Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of attire in the Bible encompasses both physical clothing and the spiritual symbolism associated with how individuals present themselves. Attire is often reflective of one's status, role, and spiritual condition. Throughout Scripture, clothing is used metaphorically to convey deeper theological truths and moral teachings.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, attire often signifies one's social status, role, or spiritual state. For instance, Joseph's "robe of many colors" (
Genesis 37:3) symbolizes his father's favoritism and sets the stage for the ensuing familial conflict. Priestly garments, as described in
Exodus 28, are detailed and specific, signifying the holiness and set-apart nature of those who serve in the tabernacle. The high priest's attire, including the ephod, breastplate, and turban, is rich with symbolism, representing the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people.
The attire of women is also addressed, with
Proverbs 31:22 noting that the virtuous woman "makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple," indicating dignity and industriousness. Conversely, attire can also reflect moral decay, as seen in
Isaiah 3:16-24, where the daughters of Zion are chastised for their haughty demeanor and ostentatious dress, leading to divine judgment.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, attire continues to carry significant meaning. Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who "make their phylacteries broad and the tassels on their garments long" (
Matthew 23:5), using their attire to project an image of piety while lacking true righteousness. This critique underscores the importance of inner purity over outward appearance.
The Apostle Paul addresses attire in the context of modesty and propriety, particularly for women. In
1 Timothy 2:9-10 , he instructs women to "adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God." This guidance emphasizes the value of inner virtue over external adornment.
Spiritual SymbolismAttire in the Bible often symbolizes spiritual truths. In
Ephesians 6:11-17, Paul exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God," a metaphorical attire representing spiritual readiness and defense against evil. This includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and helmet of salvation, among others, illustrating the comprehensive nature of spiritual preparedness.
Revelation 19:8 describes the Bride of Christ as being "given fine linen to wear, bright and pure," symbolizing the righteous acts of the saints. This imagery highlights the purity and holiness expected of the Church, clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
Cultural and Historical ConsiderationsUnderstanding the cultural and historical context of attire in biblical times enhances the interpretation of these passages. Clothing in ancient Israel was often made from wool, linen, or leather, with styles and materials indicating one's social status or occupation. The significance of attire in biblical narratives often extends beyond mere physical appearance, serving as a vehicle for conveying deeper spiritual and moral lessons.
In summary, attire in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses physical clothing, social and spiritual symbolism, and moral teachings. It serves as a reflection of one's inner character and relationship with God, urging believers to prioritize spiritual virtues over outward appearances.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
imp. & p. p.) of Attire.
2. (p. p.) Provided with antlers, as a stag.
Strong's Hebrew
6801. tsanaph -- to wrap or wind up together... to wrap or wind up together. Transliteration: tsanaph Phonetic Spelling: (tsaw-naf')
Short Definition:
attired.
... be
attired, surely, violently turn.
...3847. labash -- to put on, wear, clothe, be clothed
... root Definition to put on, wear, clothe, be clothed NASB Word Usage apparel (1),
array (1), arrayed (3),attired (1), came (3), clothe (11), clothe yourself (3...
Library
The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual...
... The order of its ritual was as follows:" First, Aaron washed in water
and thenattired himself in the holy linen garments. It...
1 Timothy ii. 10-Aug
... How canst thou groan? How canst thou weep? How pray with fervency, when thusattired?
Shouldest thou weep, thy tears will be the ridicule of the beholders....
V. ...
... done. But in such a way should she be adorned, as St. Peter here says,
as to be inwardlyattired in a meek and quiet spirit. You...
At Court
... passed on, smiling. Among the magnificentlyattired courtiers his shabby
appearance created not a little merriment. "Admire the...
Further Strictures on the Same Subject.
... if, besides the shame which they make the most account of, men dread likewise the
bodily inconveniences; in that, unwashen, sordidlyattired, estranged from...
Essay v. Whose Powers Shed Round Him in the Common Strife...
... he be call'd upon to face Same awful moment, to which Heaven has join'd Great issues,
good or bad for human kind, Is happy as a lover, isattired With sudden...
Unbelief.
... worm, Thou art my mother and my sister." Death, she felt, must now be stamping his
impressive mockery on that cherished earthly friendship, and,attired in his...
The Omnipotent Summons.
... there. Yes! there the captive lies"in uninvaded silence"attired still in
the same solemn drapery. The Lord gives the word. "Lazarus...
Sixteenth Day. Grief at Sin.
... Do what you can, by effort, by prayer, to hasten on the hour of jubilee, when its
ashy robes of sin and sorrow shall be laid aside, and,attired in the...
There are Certain Moments in Life which Seem Weighted with the...
... him.Attired in the usual white,"white cassock, white skull cap, and white
sash ornamented with the emblematic keys of St. Peter...
Thesaurus
Attired (5 Occurrences)...Attired (5 Occurrences). Revelation 17:4 The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet,
and was brilliantly
attired with gold and jewels and pearls.
...Paint (3 Occurrences)
... unworthy character. Jezebel "painted her eyes, andattired her head" (2
Kings 9:30, literally, "put pukh into her eyes"). To the...
Attitude (12 Occurrences)
Attire (11 Occurrences)
Jezebel (20 Occurrences)
... Jezebel had "painted her eyes, andattired her head," and sees Jehu coming.
She greets him sarcastically as his master's murderer....
Vest (11 Occurrences)
... he put on, and linen trousers shall be upon his flesh, and he shall be girded with
a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he beattired: these are holy...
Jewels (54 Occurrences)
... BBE). Revelation 17:4 The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and was
brilliantlyattired with gold and jewels and pearls. She...
Jez'ebel (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 9:30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted
her eyes, andattired her head, and looked out at the window. (See RSV)....
Girded (48 Occurrences)
... coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with
a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he beattired: these are...
Indications (1 Occurrence)
... Indications (1 Occurrence). Revelation 17:4 The woman was clothed in purple and
scarlet, and was brilliantlyattired with gold and jewels and pearls....
Resources
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Wedding Feast? | GotQuestions.orgAttired: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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