Topical Encyclopedia
Needlework in the Bible refers to the art of embroidery and the creation of intricate designs on fabric, often using threads of various colors and materials. This craft is mentioned in several passages, highlighting its significance in ancient Israelite culture and religious practices.
Biblical References:1.
Exodus 26:36 · "You are to make a curtain for the entrance to the tent, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with embroidered work." This verse describes the instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle. The use of needlework in the Tabernacle's entrance curtain signifies the importance of beauty and craftsmanship in worship settings.
2.
Exodus 28:39 · "You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion the sash with embroidery." Here, needlework is employed in the garments of the priests, specifically the high priest Aaron. The embroidered sash and other garments symbolize the dignity and sanctity required for those serving in the presence of God.
3.
Exodus 35:35 · "He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, and as weavers—designers of every work and artistic craft." This passage acknowledges the God-given skills of Bezalel and Oholiab, who were appointed to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle. Their ability to create intricate needlework is seen as a divine gift, emphasizing the value of artistic talents in service to God.
4.
Judges 5:30 · "Are they not finding and dividing the spoil—a girl or two for each warrior, the spoil of dyed garments for Sisera, the spoil of embroidered garments, double-embroidered garments for my neck as spoil?" In the Song of Deborah, needlework is mentioned as part of the spoils of war, indicating its value and desirability. The reference to "double-embroidered garments" suggests a high level of craftsmanship and luxury.
5.
Proverbs 31:22 · "She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple." The virtuous woman described in
Proverbs 31 is skilled in needlework, creating beautiful and high-quality garments for her household. This passage highlights the role of needlework in domestic life and its association with industriousness and wisdom.
Cultural and Religious Significance:Needlework in biblical times was not merely a domestic task but an esteemed art form that played a crucial role in religious and cultural expressions. The use of embroidery in the Tabernacle and priestly garments underscores its sacred significance. The intricate designs and choice of colors—often blue, purple, and scarlet—were symbolic, representing royalty, divinity, and sacrifice.
The skill of needlework was often passed down through generations, with women primarily responsible for creating garments and textiles for their families. This craft was a means of contributing to the household economy and expressing personal creativity and devotion.
In summary, needlework in the Bible is portrayed as a valuable and respected skill, integral to both religious worship and daily life. It reflects the beauty and order of God's creation and serves as a testament to the creativity endowed by the Creator to His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Work executed with a needle; sewed work; sewing; embroidery; also, the business of a seamstress.
2. (n.) The combination of timber and plaster making the outside framework of some houses.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
NEEDLEWORKne'-d'-l-wurk.
SeeEMBROIDERY.
Strong's Hebrew
7551. raqam -- to variegate... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to variegate NASB Word Usage embroiderer (1),
skillfully wrought (1), weaver (7). embroiderer,
needlework, curiously work.
...7553. riqmah -- variegated stuff
... colors (1). broidered work, divers colors, raiment ofneedlework on both sides.
From raqam; variegation of color; specifically, embroidery...
Library
Questions which Ought to be Asked
... He fashioned your curious framework, and put every bone into its place. He, as
withneedlework, embroidered each nerve, and vein, and sinew....
To the Reader
... This Sermon of Christ on the Mount is a piece of spiritualneedlework, wrought about
with divers colours; here is both usefulness and sweetness....
List of Books for Reference
... "The Congregation in Church." Mowbray & Co., London. "ChurchNeedlework." Lambert.
"Embroidery for Church Guilds." Woodward. "Church Vestments." Dolby....
Physician to the Rani of Khetri
... Instruction is also given inneedlework of various kinds, and other things,
the knowledge of which is necessary for good housekeeping....
Christian Meekness
... etc. The graces therefore are compared toneedlework, which is different
and various in its flowers and colours (Psalm 45:14). In...
The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... Above this table was a picture in some sort of embroidery orneedlework which hung
like a curtain in front of a kind of little cupboard containing scrolls of...
A Few Days Later the Fashionable World of Europe was Startled by...
... It seemed very strange! How much more natural for her to marry some decent man of
established position and be content with babies and plainneedlework!...
It is an Annoyance to the Jew that Christ is Said to be Adored...
... The rich of the people shall entreat Thy face. All the glory of the King's daughter
[is] within, clad in embroidered garments ofneedlework....
Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... wish to present you all as a chaste virgin to Christ." [3618] She stood as a queen
at his right hand, her clothing of wrought gold and her raiment ofneedlework...
Wesley at Scoon and Holyrood
... Lochlevin. It is some of the finestneedlework I have ever seen, and plainly
shows both her exquisite skill and unwearied industry....
Thesaurus
Needlework (23 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
NEEDLEWORK. ne'-d'-l-wurk. See EMBROIDERY.
Multi-Version Concordance
Needlework (23 Occurrences).
...Embroidery (12 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.)Needlework used to enrich textile fabrics,
leather, etc.; also, the art of embroidering. 2. (n...
Coloured (21 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:4 This is what they are to make: a priest's bag, an ephod, and a robe,
and a coat of colouredneedlework, a head-dress, and a linen band; they are to...
Doorway (221 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Exodus 26:36 And you are to make a curtain for the doorway of the Tent,
of the best linen withneedlework of blue and purple and red. (BBE NAS)....
Curtain (60 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Exodus 26:36 And you are to make a curtain for the doorway of the Tent,
of the best linen withneedlework of blue and purple and red. (BBE DBY NIV)....
Best (252 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:36 And you are to make a curtain for the doorway of the Tent, of the
best linen withneedlework of blue and purple and red. (BBE)....
Hanging (82 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of
blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought withneedlework....
Trained (37 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 To them he has given knowledge of all the arts of the handworker, of
the designer, and the expert workman; of the maker ofneedlework in blue and...
Expert (59 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 To them he has given knowledge of all the arts of the handworker, of
the designer, and the expert workman; of the maker ofneedlework in blue and...
Designer (12 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 To them he has given knowledge of all the arts of the handworker, of
the designer, and the expert workman; of the maker ofneedlework in blue and...
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