The term "apparelled" refers to being clothed or dressed, often with an emphasis on the type or quality of clothing. In the Bible, clothing is frequently mentioned, not only as a practical necessity but also as a symbol of spiritual truths, social status, and divine favor.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, clothing often signifies one's status and role within society. For instance, Joseph's "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3) given by his father Jacob, symbolizes his favored status among his brothers, which ultimately leads to their jealousy and his subsequent sale into slavery. Clothing can also denote mourning or repentance, as seen in the practice of wearing sackcloth and ashes (e.g., Esther 4:1, Jonah 3:6).

Priestly garments are another significant aspect of apparel in the Old Testament. The Book of Exodus details the specific garments worn by the priests, particularly the high priest, which were designed for "glory and beauty" (Exodus 28:2). These garments included the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, each with symbolic meaning and purpose, signifying the holiness and set-apart nature of the priestly office.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, clothing continues to carry symbolic weight. John the Baptist is described as wearing "a garment of camel’s hair" (Matthew 3:4), which reflects his prophetic role and ascetic lifestyle. Jesus, in His teachings, often uses clothing metaphorically. For example, in the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, the man without a wedding garment is cast out, illustrating the necessity of being spiritually prepared and clothed in righteousness (Matthew 22:11-13).

The Apostle Paul frequently uses clothing imagery to describe spiritual truths. Believers are exhorted to "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:24) and to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12). This metaphor of putting on virtues as garments underscores the transformation expected in the life of a Christian.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Throughout Scripture, clothing is often used to symbolize righteousness and salvation. Isaiah speaks of being "clothed with garments of salvation" and "arrayed in a robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10). In Revelation, the saints are depicted as wearing white robes, symbolizing purity and victory through the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14).

The Bible also warns against excessive concern with outward adornment. In 1 Peter 3:3-4 , women are advised that their beauty should not come from "outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes," but rather from "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit." This reflects a broader biblical principle that inner character and spiritual virtues are of greater value than external appearances.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

In biblical times, clothing was often a reflection of one's social and economic status. Fine linen and purple garments were associated with wealth and royalty (e.g., Proverbs 31:22, Luke 16:19). Conversely, the poor might wear simple, coarse garments. The cultural context of clothing in the Bible provides insight into the social dynamics and values of the time.

Overall, the concept of being "apparelled" in the Bible extends beyond mere physical clothing to encompass spiritual readiness, moral character, and the believer's identity in Christ.(p. p.) of Apparel.

'According To' --II.
... statement means, but in such a way as to brighten it up again, and to invest it
with something of the 'celestial light' with which it was 'apparelled' when it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/according toii.htm

One Seed and Diverse Soils
... enough thing, but one who habitually holds converse with the unseen, and ever sees
it shining through the seen, beholds all things 'apparelled in celestial ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/one seed and diverse soils.htm

John's Doubts and Christ's Praise
... A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and
live delicately, are in kings' courts.26. But what went ye out for to see? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/johns doubts and christs praise.htm

Jesus' Estimate of John the Baptist.
... a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that are gorgeously apparelled, and
live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went ye out to see? a prophet? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/jesus estimate of john the.htm

Meditations for the Morning.
... of the saints (Matthew 22:11; Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 3:9;
Revelation 19:8; Ephesians 4:24;) lest, while we are richly apparelled in the ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for the morning.htm

Paul on his Own Conversion
... apostate, justly crucified and not risen as his dupes dreamed, lived in heaven,
knew him, Saul, and all that he had been doing, was 'apparelled in celestial ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/paul on his own conversion.htm

Adonijah
... to that of his father, and when he moved abroad was accompanied by a stately retinue
of chariots and horsemen, and fifty foot attendants gorgeously apparelled. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
... ca man clothed in soft raiment? ^a Behold, they that wear soft raiment ^c they that
are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlv the baptists inquiry and.htm

Righteous Hatred
... We do not expect to see monarchs' children apparelled in rags; we do not expect
to see them rolling themselves in the mire of the streets. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/righteous hatred.htm

The Exodus
... land without a wage or pay? Yes, it is he; and now he is arrayed like
a king, and apparelled as a prince. Lo, each of these men ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the exodus.htm

Apparelled (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Apparelled (2 Occurrences). ... Behold, they which are gorgeously
apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. (KJV ASV). ...
/a/apparelled.htm - 7k

Vest (11 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 2 Samuel 13:18 Now she had a vest of many colours upon her; for
so were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. ...
/v/vest.htm - 11k

Raiment (75 Occurrences)
... A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled,
and live delicately, are in kings' courts. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/r/raiment.htm - 31k

Colours (20 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Samuel 13:18 Now she had a vest of many colours upon her; for
so were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. ...
/c/colours.htm - 12k

Appareled (2 Occurrences)

/a/appareled.htm - 7k

Apparellings (1 Occurrence)

/a/apparellings.htm - 6k

Attendant (15 Occurrences)
... DBY). 2 Samuel 13:18 Now she had a vest of many colours upon her; for so
were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. And ...
/a/attendant.htm - 11k

Divers (36 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). 2 Samuel 13:18 And she had a garment of divers colors upon her: for with
such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. ...
/d/divers.htm - 20k

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