The term "appareled" refers to being clothed or dressed, often with an implication of adornment or special attire. In the biblical context, apparel can signify more than just physical clothing; it often symbolizes spiritual readiness, moral character, and social status. The Bible provides numerous references to apparel, illustrating its importance in both literal and metaphorical senses.

Biblical References:

1. Priestly Garments: In the Old Testament, the priests of Israel were given specific instructions regarding their apparel. Exodus 28:2 states, "Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and splendor." The priestly garments were not only functional but also symbolic of the holiness and service required of those who ministered before God.

2. Royal Apparel: The Bible often uses apparel to denote royalty and authority. In Esther 5:1 , we read, "On the third day, Esther put on her royal apparel and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall." Esther's royal apparel signified her status and the gravity of her mission to approach the king.

3. Spiritual Apparel: The New Testament frequently uses clothing as a metaphor for spiritual truths. In Ephesians 6:11 , believers are exhorted to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." Here, the apparel represents spiritual readiness and protection.

4. Modesty and Humility: The Bible also addresses the importance of modesty in apparel. 1 Timothy 2:9 advises, "Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes." This passage emphasizes the value of inner beauty and character over outward adornment.

5. Righteousness as Garment: In Isaiah 61:10 , the prophet declares, "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness." Here, apparel is a metaphor for the righteousness and salvation bestowed by God.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In biblical times, clothing was a significant indicator of one's social status, occupation, and even religious devotion. The materials, colors, and styles of apparel could convey wealth, authority, or humility. For instance, linen garments were often associated with purity and were worn by priests, while sackcloth was a sign of mourning or repentance.

Theological Implications:

Apparel in the Bible often carries deeper theological meanings. It can represent the transformation of the believer, as seen in Colossians 3:12 : "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." This passage encourages believers to "wear" virtues that reflect their new identity in Christ.

In summary, the concept of being appareled in the Bible extends beyond mere physical clothing to encompass spiritual truths and moral imperatives. Whether referring to the ornate garments of the high priest, the modest attire of a believer, or the metaphorical armor of God, apparel serves as a powerful symbol of one's relationship with God and others.(imp. & p. p.) of Apparel.

Imprisonment and Death of John
... Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings'
courts." John had been called to reprove the sins and excesses of his time, and ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 22 imprisonment and death.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... Here, again, let there be many servants, in garments not less ornamented than those
of the guests, and bravely appareled, and wearing loose trowsers, men ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom 2.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... glance during a review at the commander-in-chief, intoxicated with self-importance,
followed by his retinue, all on magnificent and gayly appareled horses, in ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

Appareled (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Appareled (2 Occurrences). ... behold, they who are gorgeously
appareled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. (WBS RSV). ...
/a/appareled.htm - 7k

Apparel (38 Occurrences)
... 7. (vt) To dress with external ornaments; to cover with something ornamental; to
deck; to embellish; as, trees appareled with flowers, or a garden with verdure ...
/a/apparel.htm - 24k

Gorgeous (1 Occurrence)
... robe," the Revised Version (British and American) "gorgeous apparel." We have also
in Luke 7:25, "They that are gorgeously appareled (endoxos, "splendid ...
/g/gorgeous.htm - 7k

Gorgeously (3 Occurrences)
... robe," the Revised Version (British and American) "gorgeous apparel." We have also
in Luke 7:25, "They that are gorgeously appareled (endoxos, "splendid ...
/g/gorgeously.htm - 8k

Apparelled (2 Occurrences)

/a/apparelled.htm - 7k

Dress (38 Occurrences)
... royal princess (2 Samuel 13:18, "A garment of divers colors upon her; for with such
robes were the king's daughters that were virgins appareled"), "the tunic ...
/d/dress.htm - 53k

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