The term "arm-holes" appears in the context of biblical descriptions and is often associated with garments or clothing, particularly in the prophetic and historical books of the Old Testament. The word is used to describe openings or slits in garments through which the arms are placed, allowing for movement and functionality. In the ancient Near Eastern context, clothing was not only a practical necessity but also held symbolic and cultural significance.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 13:18 : "This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on all their wrists and make veils of every size to ensnare souls. Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own?" In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel condemns false prophetesses who use deceptive practices. The reference to sewing magic charms on wrists may imply the use of garments with arm-holes, which were manipulated for idolatrous or superstitious purposes. The arm-holes here could symbolize the accessibility and vulnerability of the people to these false teachings.

2. Jeremiah 38:12 : "And Ebed-melech the Cushite said to Jeremiah, 'Put these old rags and worn-out clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.' So Jeremiah did so." In this narrative, the prophet Jeremiah is rescued from a cistern by Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian eunuch. The mention of placing rags under the arms suggests the use of arm-holes in clothing to provide comfort and protection during the rescue. This practical use of arm-holes highlights the compassion and ingenuity of Ebed-melech in ensuring Jeremiah's safety.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

In biblical times, clothing was often a reflection of one's social status, occupation, and religious identity. The design and construction of garments, including the presence of arm-holes, were influenced by the need for mobility and the climate of the region. Arm-holes allowed for ease of movement, which was essential for daily activities and labor.

Symbolically, arm-holes can represent the openness and exposure of an individual to external influences, both positive and negative. In the context of Ezekiel's prophecy, the arm-holes in garments used for deceitful purposes illustrate the spiritual vulnerability of the people to false teachings and idolatry. Conversely, in Jeremiah's account, the arm-holes facilitate a rescue, symbolizing deliverance and divine intervention.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the concept of arm-holes can be seen as a metaphor for the choices individuals make in their spiritual lives. Just as arm-holes provide access and movement, believers are called to discern what they allow into their lives and how they respond to God's guidance. The Bible encourages believers to "put on the full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11), which includes being vigilant about the influences they permit into their hearts and minds.

In summary, while the term "arm-holes" may seem minor in the grand narrative of Scripture, it serves as a reminder of the practical and symbolic aspects of biblical teachings. Through the lens of arm-holes, we gain insight into the daily lives of biblical characters and the spiritual lessons that continue to resonate with believers today.3027. yad -- hand
... wrists* (1), yield* (1), yourselves (2). be able, about, armholes, at, axletree,
because of, beside, border,. A primitive word; a hand ...
/hebrew/3027.htm - 8k

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... It was put over her head and tied round her. Over this she wore a brownish
robe with armholes, over which hung pieces of the stuff. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

Face to Face with Shams
... sewed pillows to all armholes,' and abounded in wimples and crisping pins; to see
deaconesses at once bold and mincing, to see them forward, intriguing ...
/.../chapter xxiii face to face.htm

Personal Notes: Relics Nearby that the Three Kings had Given to ...
... handed them back). (1) This comes from a coat of Mensor's; it is of very
fine wool. It had armholes and no sleeves. A piece of stuff ...
/.../the life of the blessed virgin mary/xv personal notes relics nearby.htm

The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning
... Do not sew pillows to thine armholes, and make for thyself this fond hope, that
thou shalt one day be saved. It is now or never, it is now or never with you. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the ship on firea voice.htm

A Private Enquiry
... If we have sown pillows for their armholes, and rocked their cradles by our
smooth speech, their eternal ruin shall lie at our door. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a private enquiry.htm

Election
... be ruined. God forbid that I should be sewing pillows under armholes that
you may rest comfortably in your sins. Sinner! there is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/election.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... With two such incompatible objects in view this passion chooses teachers for itself,
who may in an easy manner "place under the arm-holes of their disciples ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

Armholes (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Armholes (2 Occurrences). Jeremiah 38:12 And
Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these ...
/a/armholes.htm - 7k

Arm-holes (5 Occurrences)
Arm-holes. Armholes, Arm-holes. Armies . Multi-Version Concordance Arm-holes
(5 Occurrences). ... (WBS). Armholes, Arm-holes. Armies . Reference Bible.
/a/arm-holes.htm - 8k

Memory (181 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:12 And the two stones are to be placed on the ephod, over the arm-holes,
to be stones of memory for the children of Israel: Aaron will have their ...
/m/memory.htm - 40k

Tassel (5 Occurrences)
... Arabs. It is a square cloak, with unsewn spaces for armholes, and is composed
of either three or four widths of woven stuff. The ...
/t/tassel.htm - 9k

Rotten (9 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Jeremiah 38:12 And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these
old cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. ...
/r/rotten.htm - 9k

Ebed-melech (6 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:12 And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these
rags and worn-out garments under thine armholes under the cords. ...
/e/ebed-melech.htm - 9k

Decayed (7 Occurrences)
... (WBS). Jeremiah 38:12 And Ebed-melech the Cushite said to Jeremiah, Put now these
old cast clouts and decayed rags under thy arm-holes under the cords. ...
/d/decayed.htm - 8k

Clouts (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 38:12 And Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said unto Jeremiah, Put now these old
cast clouts and rotten rags under thine armholes under the cords. ...
/c/clouts.htm - 7k

Armhole

/a/armhole.htm - 7k

Shreds (2 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Jeremiah 38:12 And Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, Put, I pray,
these old shreds and rags under thine armholes under the cords. ...
/s/shreds.htm - 7k

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