Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, head coverings, including caps, held cultural and religious significance. While the Bible does not explicitly mention "caps" as we understand them today, various forms of head coverings are referenced, particularly in the context of ancient Near Eastern customs and Israelite practices.
Cultural ContextHead coverings were common in ancient Israel and surrounding regions, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. They provided protection from the sun and elements, and often signified social status, gender, or religious devotion. In many cultures, covering the head was a sign of respect and humility.
Priestly GarmentsThe most direct biblical reference to head coverings is found in the description of the priestly garments. In
Exodus 28, God commands Moses to make specific garments for Aaron and his sons to wear while serving as priests. Among these garments is the "turban" or "mitre," a type of head covering:
"You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten it to a blue cord to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban." (
Exodus 28:36-37)
The turban was an essential part of the high priest's attire, symbolizing holiness and dedication to God. It served as a reminder of the priest's role in mediating between God and the people.
Head Coverings in WorshipThe New Testament addresses the topic of head coverings in the context of worship. In
1 Corinthians 11, the Apostle Paul discusses the practice of head coverings for men and women during prayer and prophecy:
"Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as if her head were shaved." (
1 Corinthians 11:4-5)
Paul's instructions reflect the cultural norms of the time, where head coverings for women were a sign of modesty and respect. For men, uncovering the head was a sign of honor to Christ, their spiritual head.
Symbolism and ModestyThroughout Scripture, head coverings often symbolize modesty, humility, and reverence. They serve as outward expressions of inward spiritual truths. In the case of women, covering the head in worship was a sign of submission to God's order, as outlined by Paul in
1 Corinthians 11.
Modern InterpretationsToday, the practice of wearing caps or head coverings varies among Christian denominations and cultural contexts. Some conservative Christian groups continue to observe the tradition of head coverings for women during worship, while others view it as a cultural practice specific to the early church.
In summary, while the Bible does not specifically mention "caps," the concept of head coverings is woven throughout Scripture, reflecting cultural, religious, and symbolic meanings that have evolved over time.
Strong's Hebrew
4021. migbaoth -- headgear, a turban... 4020, 4021. migbaoth. 4022 . headgear, a turban. Transliteration: migbaoth
Phonetic Spelling: (mig-baw-aw') Short Definition:
caps.
...3737. karbela -- a helmet, cap
... 3736, 3737. karbela. 3738 . a helmet, cap. Transliteration: karbela Phonetic
Spelling: (kar-bel-aw') Short Definition:caps. Word...
Library
Introduction
... It falls into three chief divisions, treating of three ways in which the
Spirit of God comes into our inner man (caps.5, 6, and 7)....
The Second Rill Enlightens the Understanding
... Cf. St Augustine, Confessions, bk. 1.caps. 3 and 4, Dionysius the Areopagite, Divine
Names,caps. 1 and 7, and Celestial Hierarchy, cap. 7, St....
The Review of the Troops at Doriscus.
... There was one savage-looking horde that hadcaps made of the skin of the upper part
of a horse's head, in its natural form, with the ears standing up erect at...
One Way to Help Boys
... The boys stand in line at "attention," withcaps off, while a sort of blessing is
asked.... Pants 3.35. Fatiguecaps, first quality 0.75. Belts 0.75....
The Cocal
... And what wonder if we grown-up whites made fools'caps too, for children
on the other side of the Atlantic? During which process...
Note to this Electronic Edition
... and end, like this. The first word of each chapter is not set in allcaps
as it was in the printed book. A few obvious typographical...
Quaker City Excursion
... decked out with scarlet cloth and fringe hanging over the sides almost touching
the water; each boat was rowed by twelve men dressed in whitecaps and uniform....
Elucidations.
... Bishop of Lincoln, lately deceased, has remarked, "There is something very picturesque
in the appearance of these persons, with their blackcaps resembling the...
Note to this Electronic Edition
... ISO-8859-1 character set, and obviously is represented here by the two-letter
combination "oe." The first word of each chapter is not set in allcaps as it was...
The Storm-King Eagle
... You have often heard about "wishing-caps," and how the people in fairy-stories put
them on and just wish themselves wherever they want to be, and quick as a...
Thesaurus
Caps (5 Occurrences)...Caps (5 Occurrences).
... Exodus 39:28 and the turban of byssus; and the ornamental
caps,
of byssus; and the linen trousers, of twined byssus; (DBY NAS RSV).
...Vests (6 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:40 And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make vests; and thou shalt make for
them girdles; and highcaps shalt thou make for them, for glory and for...
Capstone (7 Occurrences)
Ornamental (4 Occurrences)
... Ornamental (4 Occurrences). Exodus 39:28 and the turban of byssus; and the ornamental
caps, of byssus; and the linen trousers, of twined byssus; (DBY)....
Ornament (23 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Exodus 28:40 And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make vests; and thou shalt make
for them girdles; and highcaps shalt thou make for them, for glory and for...
Lasting (40 Occurrences)
... Exodus 29:9 And thou shalt gird them with the girdle Aaron and his sons, and bind
the highcaps on them; and the priesthood shall be theirs for an everlasting...
Embroidery (12 Occurrences)
... Smallcaps for men to wear under their ordinary headdress and loose outer garments
or dressing-gowns are the forms in which it is commonly seen....
Cauls (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary In Isaiah 3:18 this word (Hebrews shebisim), in the marg.
"networks," denotes networkcaps to contain the hair, worn by females....
Capricious (1 Occurrence)
Byssus (40 Occurrences)
... Exodus 39:28 and the turban of byssus; and the ornamentalcaps, of byssus;
and the linen trousers, of twined byssus; (DBY). Exodus...
Resources
What do LORD, GOD, Lord, God, etc., stand for in the Bible? Why are they used in place of God's name? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the chief priests? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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