The concept of attire in the Bible encompasses both physical clothing and the spiritual symbolism associated with how individuals present themselves. Attire is often reflective of one's status, role, and spiritual condition. Throughout Scripture, clothing is used metaphorically to convey deeper theological truths and moral teachings.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, attire often signifies one's social status, role, or spiritual state. For instance, Joseph's "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3) symbolizes his father's favoritism and sets the stage for the ensuing familial conflict. Priestly garments, as described in Exodus 28, are detailed and specific, signifying the holiness and set-apart nature of those who serve in the tabernacle. The high priest's attire, including the ephod, breastplate, and turban, is rich with symbolism, representing the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people.

The attire of women is also addressed, with Proverbs 31:22 noting that the virtuous woman "makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple," indicating dignity and industriousness. Conversely, attire can also reflect moral decay, as seen in Isaiah 3:16-24, where the daughters of Zion are chastised for their haughty demeanor and ostentatious dress, leading to divine judgment.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, attire continues to carry significant meaning. Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who "make their phylacteries broad and the tassels on their garments long" (Matthew 23:5), using their attire to project an image of piety while lacking true righteousness. This critique underscores the importance of inner purity over outward appearance.

The Apostle Paul addresses attire in the context of modesty and propriety, particularly for women. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10 , he instructs women to "adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God." This guidance emphasizes the value of inner virtue over external adornment.

Spiritual Symbolism

Attire in the Bible often symbolizes spiritual truths. In Ephesians 6:11-17, Paul exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God," a metaphorical attire representing spiritual readiness and defense against evil. This includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and helmet of salvation, among others, illustrating the comprehensive nature of spiritual preparedness.

Revelation 19:8 describes the Bride of Christ as being "given fine linen to wear, bright and pure," symbolizing the righteous acts of the saints. This imagery highlights the purity and holiness expected of the Church, clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

Understanding the cultural and historical context of attire in biblical times enhances the interpretation of these passages. Clothing in ancient Israel was often made from wool, linen, or leather, with styles and materials indicating one's social status or occupation. The significance of attire in biblical narratives often extends beyond mere physical appearance, serving as a vehicle for conveying deeper spiritual and moral lessons.

In summary, attire in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses physical clothing, social and spiritual symbolism, and moral teachings. It serves as a reflection of one's inner character and relationship with God, urging believers to prioritize spiritual virtues over outward appearances.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Attire.

2. (p. p.) Provided with antlers, as a stag.

6801. tsanaph -- to wrap or wind up together
... to wrap or wind up together. Transliteration: tsanaph Phonetic Spelling: (tsaw-naf')
Short Definition: attired. ... be attired, surely, violently turn. ...
/hebrew/6801.htm - 6k

3847. labash -- to put on, wear, clothe, be clothed
... root Definition to put on, wear, clothe, be clothed NASB Word Usage apparel (1),
array (1), arrayed (3), attired (1), came (3), clothe (11), clothe yourself (3 ...
/hebrew/3847.htm - 6k

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual ...
... The order of its ritual was as follows:" First, Aaron washed in water
and then attired himself in the holy linen garments. It ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/5 the fact of the.htm

1 Timothy ii. 10-Aug
... How canst thou groan? How canst thou weep? How pray with fervency, when thus attired?
Shouldest thou weep, thy tears will be the ridicule of the beholders. ...
/.../homily viii 1 timothy ii.htm

V. ...
... done. But in such a way should she be adorned, as St. Peter here says,
as to be inwardly attired in a meek and quiet spirit. You ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter iii v .htm

At Court
... passed on, smiling. Among the magnificently attired courtiers his shabby
appearance created not a little merriment. "Admire the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 8 at court.htm

Further Strictures on the Same Subject.
... if, besides the shame which they make the most account of, men dread likewise the
bodily inconveniences; in that, unwashen, sordidly attired, estranged from ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter xi further strictures on the.htm

Essay v. Whose Powers Shed Round Him in the Common Strife...
... he be call'd upon to face Same awful moment, to which Heaven has join'd Great issues,
good or bad for human kind, Is happy as a lover, is attired With sudden ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay v whose powers shed.htm

Unbelief.
... worm, Thou art my mother and my sister." Death, she felt, must now be stamping his
impressive mockery on that cherished earthly friendship, and, attired in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xiv unbelief.htm

The Omnipotent Summons.
... there. Yes! there the captive lies"in uninvaded silence"attired still in
the same solemn drapery. The Lord gives the word. "Lazarus ...
/.../macduff/memories of bethany/xvi the omnipotent summons.htm

Sixteenth Day. Grief at Sin.
... Do what you can, by effort, by prayer, to hasten on the hour of jubilee, when its
ashy robes of sin and sorrow shall be laid aside, and, attired in the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the mind of jesus/sixteenth day grief at sin.htm

There are Certain Moments in Life which Seem Weighted with the ...
... him. Attired in the usual white,"white cassock, white skull cap, and white
sash ornamented with the emblematic keys of St. Peter ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxviii there are certain moments.htm

Attired (5 Occurrences)
...Attired (5 Occurrences). Revelation 17:4 The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet,
and was brilliantly attired with gold and jewels and pearls. ...
/a/attired.htm - 8k

Paint (3 Occurrences)
... unworthy character. Jezebel "painted her eyes, and attired her head" (2
Kings 9:30, literally, "put pukh into her eyes"). To the ...
/p/paint.htm - 10k

Attitude (12 Occurrences)

/a/attitude.htm - 10k

Attire (11 Occurrences)

/a/attire.htm - 11k

Jezebel (20 Occurrences)
... Jezebel had "painted her eyes, and attired her head," and sees Jehu coming.
She greets him sarcastically as his master's murderer. ...
/j/jezebel.htm - 26k

Vest (11 Occurrences)
... he put on, and linen trousers shall be upon his flesh, and he shall be girded with
a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy ...
/v/vest.htm - 11k

Jewels (54 Occurrences)
... BBE). Revelation 17:4 The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and was
brilliantly attired with gold and jewels and pearls. She ...
/j/jewels.htm - 23k

Jez'ebel (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 9:30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted
her eyes, and attired her head, and looked out at the window. (See RSV). ...
/j/jez'ebel.htm - 11k

Girded (48 Occurrences)
... coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with
a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are ...
/g/girded.htm - 21k

Indications (1 Occurrence)
... Indications (1 Occurrence). Revelation 17:4 The woman was clothed in purple and
scarlet, and was brilliantly attired with gold and jewels and pearls. ...
/i/indications.htm - 6k

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Wedding Feast? | GotQuestions.org

Attired: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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