Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, clothing was an important aspect of daily life and often held symbolic significance. The mention of sleeves in the Bible is not extensive, but the concept of garments and their design, including sleeves, can be inferred from various passages and historical context.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Near Eastern cultures, clothing was typically made from wool, linen, or other natural fibers. The design of garments, including the presence and length of sleeves, varied based on factors such as climate, social status, and cultural customs. Sleeves, as part of a garment, would have been functional, providing protection from the elements, and could also indicate the wearer's status or role.
Biblical References and SymbolismWhile the Bible does not explicitly focus on sleeves, garments are frequently mentioned and can provide insight into the significance of clothing in biblical narratives. For example, the "coat of many colors" given to Joseph by his father Jacob (
Genesis 37:3) is often interpreted as a long-sleeved robe, which would have been a sign of favor and distinction. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as: "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors."
In the context of priestly garments,
Exodus 28 describes the detailed instructions for the attire of the priests, including the ephod and robe. While sleeves are not specifically mentioned, the intricate design and craftsmanship of these garments suggest that they were made with care and precision, possibly including sleeves as part of their construction.
Symbolic InterpretationsGarments in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings, representing righteousness, authority, or identity. The presence or absence of sleeves could contribute to these symbolic interpretations. For instance, a long-sleeved garment might symbolize honor or a special role, as seen in the case of Joseph. Conversely, the tearing of garments, which would include sleeves, is a common biblical expression of mourning or distress (e.g.,
2 Samuel 13:19).
Practical ConsiderationsIn practical terms, sleeves would have been an essential part of everyday clothing, providing warmth and protection. The length and style of sleeves could vary based on the activity or occasion. For example, laborers might wear shorter sleeves for ease of movement, while those in positions of authority or ceremonial roles might wear longer, more elaborate sleeves.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not provide detailed descriptions of sleeves, the broader context of garments and their significance in biblical narratives offers insight into their potential role and symbolism. Through the study of biblical clothing, including the inferred presence of sleeves, one can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual dimensions of biblical texts.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SLEEVESslevz (Genesis 37:3 margin).
SeeDRESS;
Library
The Right to Regulate My Private Affairs as I Wish
... But thesleeves! Practically nosleeves at all!... (The boys needed still less!) The
objectionablesleeves were just long enough to cover her shoulders....
Devout Customs and Usages
... It should fall somewhat below the knees. Thesleeves are flowing and of
considerable width at the wrist.". [Illustration: The surplice]....
The Saint of God, the Hermit Richard, was Born in the Village of...
... And when he had received them he straightway cut off thesleeves from the grey tunic
and the buttons from the white, and as best he could he fitted thesleeves...
Of the Tunics of the Egyptians.
... They wear also linen tunics [648] which scarcely reach to the elbows, and for the
rest leave their hands bare, that the cutting off of thesleeves may suggest...
The Dream of St. Ursula
... He has soft grey wings, lustreless; and his dress, of subdued blue, has violet
sleeves, open above the elbow, and showing whitesleeves below....
Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... Please refer to Figure 7.] She wore a white woolen undergarment withoutsleeves:
her arms... It fell to her feet and was as full as a mantle and had widesleeves....
Joseph Sold as a Slave by his Brothers
... to their father. Now Jacob loved his son Joseph, who was born in his old
age; and he made him a long coat withsleeves. When his...
Concerning the Garments of the Priests, and of the High Priest.
... This vestment reaches down to the feet, and sits close to the body; and hassleeves
that are tied fast to the arms: it is girded to the breast a little above...
The Noviceship
... to the Professed House in Rome in 1567, meeting Stanislaus Kostka, would see a handsome,
pleasant-looking Polish boy of seventeen, with hissleeves rolled up...
Man and Machinery.
... great elements around us. See how magnificent nature has humbled itself,
and works in shirt-sleeves. Without food, without sweat...
Thesaurus
Sleeves (4 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SLEEVES. slevz (Genesis 37:3 margin). See
DRESS; Multi-Version Concordance
Sleeves (4 Occurrences).
...Cloak (73 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary An upper garment, "an exterior tunic, wide and long,
reaching to the ankles, but withoutsleeves" (Isaiah 59:17)....
Dress (38 Occurrences)
... 2) The three normal body garments, the ones most mentioned in the Scriptures, are
cadjin, a rather long "under garment" provided withsleeves; kethoneth (Greek...
Joseph (248 Occurrences)
... "Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his
old age," and he "made him a long garment withsleeves" (Genesis 37:3, RV...
Tire (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Attire; apparel. 3. (n.) A covering for the head; a headdress. 4. (n.) A
child's apron, covering the breast and having nosleeves; a pinafore; a tier....
Tunic (24 Occurrences)
... both sexes. It was made with or withoutsleeves, reached to or below the
knees, and was confined at the waist by a girdle. 2. (n...
Tuck (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To draw up; to shorten; to fold under; to press into a narrower compass;
as, to tuck the bedclothes in; to tuck up one'ssleeves....
Mantle (35 Occurrences)
... Found in plural once (Isaiah 3:22), where it (ma`ataphoth) is an upper wide tunic
withsleeves (kethoneth). See DRESS; KERCHIEF. Multi-Version Concordance...
Color (18 Occurrences)
... do not mean the color of the garment at all, but the form, as suggested in the American
Revised Version, margin, "a long garment withsleeves." In Judges 5:30...
Coat (54 Occurrences)
... This tunic was sometimes woven entire without a seam (John 19:23); it was also
sometimes of "many colours" (Genesis 37:3; RV marg., "a long garment withsleeves...
Resources
Why did Jacob give Joseph a coat of many colors? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Billy Sunday? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian respond to all the negativity out there? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
