Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage in Biblical Times:Woolen refers to anything made from wool, a textile fiber obtained from sheep and other animals. In biblical times, wool was a significant material used for clothing and other textiles. It was valued for its warmth, durability, and availability, making it a staple in the daily lives of the people in ancient Israel and surrounding regions.
Biblical References:Wool and woolen garments are mentioned several times throughout the Bible, highlighting their importance in ancient society. In the Old Testament, wool is often associated with offerings and purity. For instance, in
Leviticus 13:47-48 , the law concerning leprosy in garments includes woolen materials: "If any fabric is contaminated with mildew—any woolen or linen garment, any weave or knit of linen or wool, or any leather article—"
The use of wool in religious contexts is further emphasized in the instructions for the tabernacle and priestly garments.
Exodus 35:25 notes the contributions of skilled women who spun yarn with their hands and brought what they had spun—blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen. This indicates the use of wool dyed in various colors for sacred purposes.
Symbolism and Metaphorical Use:Wool is also used metaphorically in the Bible to convey purity and transformation. In
Isaiah 1:18 , the Lord invites His people to reason together, saying, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Here, wool symbolizes the cleansing and forgiveness that God offers, transforming sin-stained lives into purity.
Cultural and Economic Significance:In the ancient Near East, wool was not only a practical material but also an economic commodity. The production and trade of woolen goods were vital to the economy.
Proverbs 31:13 describes the virtuous woman who "selects wool and flax and works with eager hands," highlighting the industrious nature and skill involved in producing woolen textiles.
Prohibitions and Regulations:The Bible also contains specific regulations regarding the use of wool.
Deuteronomy 22:11 instructs, "Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together." This prohibition against mixing wool and linen, known as shatnez, is part of the broader Mosaic Law, reflecting the importance of maintaining distinctiveness and purity in various aspects of life.
Conclusion:Woolen materials played a crucial role in the daily and religious life of biblical times. They were not only practical and valuable but also carried symbolic meanings of purity and transformation. The biblical references to woolen goods underscore their significance in the cultural, economic, and spiritual fabric of ancient Israel.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Made of wool; consisting of wool; as, woolen goods.
2. (a.) of or pertaining to wool or woolen cloths; as, woolen manufactures; a woolen mill; a woolen draper.
3. (n.) Cloth made of wool; woolen goods.
Greek
1102. gnapheus -- one who cleanswoolen cloth... one who cleans
woolen cloth. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: gnapheus
Phonetic Spelling: (gnaf-yuce') Short Definition: a fuller, cloth-dresser
...Strong's Hebrew
6785. tsemer -- wool... Word Origin from an unused word Definition wool NASB Word Usage wool (16).
woolen.
From an unused root probably meaning to be shaggy; wool -- wool(-len).
...Library
Making the Man.
... It was a place of considerable antiquity, being mentioned in Domesday, but its chief
importance dates from the establishment of thewoolen industry, being now...
Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial...
... with man's apparel, neither shall a man use woman's apparel": and further on
(Dt.22:11): "Thou shalt not wear a garment that is woven ofwoolen and linen...
Greek and Jew
... "I am Philadelphus Maccabaeus.". The servant bent and taking the hem of thewoolen
tunic pressed it to his lips. "Happy hour!" he exclaimed....
At Court
... "Admire the beautiful sash in which M. Vincent comes to Court," said Mazarin one
day to the Queen, laying hold of the coarsewoolen braid that did duty with...
The Annunciation
... The Blessed Virgin came in and went behind the screen before her bed, where she
put on a long whitewoolen praying-robe with a broad girdle, and covered her...
The First-Born
... into the palace courtyard. Masanath wrapped awoolen mantle about her and
sat at the window overlooking the park. Without was the...
The Ministry of Love, the Blasphemy of Hatred, and the Mistakes of...
... Magdala, which was a Sabbath-day's journey from Tiberias, [2734] was celebrated
for its dyeworks, [2735] and its manufactories of finewoolen textures, of...
Second Great Group of Parables.
... drop of it.Woolen garments dyed with it were worn by kings and nobles,
and idol images were sometimes arrayed in them. This purple...
James
... He alone had the privilege of entering the Holy of Holies, since indeed he did not
usewoolen vestments but linen and went alone into the temple and prayed in...
Athanasius is Again Banished; Concerning Eleusius, Bishop of...
... There were many persons gathered with them who also held like religious views with
the Christians of the city, and who were engaged inwoolen manufactures for...
Thesaurus
Woolen (6 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Made of wool; consisting of wool; as,
woolen goods. 2. (a.) of or pertaining to wool or
woolen...Flock (242 Occurrences)
... 3. (vi) To gather in companies or crowds. 4. (vt) To flock to; to crowd. 5. (n.)
A lock of wool or hair. 6. (n.)Woolen or cotton refuse (sing....
Moth (10 Occurrences)
... grain moth; bee moth. 4. (n.) Any one of various other insects that destroy
woolen and fur goods, etc., esp. the larvae of several...
Cloth (57 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A fabric made of fibrous material (or sometimes of wire, as in wire cloth);
commonly, a woven fabric of cotton,woolen, or linen, adapted to be made...
Wool (34 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 2:11; compare Leviticus 19:19). Priests could not wearwoolen
garments (Ezekiel 44:17). Wool dyed scarlet with the qermes...
Leprosy (51 Occurrences)
... The occurrence of certain greenish or reddish stains in the substance ofwoolen
or linen fabrics or in articles made of leather is described in Leviticus 13:47...
Garment (143 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 13:47 "The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it is
awoolen garment, or a linen garment; (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)....
Yarn (37 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Spun wool;woolen thread; also, thread of other material, as of cotton,
flax, hemp, or silk; material spun and prepared for use in weaving, knitting...
Lasting (40 Occurrences)
... color. 3. (n.) Continuance; endurance. 4. (n.) A species of very durable
woolen stuff, used for women's shoes; everlasting. 5. (n...
Leprous (27 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 13:47 And when the plague of leprosy is in a garment, whether it
be awoolen garment, or a linen garment; (See RSV). Leviticus...
Resources
Why does the Bible speak against wearing clothing made of different types of fabric? | GotQuestions.orgWoolen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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