Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "apron" refers to a garment or covering that served both practical and symbolic purposes. The concept of an apron appears in various contexts within the Scriptures, each reflecting different aspects of life and faith in ancient times.Genesis 3:7 The first mention of an apron in the Bible is found in Genesis 3:7, following the fall of Adam and Eve. After eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve's eyes were opened, and they realized they were naked. In response, they sewed fig leaves together to make themselves aprons: "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed together fig leaves and made coverings for themselves" . This act symbolizes the first human attempt to cover sin and shame, highlighting the immediate consequences of disobedience to God. Acts 19:12 In the New Testament, aprons are mentioned in the context of the Apostle Paul's ministry. Acts 19:12 describes how God performed extraordinary miracles through Paul, to the extent that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were brought to the sick, and their illnesses were cured, and evil spirits left them: "So that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits left them" . This passage illustrates the power of God working through Paul, emphasizing the divine authority and miraculous nature of the apostolic ministry. Symbolism and Cultural Context In the ancient Near Eastern culture, aprons were practical garments used for protection and modesty. They were often worn by laborers, artisans, and servants to protect their clothing while working. The biblical references to aprons, therefore, carry connotations of service, humility, and the human condition. Theologically, the apron in Genesis signifies humanity's initial attempt to address sin through self-effort, contrasting with God's provision of garments made from animal skins (Genesis 3:21), which foreshadows the necessity of divine intervention for true redemption. In Acts, the apron becomes a symbol of God's power and grace, demonstrating that healing and deliverance come through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit, not through human means. Conclusion The biblical references to aprons, though few, provide rich insights into the human experience and God's interaction with His creation. They serve as reminders of the need for divine grace and the transformative power of faith in the life of believers. Easton's Bible Dictionary Found in the Authorized Version in Genesis 3:7, of the bands of fig-leaves made by our first parents. In Acts 19:12, it denotes the belt or half-girdle worn by artisans and servants round the waist for the purpose of preserving the clothing from injury. In marg. of Authorized Version, Ruth 3:15, correctly rendered instead of "vail." (R.V., "mantle.") Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An article of dress, of cloth, leather, or other stuff, worn on the fore part of the body, to keep the clothes clean, to defend them from injury, or as a covering. It is commonly tied at the waist by strings.2. (n.) Something which by its shape or use suggests an apron; 3. (n.) The fat skin covering the belly of a goose or duck. 4. (n.) A piece of leather, or other material, to be spread before a person riding on an outside seat of a vehicle, to defend him from the rain, snow, or dust; a boot. 5. (n.) A leaden plate that covers the vent of a cannon. 6. (n.) A piece of carved timber, just above the foremost end of the keel. 7. (n.) A platform, or flooring of plank, at the entrance of a dock, against which the dock gates are shut. 8. (n.) A flooring of plank before a dam to cause the water to make a gradual descent. 9. (n.) The piece that holds the cutting tool of a planer. 10. (n.) A strip of lead which leads the drip of a wall into a gutter; a flashing. 11. (n.) The infolded abdomen of a crab. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia APRONa'-prun: Appears only in Genesis 3:7 and Acts 19:12 English Versions. English na-prun, North of England nap-peon, from Low Latin, through French nape, nappe, "napkin." The "n" was dropped owing to false division of the article a from the noun; thus "a napron" became "an apron:" In Genesis 3:7 it is used to translate a Hebrew word rendered "girdles" in Revised Version margin: "And they sewed fig-leaves together and made themselves aprons." In Acts 19:12 simikinthia, stands for semicinctia, which is really a Latin word meaning "half-girdle," i.e. girdles going only half round the body and covering the front of the person: "Unto the sick were carried away from his (Paul's) body handkerchiefs (soudaria, rendered "napkins" Luke 19:20 John 11:44; John 20:7) or aprons." The word denotes here, probably, a workman's apron, perhaps those of Paul himself; though it seems more natural to suppose that the people brought their own "handkerchiefs" or "aprons" to Paul to secure the miraculous effect desired. The garments, at any rate, were such as could be easily removed and carried back and forth. (See Rich, Dict. of Roman and Greek Ant, under the word, for illust.; also Pope's Lexicon, under the word). Greek 4612. simikinthion -- (a workman's) apron ... 4611, 4612. simikinthion. 4613 . (a workman's) apron. Part of ... Word Origin of Latin origin Definition (a workman's) apron NASB Word Usage aprons (1). apron. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4612.htm - 6k 3012. lention -- a linen cloth, a towel 1463. egkomboomai -- to put on oneself (as a garment) Strong's Hebrew 2290. chagowr -- a belt, girdle... 2289, 2290. chagowr. 2290a . a belt, girdle. Transliteration: chagowr Phonetic Spelling: (khag-ore') Short Definition: apron. apron, armor, girdle ... /hebrew/2290.htm - 5k Library The Slave's Girdle The Noviceship Unbelievers Upbraided Early Life External Foes. A Downward Step. Footnotes On the Growth of the Soul. Its Maturity Coincident with the ... The Little Match Girl The Great Unknown Lack. Thesaurus Apron (1 Occurrence)... It is commonly tied at the waist by strings. 2. (n.) Something which by its shape or use suggests an apron; ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. APRON. ... /a/apron.htm - 10k Vail (44 Occurrences) Veil (67 Occurrences) Lap (12 Occurrences) Gore (9 Occurrences) Waits (21 Occurrences) Tire (5 Occurrences) Tie (18 Occurrences) Dress (38 Occurrences) Boot (1 Occurrence) Resources What is a prayer closet? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about androgyny? | GotQuestions.org Apron: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Apron (1 Occurrence)Luke 12:37 Subtopics Related Terms |