Topical Encyclopedia
Apparel in the Bible is a significant topic that encompasses various aspects of clothing, its symbolism, and its practical uses. Throughout the Scriptures, apparel is often mentioned in the context of cultural practices, religious observances, and moral teachings.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, apparel often signifies status, identity, and religious observance.
Genesis 3:21 records the first instance of clothing, where God made garments of skin for Adam and Eve after the Fall, indicating a divine provision and the covering of human shame. Clothing in ancient Israel was typically made from wool, linen, or animal skins, and its style and quality could denote social status or wealth.
The priestly garments described in
Exodus 28 are particularly significant, as they were designed for glory and beauty, symbolizing the holiness and service of the priests. The high priest's ephod, breastplate, and other garments were intricately designed and held deep spiritual meaning, representing the tribes of Israel before God.
In
Deuteronomy 22:5, the law prohibits cross-dressing, stating, "A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this." This reflects the importance of maintaining distinct gender roles and identities as ordained by God.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, apparel continues to hold symbolic meaning. Jesus, in
Matthew 6:28-29, uses the example of the lilies of the field to teach about God's provision, emphasizing that even Solomon in all his splendor was not dressed like one of these. This passage highlights the futility of anxiety over material needs and the importance of trusting in God's care.
The Apostle Paul addresses apparel in the context of modesty and propriety. In
1 Timothy 2:9-10, he instructs women to dress modestly and with decency, focusing on good deeds rather than outward adornment. Similarly,
1 Peter 3:3-4 advises women that their beauty should not come from outward adornment but from the inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.
Symbolism and Spiritual LessonsApparel in the Bible often symbolizes righteousness and salvation.
Isaiah 61:10 declares, "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness." This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to "put on the new self" (
Ephesians 4:24) and to clothe themselves with Christ (
Galatians 3:27).
The Book of Revelation also uses apparel symbolically, depicting the saints in white robes, representing purity and victory through the blood of the Lamb (
Revelation 7:14).
Cultural and Practical AspectsApparel in biblical times was not only functional but also a reflection of cultural norms and religious practices. Sackcloth, for instance, was worn as a sign of mourning or repentance (
Jonah 3:5-6). The tearing of garments was a common expression of grief or distress (
2 Samuel 1:11).
In summary, apparel in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol of identity, spiritual truth, and divine provision. It reflects cultural practices and conveys deeper theological meanings, reminding believers of the importance of modesty, righteousness, and reliance on God's provision.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
In Old Testament times the distinction between male and female attire was not very Marked. The statute forbidding men to wear female apparel (
Deuteronomy 22:5) referred especially to ornaments and head-dresses. Both men and women wore (1) an under garment or tunic, which was bound by a girdle. One who had only this tunic on was spoken of as "naked" (
1 Samuel 19:24;
Job 24:10;
Isaiah 20:2). Those in high stations sometimes wore two tunics, the outer being called the "upper garment" (
1 Samuel 15:27;
18:4;
24:5;
Job 1:20).
(2.) They wore in common an over-garment ("mantle,Isaiah 3:22;1 Kings 19:13;2 Kings 2:13), a loose and flowing robe. The folds of this upper garment could be formed into a lap (Ruth 3:15;Psalm 79:12;Proverbs 17:23;Luke 6:38). Generals of armies usually wore scarlet robes (Judges 8:26;Nahum 2:3). A form of conspicuous raiment is mentioned inLuke 20:46; comp.Matthew 23:5.
Priests alone wore trousers. Both men and women wore turbans. Kings and nobles usually had a store of costly garments for festive occasions (Isaiah 3:22;Zechariah 3:4) and for presents (Genesis 45:22;Esther 4:4;6:8, 11;1 Samuel 18:4;2 Kings 5:5;10:22). Prophets and ascetics wore coarse garments (Isaiah 20:2;Zechariah 13:4;Matthew 3:4).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) External clothing; vesture; garments; dress; garb; external habiliments or array.
2. (n.) A small ornamental piece of embroidery worn on albs and some other ecclesiastical vestments.
3. (n.) The furniture of a ship, as masts, sails, rigging, anchors, guns, etc.
4. (v. t.) To make or get (something) ready; to prepare.
5. (v. t.) To furnish with apparatus; to equip; to fit out.
6. (v. t.) To dress or clothe; to attire.
7. (v. t.) To dress with external ornaments; to cover with something ornamental; to deck; to embellish; as, trees appareled with flowers, or a garden with verdure.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
APPARELa-par'-el: The English equivalent of six Hebrew and three Greek words, variously signifying all kinds of raiment, chiefly garments costly and beautiful: ornamental (2 Samuel 1:24); royal, as of Ahasuerus (Esther 6:8), of Herod (Acts 12:21, esthes); of kings' daughters (2 Samuel 13:18); priestly (Ezra 3:10); also mourning (2 Samuel 14:2). In1 Samuel 17:38, 39 "apparel" replaces "armor" of King James Version: "Saul clad David with his apparel," probably some close-fitting garment worn under the armor, or sometimes without it. Severe judgment was pronounced on Jewish princes who clothed themselves with "strange" (the King James Version), i.e. "with foreign apparel" (Ze 1:8; compareIsaiah 2:6-8). "Modest apparel" as against "costly raiment" is commended as suited to Christians (1 Timothy 2:9; himatismos, and katastole). Angels are robed in white apparel (Acts 1:10; compareLuke 24:4, "dazzling"). Fig. of the glorious and red (suggestive of the wine-press) apparel of the Messiah (Isaiah 63:1, 2), and of "a meek and quiet spirit" (1 Peter 3:4).
Dwight M. Pratt
Greek
1742. enduma --apparel (esp. the outer robe)... enduma. 1743 .
apparel (esp.
... Word Origin from enduo Definition
apparel (esp. the
outer robe) NASB Word Usage clothes (2), clothing (5), garment (1).
...4749. stole -- equipment,apparel
... equipment,apparel. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: stole Phonetic
Spelling: (stol-ay') Short Definition: a long robe Definition: a long robe...
2066. esthes -- clothing
... Word Origin from hennumi (to clothe) Definition clothing NASB Word Usageapparel
(1), clothes (3), clothing (1), garments (1), robe (1)....
2689. katastole -- a garment
... Word Origin from katastello Definition a garment NASB Word Usage clothing (1).apparel.
From katastello; a deposit, ie (specially) costume --apparel....
2441. himatismos -- clothing
...apparel, raiment, vesture. From himatizo; clothing --apparel (X -led), array, raiment,
vesture. see GREEK himatizo. (imatismon) -- 1 Occurrence....
2440. himation -- an outer garment, a cloak, robe
...apparel, clothing, garment. Neuter of a presumed derivative of ennumi (to
put on); a dress (inner or outer) --apparel, cloke, clothes...
Strong's Hebrew
4458. meltachah -- probably wardrobe, wearingapparel... 4457, 4458. meltachah. 4459 . probably wardrobe, wearing
apparel. Transliteration:
meltachah Phonetic Spelling: (mel-taw-khaw') Short Definition: wardrobe.
...899. beged -- treachery
... 898, 899. beged. 899a . treachery. Transliteration: beged Phonetic Spelling:
(behg'-ed) Short Definition:apparel.apparel, clothes...
3830. lebush -- a garment, clothing, raiment
... Word Origin from labash Definition a garment, clothing, raiment NASB Word Usage
apparel (3), armor (1), attire* (1), clothed (2), clothing (12), dressed* (1...
3847. labash -- to put on, wear, clothe, be clothed
... root Definition to put on, wear, clothe, be clothed NASB Word Usageapparel (1),
array (1), arrayed (3), attired (1), came (3), clothe (11), clothe yourself (3...
1264. berom -- variegated cloth
... richapparel. Probably of foreign origin; damask (stuff of variegated thread) --
richapparel. 1263, 1264. berom. 1265 . Strong's Numbers.
8071. simlah -- a wrapper, mantle
... clothes (9), clothing (5), garment (5), garments (5).apparel, clothes garment,
raiment. Perhaps by permutation for the feminine of...
4403. malbush -- raiment, attire
...apparel, raiment, vestment. Or malbush {mal-boosh'}; from labash; a garment, or
(collectively) clothing --apparel, raiment, vestment. see HEBREW labash....
4254. machalatsah -- robe of state
... changeable suit ofapparel, change of raiment. From chalats; a mantle (as easily
drawn off) -- changeable suit ofapparel, change of raiment. see HEBREW chalats...
Library
On theApparel of Women
On theApparel of Women. <. On theApparel of Women Tertullian. Translated
by Rev. S. Thelwall Table of Contents. Title Page. Book I....
Of Modesty in the OutwardApparel (Two Articles)
... OF MODESTY IN THE OUTWARDAPPAREL (TWO ARTICLES). We... inquiry: (1) Whether there
can be virtue and vice in connection with outwardapparel?...
SpiritualApparel; Namely, the Robe of Righteousness, and Garments...
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:20. Spiritualapparel; namely, the robe of righteousness,
and garments of salvation, Isa. 61. 10. 1 Awake, my...
SpiritualApparel. Isa. 61:10:00
... HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS IN THREE BOOKS. HYMN 20 Spiritualapparel. Isa. 61:10.
CM Spiritualapparel. Isa.61:10. Awake, my heart; arise, my tongue,....
Introduction. Modesty inApparel Becoming to Women,
On theApparel of Women. <.... Book I. Chapter I."Introduction. Modesty
inApparel Becoming to Women,. in Memory of the...
Whether There Can be virtue and vice in Connection with Outward...
... OF MODESTY IN THE OUTWARDAPPAREL (TWO ARTICLES) Whether there can be virtue
and vice in connection with outwardapparel? Objection...
On theApparel of Women
On theApparel of Women. <....
If any Woman, under Pretence of Asceticism, Shall Change Her...
... Canon XIII. If any woman, under pretence of asceticism, shall change her
apparel and? If any woman, under pretence of asceticism...
That it Does not Become one in Holy Orders to be Clad in Costly...
... Canon XVI. That it does not become one in holy orders to be clad in costlyapparel.
That it does not become one in holy orders to be clad in costlyapparel....
Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Wear Coarser Clothes than...
... clothes. Objection 2: Further, Jerome says (Ep. 52 ad Nepotian.): "Avoid
somber," ie black, "equally with glitteringapparel. Fine...
Thesaurus
Apparel (38 Occurrences)... The statute forbidding men to wear female
apparel (Deuteronomy 22:5) referred
especially to ornaments and head-dresses.
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
APPAREL.
...Attire (11 Occurrences)
... The numerous synonyms for "dress," "attire," "apparel," "clothes," "raiment," "garment,"
etc., found in English Versions of the Bible, reflect a similar wealth...
Dress (38 Occurrences)
... 16:10; Zephaniah 1:8 (RV, "foreignapparel"); 1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:3. Rending
the robes was expressive of grief (Genesis 37:29, 34), fear (1 Kings 21:27...
Deportment (12 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:5 and the food of his table, and the deportment of his servants, and
the order of service of his attendants, and theirapparel, and his cupbearers...
Cupbearers (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the
attendance of his ministers, and theirapparel, and his cupbearers, and his...
Cup-bearers (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:5 And the provisions of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and
the attendance of his ministers, and theirapparel, and his cup-bearers, and...
Array (63 Occurrences)
... soldiers. 3. (n.) An imposing series of things. 4. (n.) Dress; garments disposed
in order upon the person; rich or beautifulapparel. 5...
Attending (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:5 and the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the
attendance of his ministers, and theirapparel, and his cupbearers, and his...
Splendid (14 Occurrences)
... (DBY). James 2:2 for if there come unto your synagogue a man with a gold ring in
splendidapparel, and a poor man also come in in vileapparel, (DBY)....
Attendants (30 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:5 and the food of his table, and the deportment of his servants, and
the order of service of his attendants, and theirapparel, and his cupbearers...
Resources
Why does the Bible speak against braided hair? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Christians are not of this world? | GotQuestions.orgCan a Christian woman wear sexually provocative lingerie for her husband? | GotQuestions.orgApparel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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