Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, "trappings" referred to the ornamental coverings or accessories used to adorn horses, camels, or other animals, often signifying wealth, status, or preparation for battle. The concept of trappings can also extend metaphorically to the adornments or outward appearances that people use to convey status or authority.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, trappings are often associated with the wealth and splendor of kings and warriors. For instance, in the context of battle, horses were often adorned with trappings to signify the might and readiness of an army. In
Job 39:19-25, the power and majesty of the horse are described, highlighting its role in battle: "Do you give strength to the horse or adorn his neck with a mane?" (
Job 39:19). This passage emphasizes the strength and beauty of the horse, which would be enhanced by its trappings.
The use of trappings is also seen in the context of royal processions and celebrations. In
Esther 6:8-9, when Haman suggests how to honor a man whom the king delights to honor, he describes a royal robe and a horse with a royal crest, indicating the importance of outward adornment in displaying honor and status.
New Testament ReferencesWhile the New Testament does not explicitly mention trappings in the same way as the Old Testament, the concept of outward adornment versus inner virtue is a recurring theme. In
1 Peter 3:3-4, believers are advised, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight" . This passage contrasts the temporary nature of physical trappings with the eternal value of inner character.
Symbolic and Metaphorical UseTrappings can also symbolize the superficial or deceptive nature of appearances. In the prophetic literature, the adornments of nations or cities are sometimes used to illustrate their pride or impending judgment. For example, in
Isaiah 3:18-23, the Lord warns of removing the finery and trappings of the daughters of Zion as a judgment against their pride and reliance on outward beauty.
In a broader sense, trappings can represent the distractions or superficialities that can lead individuals away from a sincere relationship with God. The emphasis in Scripture is often on the heart and character rather than external appearances, as seen in
1 Samuel 16:7: "The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" .
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Near Eastern cultures, trappings were not only practical but also served as a display of wealth and power. The materials used, such as gold, silver, and fine fabrics, indicated the owner's status and were often used in religious and ceremonial contexts. The Bible reflects this cultural practice, using trappings as a metaphor for both human pride and divine majesty.
Overall, while trappings in the biblical sense often refer to physical adornments, the underlying message of Scripture points to the importance of inner virtue and the dangers of relying solely on outward appearances.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n. pl.) That which serves to trap or adorn; ornaments; dress; superficial decorations.
2. (n. pl.) Specifically, ornaments to be put on horses.
Strong's Hebrew
5716. adi -- ornaments... Word Origin from adah Definition ornaments NASB Word Usage fine ornaments (1), jewels
(1), ornaments (9),
trappings (1), years (1). excellent, mouth, ornament.
...Library
The Bishop Elect and Consecrate
... radiant white within. He sat a horse withouttrappings, but with a roll
of fleece and clothes, his day and night gear. Around him...
First Day in New York
... That this High Priest, while enjoying all the comforts and privileges belonging
to his high office, together with its honors and gorgeoustrappings, does not...
Conversations.
... Animals intended to be offered in sacrifice, caparisoned intrappings of gold, horsemen
most sumptuously equipped, chariots of war splendidly built and adorned...
The Note of Accusation.
... rebellion and transgression. Again was the veil torn from her heart, the
trappings of ceremonialism, the rags of hypocrisy. Again were...
The Adventures of Saint David of Wales.
... habited in every conceivable style of richest armour; yet none surpassed Saint David
in the sumptuousness of his plume and burgonet, thetrappings of his steed...
Calcutta and the Mission Centres from Delhi to Amboyna
... brethren. The first church was the hall of a well-known undertaker, approached
through lines of coffins and thetrappings of woe....
Man's Life his Monument.
... his best monument. He needs no sculptured tomb, no gorgeoustrappings,
no fulsome epitaph, to keep his memory green. The cunning...
The Conspiracy
... "I would have thee be useful.". "I shall throw away my lordlytrappings,"
he said, "and become a lifter of the shadoof[1] this day."....
At Masaarah
... the face of Kenkenes. It was Kenkenes, indeed, but Kenkenes in robes of
rustling linen andtrappings of gold. Never had she seen...
Christ in the Covenant
... and it will therefore delight us for a while, this morning, in the simplest manner
possible, without the garnishings of eloquence or thetrappings of oratory...
Thesaurus
Trappings (1 Occurrence)... decorations. 2. (n. pl.) Specifically, ornaments to be put on horses.
Multi-Version Concordance
Trappings (1 Occurrence). Psalms
...Traps (8 Occurrences)
Trapper (2 Occurrences)
Restraint (34 Occurrences)
... Psalms 32:9 Be ye not as a horse, as a mule, which have no understanding: whose
trappings must be bit and bridle, for restraint, or they will not come unto thee...
Goat (92 Occurrences)
... cooking. Their hair is woven into tents (Songs 1:5), carpets, cloaks, sacks,
slings, and various camel, horse and muletrappings. Their...
Elamarna
... That these things of elegance and skill are not merely thetrappings of "barbaric
splendor" is manifest from the revelation which the Tell el-Amarna Letters...
Tablets (31 Occurrences)
... That these things of elegance and skill are not merely thetrappings of "barbaric
splendor" is manifest from the revelation which the Tell el-Amarna Letters...
El-amarna
... That these things of elegance and skill are not merely thetrappings of "barbaric
splendor" is manifest from the revelation which the Tell el-Amarna Letters...
Tell (3056 Occurrences)
... That these things of elegance and skill are not merely thetrappings of "barbaric
splendor" is manifest from the revelation which the Tell el-Amarna Letters...
Housing (2 Occurrences)
... See Houseline. 10. (n.) A cover or cloth for a horse's saddle, as an ornamental
or military appendage; a saddlecloth; a horse cloth; in plural,trappings. 11....
Resources
What is a cupbearer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat impact did David Hume have on the Christian faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Two Sons? | GotQuestions.orgTrappings: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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