Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, cloth and textiles hold significant cultural, religious, and symbolic meanings. The use of cloth is mentioned throughout the Scriptures, reflecting its importance in daily life, religious practices, and as a metaphor for spiritual truths.Materials and Types of Cloth The Bible references various materials used for making cloth, including wool, linen, and more luxurious fabrics like silk. Wool, derived from sheep, was a common material for clothing and blankets. Linen, made from flax, was highly valued for its quality and was often used for priestly garments and sacred purposes. In Proverbs 31:13, the virtuous woman is described as seeking "wool and flax and working with willing hands." Clothing and Garments Clothing in biblical times was not only functional but also carried social and religious significance. Garments could indicate one's status, profession, or role within the community. For instance, Joseph's "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3) symbolized his father's special favor and set him apart from his brothers. Priestly garments were particularly significant, as described in Exodus 28. The high priest's attire included a breastplate, ephod, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, all made from fine linen and adorned with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns. These garments were designed "for glory and for beauty" (Exodus 28:2) and symbolized the holiness and service of the priesthood. Symbolism and Metaphors Cloth and garments are often used metaphorically in the Bible to convey spiritual truths. Isaiah 64:6 compares human righteousness to "filthy rags," illustrating the inadequacy of self-righteousness before God. Conversely, in Isaiah 61:10, the prophet rejoices in being clothed with "garments of salvation" and "a robe of righteousness," symbolizing divine grace and redemption. The New Testament continues this metaphorical use of clothing. Believers are encouraged to "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:24) and to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12). These exhortations highlight the transformation and renewal that come through faith in Christ. Religious and Ceremonial Uses Cloth also played a role in religious and ceremonial contexts. The Tabernacle, as described in Exodus, was constructed with curtains of fine twisted linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarns (Exodus 26:1). These materials underscored the sacredness of the space where God would dwell among His people. In the New Testament, the tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death (Matthew 27:51) holds profound theological significance. The veil, made of fine linen, separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. Its tearing symbolizes the new access to God made possible through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Economic and Social Aspects The production and trade of cloth were vital aspects of the ancient economy. Proverbs 31:24 mentions the industrious woman who "makes linen garments and sells them." The exchange of textiles was a common practice, and fine garments were often considered valuable possessions. In Acts 16:14, Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, is introduced as a prominent and influential figure in the early Christian community. Her trade in purple cloth, a luxury item, indicates her wealth and status. Overall, cloth in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing everything from daily life and economic activity to profound spiritual truths and divine interactions. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A fabric made of fibrous material (or sometimes of wire, as in wire cloth); commonly, a woven fabric of cotton, woolen, or linen, adapted to be made into garments; specifically, woolen fabrics, as distinguished from all others.2. (n.) The dress; raiment. [Obs.] See Clothes. 3. (n.) The distinctive dress of any profession, especially of the clergy; hence, the clerical profession. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CLOTH; CLOTHINGkloth, kloth'-ing. Greek 4616. sindon -- fine linen cloth ... fine linen cloth. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sindon Phonetic Spelling: (sin-done') Short Definition: a linen cloth Definition: fine linen ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4616.htm - 6k 1102. gnapheus -- one who cleans woolen cloth 4676. soudarion -- a handkerchief, a head cloth (for the dead) 3012. lention -- a linen cloth, a towel 4209. porphura -- purple fish, purple dye, purple cloth 4470. rhakos -- a rag 4211. porphuropolis -- a seller of purple fabrics 3607. othone -- fine linen, hence a sheet or sail 4526. sakkos -- sackcloth 4210. porphurous -- purple Strong's Hebrew 1264. berom -- variegated cloth... 1263, 1264. berom. 1265 . variegated cloth. Transliteration: berom Phonetic Spelling: (ber-ome') Short Definition: colors. Word ... /hebrew/1264.htm - 5k 232. ezor -- a waist cloth 4055. mad -- a measure, cloth garment 4345. makber -- a netted cloth, coverlet 4346. mikbar -- grating, lattice-work 2360a. choray -- white stuff 1739. daveh -- faint, unwell 8071. simlah -- a wrapper, mantle 6844. tsaphith -- a rug, carpet 8242. saq -- sack, sackcloth Library "Grief, Like a Garment, Cloth'd Me Round, "And Sackcloth was My ... O Thou who Cloth'st Thyself Complete Faustus Maintains that to Hold to the Old Testament after the ... Salvation Army Publications Works by G Campbell Morgan Easter Even. And Joseph Wrapped the Body in a Clean Linen Cloth ... Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. Publications By Grenville Kleiser Fordington Pulpit: Thesaurus Cloth (57 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) A fabric made of fibrous material (or sometimes of wire, as in wire cloth); commonly, a woven fabric of cotton, woolen, or linen, adapted to be made ... /c/cloth.htm - 24k Cloth-working (1 Occurrence) Face-cloth (1 Occurrence) Cloth-worker's (4 Occurrences) Fuller (5 Occurrences) Wrapped (40 Occurrences) Clout List (17 Occurrences) Leather (34 Occurrences) Patch (5 Occurrences) Resources What is a prayer cloth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the parables of fasting at the wedding feast, the old cloth, and the wineskins? | GotQuestions.org Is the Shroud of Turin authentic? | GotQuestions.org Cloth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cloth (57 Occurrences)Matthew 9:16 Matthew 27:59 Mark 2:21 Mark 14:51 Mark 14:52 Mark 15:46 Luke 2:7 Luke 2:12 Luke 5:36 Luke 19:20 Luke 23:53 John 11:44 John 13:4 John 13:5 John 19:23 John 20:7 Acts 10:11 Acts 11:5 Acts 16:14 Hebrews 1:12 Revelation 18:12 Exodus 28:31 Exodus 35:25 Exodus 35:26 Exodus 35:35 Exodus 39:22 Leviticus 11:32 Leviticus 13:49 Numbers 4:6 Numbers 4:7 Numbers 4:8 Numbers 4:9 Numbers 4:11 Numbers 4:12 Numbers 4:13 Numbers 4:14 Deuteronomy 22:11 Deuteronomy 22:17 Judges 16:14 1 Samuel 15:27 1 Samuel 19:13 1 Samuel 21:9 2 Kings 8:15 Esther 1:6 Esther 7:8 Proverbs 31:24 Isaiah 19:9 Isaiah 19:10 Isaiah 21:5 Isaiah 22:21 Isaiah 30:22 Isaiah 38:12 Jeremiah 38:11 Jeremiah 38:12 Ezekiel 16:10 Ezekiel 16:13 Ezekiel 16:18 Subtopics Related Terms Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) Festival-robes (2 Occurrences) |
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