The term "wimple" refers to a type of head covering or veil that was traditionally worn by women in ancient times. In the context of the Bible, the wimple is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Isaiah. The wimple was part of the attire that signified modesty and propriety, reflecting the cultural and religious practices of the time.

Biblical Reference:

The wimple is mentioned in Isaiah 3:22, where the prophet Isaiah lists various items of adornment that the daughters of Zion wore, which would be taken away as a sign of judgment. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows:

"the festive robes, the capes, the cloaks, and the purses, the mirrors, the linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls."

While the BSB does not use the term "wimple" directly, other translations and interpretations have included it as part of the attire described in this passage. The context of Isaiah 3 is a prophetic warning to the people of Judah and Jerusalem about the impending judgment due to their pride and moral decay. The removal of these adornments, including the wimple, symbolizes the stripping away of their false security and vanity.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, head coverings like the wimple were common among women. They served both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, they provided protection from the sun and elements. Symbolically, they were expressions of modesty and social status. The wimple, in particular, was a garment that covered the head and neck, often leaving only the face exposed. It was typically made of fine linen or other fabrics and could be adorned with embroidery or other decorations.

The use of the wimple and similar garments is reflective of the broader biblical theme of modesty and the role of women in society. Throughout the Scriptures, clothing often carries deeper spiritual and moral implications, serving as a metaphor for righteousness, humility, and the inner condition of the heart.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of the wimple in Isaiah 3 can be seen as part of a broader biblical narrative that addresses the themes of pride, judgment, and redemption. The removal of the wimple and other adornments signifies a humbling process, where external appearances are stripped away to reveal the true spiritual state of the people. This aligns with the biblical principle that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).

In the New Testament, the emphasis on modesty and propriety continues, with instructions for women to dress modestly and with decency (1 Timothy 2:9-10). While the specific cultural expressions of modesty may change over time, the underlying principle remains consistent throughout Scripture.

Conclusion:

The wimple, as mentioned in the Bible, serves as a historical and cultural artifact that provides insight into the lives and practices of ancient women. It also carries theological significance, reminding believers of the importance of humility, modesty, and the condition of the heart before God.Isaiah 3:22, (R.V., "shawls"), a wrap or veil. The same Hebrew word is rendered "vail" (R.V., "mantle") in Ruth 3:15. 1. (n.) A covering of silk, linen, or other material, for the neck and chin, formerly worn by women as an outdoor protection, and still retained in the dress of nuns.

2. (n.) A flag or streamer.

3. (v. t.) To clothe with a wimple; to cover, as with a veil; hence, to hoodwink.

4. (v. t.) To draw down, as a veil; to lay in folds or plaits, as a veil.

5. (v. t.) To cause to appear as if laid in folds or plaits; to cause to ripple or undulate; as, the wind wimples the surface of water.

6. (v. i.) To lie in folds; also, to appear as if laid in folds or plaits; to ripple; to undulate.

WIMPLE

wim'-p'l: the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "shawls" for the King James Version "wimples" in Isaiah 3:22. The precise article of dress intended is unknown.

See DRESS.

4304. mitpachath -- a cloak
... vail, wimple. From taphach; a wide cloak (for a woman) -- vail, wimple. see HEBREW
taphach. 4303, 4304. mitpachath. 4305 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4304.htm - 6k

Letter Lii to Another Holy virgin.
... Your immoderate laughter, unreserved demeanour, and showy dress would have accorded
better with the wimple [83] than the veil. ... lxiii. [83] Wimple. ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter lii to another holy.htm

Night
... After a time she returned. She had covered her white dress with a mantle of brown
linen and over her head she wore a wimple of the same material. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxiv night.htm

At the Well
... small window. The wimple had been thrown back and a single tress of golden
hair had escaped across the forehead. The countenance ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

Wimple
... 2. (n.) A flag or streamer. 3. (vt) To clothe with a wimple; to cover, as with a
veil; hence, to hoodwink. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. WIMPLE. ...
/w/wimple.htm - 7k

Wily (2 Occurrences)

/w/wily.htm - 7k

Wimples (1 Occurrence)

/w/wimples.htm - 6k

Dress (38 Occurrences)
... 5:3). But peculiar to females were (1) the "veil" or "wimple," a kind of shawl
(Ruth 3:15; rendered "mantle, " RV, Isaiah 3:22); (2) the "mantle," also a ...
/d/dress.htm - 53k

Wimple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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