Topical Encyclopedia
A head-band in biblical times was a piece of cloth or fabric worn around the head, often serving both practical and symbolic purposes. In the ancient Near Eastern context, head-bands were commonly used as part of daily attire, as well as in religious and ceremonial settings.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Israel, head-bands were worn by both men and women. They served to keep hair in place, protect the head from the sun, and could also signify social status or religious devotion. The materials and design of a head-band could vary, often reflecting the wearer's wealth or position within society.
Biblical ReferencesThe Bible makes several references to head-bands, often in the context of adornment or as part of priestly garments. In
Isaiah 3:20, head-bands are listed among the luxurious items worn by the daughters of Zion: "the headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume bottles, and charms." This passage highlights the use of head-bands as decorative items, associated with beauty and wealth.
In
Ezekiel 24:17, the prophet is instructed not to mourn in the customary way, which includes not wearing a head-band: "Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover your mustache or eat the bread of mourners." Here, the head-band is part of the traditional attire that would be altered during mourning.
Priestly GarmentsThe head-band also held significant religious importance, particularly in the context of the priesthood. In
Exodus 28:36-38, the high priest's head-band, or turban, is described as having a gold plate attached to it, inscribed with "HOLY TO THE LORD." This head-band was part of the sacred garments worn by Aaron and his descendants, symbolizing their consecration and service to God.
Symbolism and SignificanceHead-bands in the Bible often symbolize authority, consecration, and beauty. They can denote a person's role or status, as seen in the priestly garments, or reflect societal values, as in the adornment of the daughters of Zion. The use of head-bands in mourning or religious observance underscores their role in cultural and spiritual practices.
ConclusionThe head-band, while a simple accessory, carries rich cultural and religious significance in the biblical narrative. Its presence in various contexts—from everyday life to sacred rituals—illustrates the multifaceted role of clothing and adornment in expressing identity, devotion, and social standing in ancient Israel.
Strong's Hebrew
7636. shabis -- aheadband... 7635, 7636. shabis. 7637 . a
headband. Transliteration: shabis Phonetic
Spelling: (shaw-beece') Short Definition: headbands. Word
...7196. qishshurim -- bands, sashes
... attire,headband. From qashar; an (ornamental) girdle (for women) -- attire,headband.
see HEBREW qashar. 7195, 7196. qishshurim. 7197 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother...
... But take thishead-band, which the woman that made it gave to me; for it is not
proper that I should wear it, because I am a maid-servant, and it has a royal...
Keep for God his Own Property Untainted; He Will Crown it if He...
... Look at those crowns. Inhale those odours. Why condemn you to a little chaplet,
or a twistedheadband, the brow which has been destined for a diadem?...
Acts of Sharbil, who was a Priest of Idols, and was Converted to...
... chief and ruler of all the priests; and he was honoured above all his fellows, and
was clad in splendid and magnificent vestments; and aheadband embossed with...
The Teaching of Add??us the Apostle.
... And Avida and Barcalba, [3008] who were chief men and rulers, and wore the royal
headband, [3009] drew near to Add??us, and asked him about the matter of Christ...
The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <....
Thesaurus
Headband (2 Occurrences)... a book. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
HEADBAND. hed'-band. See DRESS.
Multi-Version Concordance
Headband (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings
...Head-band (2 Occurrences)
Head-band.Headband,Head-band. Headbands . Multi-Version Concordance
Head-band (2 Occurrences).... (BBE).Headband,Head-band. Headbands . Reference
Bandage (5 Occurrences)
... Bandage (5 Occurrences). 1 Kings 20:38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the
king by the way, and disguised himself with hisheadband over his eyes....
Diadem (9 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Originally, an ornamentalheadband or fillet, worn by Eastern monarchs
as a badge of royalty; hence (later), also, a crown, in general....
Disguised (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 20:38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way,
and disguised himself with hisheadband over his eyes....
Disguising (2 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). 1 Kings 20:38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by
the way, and disguised himself with hisheadband over his eyes. (See RSV)....
Headbands (6 Occurrences)
Pulling (57 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 20:38 So the prophet went away, and pulling hishead-band over his eyes
to keep his face covered, took his place by the road waiting for the king....
Waited (72 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Kings 20:38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by
the way, and disguised himself with hisheadband over his eyes....
Head (4291 Occurrences)
Resources
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