u/upper.htm - 39k

Perceive (53 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 24:11 And, my father, see, yea see the skirt of thine upperrobe in my
hand; for by cutting off the skirt of thy upperrobe, and I have not slain thee ...
/p/perceive.htm - 22k

Upraised (6 Occurrences)

/u/upraised.htm - 8k

Uppermost (11 Occurrences)

/u/uppermost.htm - 10k

Completely (213 Occurrences)
... pillars be broken down. (BBE). Exodus 28:31 And thou hast made the upperrobe
of the ephod completely of blue, (YLT). Exodus 29:37 For ...
/c/completely.htm - 36k

Hems (4 Occurrences)
... Hems (4 Occurrences). Exodus 28:34 a bell of gold and a pomegranate, a bell of gold
and a pomegranate 'are' on the hems of the upperrobe round about. (YLT). ...
/h/hems.htm - 7k

Layeth (76 Occurrences)
... YLT). 1 Samuel 15:27 And Samuel turneth round to go, and he layeth hold
on the skirt of his upperrobe -- and it is rent! (YLT). 1 ...
/l/layeth.htm - 28k

Gently (19 Occurrences)
... giving thine enemy into thy hand, and thou hast done to him as it is good in thine
eyes;' and David riseth and cutteth off the skirt of the upperrobe which 'is ...
/g/gently.htm - 12k

Weaver (11 Occurrences)
... linen. (See JPS NAS). Exodus 39:22 And he maketh the upperrobe of the ephod,
work of a weaver, completely of blue; (YLT NIV). Exodus ...
/w/weaver.htm - 9k

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