Topical Encyclopedia
Lace, a delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern, is not directly mentioned in the Bible. However, the concept of intricate and decorative fabric work is present in the descriptions of the tabernacle and priestly garments, which were crafted with great skill and artistry. The use of fine materials and detailed craftsmanship in biblical times reflects the importance of beauty and precision in worship and religious observance.
Biblical ContextIn the construction of the tabernacle, God provided specific instructions to Moses regarding the materials and craftsmanship required.
Exodus 26:1 states, "You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely twisted linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them." While lace as we know it today is not mentioned, the emphasis on finely twisted linen and skillful work suggests a high level of artistry akin to lace-making.
The garments of the high priest also featured elaborate designs and fine materials.
Exodus 28:39 describes the making of the priestly garments: "You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion the sash with embroidery." The use of fine linen and embroidery indicates a level of craftsmanship that could be compared to lacework, highlighting the importance of beauty and detail in items dedicated to God.
Symbolism and SignificanceThe intricate designs and fine materials used in the tabernacle and priestly garments symbolize purity, holiness, and the glory of God. The detailed work reflects the care and reverence required in approaching the divine. In a broader sense, the use of such materials can be seen as a metaphor for the beauty and complexity of God's creation and His desire for order and excellence in worship.
Cultural and Historical InsightsWhile lace as a specific fabric may not have been present in ancient Israel, the concept of decorative and intricate fabric work was well established. The skills required for such craftsmanship were highly valued, and artisans were considered gifted by God for their abilities.
Exodus 31:3-5 speaks of Bezalel, whom God filled "with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft."
In later historical contexts, lace became a symbol of wealth and status, often used in ecclesiastical garments and church decorations. Its delicate beauty and intricate patterns made it a fitting adornment for items associated with worship and religious ceremony.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly mention lace, the principles of beauty, craftsmanship, and dedication to God are evident in the descriptions of the tabernacle and priestly garments. These elements underscore the importance of offering our best to God, reflecting His glory through the work of human hands.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) That which binds or holds, especially by being interwoven; a string, cord, or band, usually one passing through eyelet or other holes, and used in drawing and holding together parts of a garment, of a shoe, of a machine belt, etc.
2. (n.) A snare or gin, especially one made of interwoven cords; a net.
3. (n.) A fabric of fine threads of linen, silk, cotton, etc., often ornamented with figures; a delicate tissue of thread, much worn as an ornament of dress.
4. (n.) Spirits added to coffee or some other beverage.
5. (v. t.) To fasten with a lace; to draw together with a lace passed through eyelet holes; to unite with a lace or laces, or, figuratively. with anything resembling laces.
6. (v. t.) To adorn with narrow strips or braids of some decorative material; as, cloth laced with silver.
7. (v. t.) To beat; to lash; to make stripes on.
8. (v. t.) To add spirits to (a beverage).
9. (v. i.) To be fastened with a lace, or laces; as, these boots lace.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
LACElas (pathil, variously rendered inGenesis 38:18, 25Exodus 39:3Numbers 15:38;Numbers 19:15Judges 16:9Ezekiel 40:3): In modern English the noun "lace" usually denotes a delicate ornamental fabric, but in the word in the sense of "that which binds" is still in perfectly good use, especially in such combinations as "shoelace" etc. It is this latter significance that is found inExodus 28:28 ("They shall bind.... with a lace of blue"); 28:37:00; 39:21, 31, and in Sirach 6:30 the King James Version, klosma (the Revised Version (British and American) "riband").
Greek
293. amphiblestron -- to throw around... to throw around. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: amphiblestron Phonetic
Spelling: (am-fib'-
lace-tron) Short Definition: a fishing net, drag-net
...1953. epilesmone -- forgetfulness
... forgetfulness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: epilesmone Phonetic
Spelling: (ep-ee-lace-mon-ay') Short Definition: forgetfulness Definition...
4375. prosphiles -- pleasing, agreeable
... pleasing, agreeable. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: prosphiles Phonetic
Spelling: (pros-fee-lace') Short Definition: pleasing, acceptable Definition...
559. Apelles -- Apelles, a Christian at Rome
... Apelles, a Christian at Rome. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Apelles
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-el-lace') Short Definition: Apelles Definition...
3027. lestes -- a robber
... a robber. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: lestes Phonetic Spelling:
(lace-tace') Short Definition: a robber, brigand, bandit Definition: a...
Strong's Hebrew
6616. pathil -- cord, thread... bound, bracelet,
lace, line, ribbon, thread, wire. From pathal; twine -- bound,
bracelet,
lace, line, ribband, thread, wire. see HEBREW pathal. 6615, 6616.
...6029. anad -- to bind (around or upon)
... root Definition to bind (around or upon) NASB Word Usage bind (1), tie (1). bind,
tie. A primitive root; tolace fast -- bind, tie. 6028, 6029. anad. 6030...
1383. gabluth -- a twisting
... Word Origin from the same as gebul Definition a twisting NASB Word Usage twisted
(2). end. From gabal; a twisted chain orlace -- end. see HEBREW gabal....
Library
The Next Day, and the Next after That, were Passed by the Cardinal...
... twice he gave offence, as for example, on visiting a great church where there were
numerous jewelled relics and priceless treasures of oldlace and embroidery...
Devotional
... HANNAH WHITALL SMITH. The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life New Edition, with
DecorativeLace Border andLace Cover Design.12 mo, Cloth, net [USD]1.00....
Quaker City Excursion
... She wore a small sleeveless jacket, a broad blue sash, and around her neck
was a tie made of swiss muslin and valencienneslace....
The Cocal
... When slipped off, it is found to be made of two transverse layers of fibre"a bit
of veritable naturallace, similar to, though far less delicate than, the...
In one of the Few Remaining Streets of Rome which the Vandal Hand...
... back into the room, looking a charming figure of sylph-like slenderness and elegance
in her clinging gown of soft white satin showered over withlace and pearls...
Old Revival Hymns.
... Baptist Church, at Boston, North End, returning from Newport, NH, where he had happily
harmonized a discordant church, could not escape the strait-lace of aC...
Saint George Kills the Enchanter Osmond.
... lovely was the lady who stood before it"a maiden queen"crowned with an imperial
diadem, and clothed in a robe of green, with the body formed oflace of gold...
The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler
... O'er architrave, and frieze, and sainted niche,. Up the stonelace-work chiselled
by the wise. Erwin of Steinbach, dizzily up to where....
The Search for Peace
... elsewhere." I did; and going did a rainbow note: Surely, thought I, This
is thelace of Peace's coat: I will search out the matter....
Meanwhile, Unconscious of the Miracle his Prayer had Wrought...
... had nothing remarkable about it save its Parisian perfection of fit,"the pale "Gloire
de France" rose that rested lightly amongst the oldlace at her neck...
Thesaurus
Lace (7 Occurrences)... 5. (vt) To fasten with a
lace; to draw together with a
lace passed through eyelet
holes; to unite with a
lace or laces, or, figuratively.
...Thread (32 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:28 And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings
of the ephod with alace of blue, that it may be upon the skilfully woven...
Point (106 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) An instrument which pricks or pierces, as a sort of needle used by engravers,
etchers,lace workers, and others; also, a pointed cutting tool, as a...
Laced (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) ofLace. 2. (a.) Fastened with alace or laces; decorated with narrow
strips or braid. SeeLace. 3. (vt) Decorated with the fabriclace....
Attach (12 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Exodus 28:37 You shall put it on alace of blue, and it shall be
on the sash; on the front of the sash it shall be. (See NIV)....
Blue (51 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:28 They shall bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod
with alace of blue, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the...
Ground (538 Occurrences)
... 9. (n.) In pointlace, the net of small meshes upon which the embroidered pattern
is applied; as, Brussels ground. See Brusselslace, under Brussels. 10....
Woven (40 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:28 They shall bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod
with alace of blue, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the...
Waistband (15 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:28 They shall bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod
with alace of blue, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the...
Fasten (28 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS). Exodus 28:37 You shall put it on alace of blue, and it shall be
on the sash; on the front of the sash it shall be. (See NAS RSV NIV)....
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