In biblical times, the role of the embroiderer was significant, particularly in the context of the construction and adornment of the Tabernacle and the garments of the priests. The art of embroidery is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, highlighting its importance in the religious and cultural life of the Israelites.

Biblical References

The first mention of embroidery in the Bible is found in the book of Exodus, where God gives Moses detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and the making of priestly garments. In Exodus 26:36, the Lord commands, "You are to make a curtain for the entrance to the tent, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with embroidered work." This passage indicates that embroidery was a skilled craft, involving the use of various colors and materials to create intricate designs.

The role of the embroiderer is further emphasized in the making of the ephod, a sacred garment worn by the high priest. Exodus 28:6-8 describes the ephod: "They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen, embroidered with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. It is to have two shoulder pieces attached at two of its corners, so it can be fastened. And the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod must be of one piece, of the same workmanship, with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen."

Skills and Materials

The embroiderers were highly skilled artisans, often filled with the Spirit of God to perform their tasks with wisdom and understanding. In Exodus 35:35, it is stated, "He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, and as weavers—designers of every work and artistic craftsmen." This divine endowment of skill underscores the sacred nature of their work, as they contributed to the worship and service of God.

The materials used by embroiderers were of the highest quality, including gold threads and fine linen, as well as dyed yarns in blue, purple, and scarlet. These colors and materials were not only valuable but also symbolically significant, often representing royalty, divinity, and sacrifice.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Embroidery in the Bible is not merely an artistic endeavor but carries deep religious significance. The intricate designs and the use of precious materials in the Tabernacle and priestly garments reflect the glory and holiness of God. The work of the embroiderer was a form of worship, contributing to the beauty and sanctity of the sacred spaces and garments.

The skill of embroidery was also a reflection of the broader cultural practices of the ancient Near East, where textile arts were highly developed and valued. The Israelites, like their neighbors, appreciated the beauty and craftsmanship of embroidered textiles, which were often used in both religious and secular contexts.

In summary, the embroiderer in biblical times was a vital contributor to the religious life of Israel, using God-given skills to create beautiful and meaningful works that enhanced the worship and service of the Lord. The art of embroidery, as described in the Bible, serves as a testament to the creativity and devotion of those who were called to this sacred task.Embroiderer

Various explanations have been offered as to the distinction between "needle-work" and "cunning work." Probably neither term expresses just what is to-day understood by embroidery, though the latter may come nearest to it. The art of embroidery by the loom was extensively practiced among the nations of antiquity. In addition to the Egyptians, the Babylonians were celebrated for it.

(n.) One who embroiders.7551. raqam -- to variegate
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to variegate NASB Word Usage embroiderer (1),
skillfully wrought (1), weaver (7). embroiderer, needlework, curiously work. ...
/hebrew/7551.htm - 6k

Idolatry: Origin and Meaning of the Name.
... For it makes no difference whether a moulder cast, or a carver grave, or an embroiderer
weave the idol; because neither is it a question of material, whether ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter iii idolatry origin and meaning.htm

Results of Transgression
... Them hath He filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver,
and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, . . . ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

Gifts and Talents.
... says also: "Then hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work
of the engraver and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer in blue and ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/viii gifts and talents.htm

Thoughts on Mind and on Style
... etc. But educated people do not want a sign and draw little distinction
between the trade of a poet and that of an embroiderer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section i thoughts on mind.htm

Against Marcionists and Manich??ans.
... him how a wall is constructed, shows him the way by means of action as well as by
means of oral teaching; so also with the weaver, and embroiderer, and gold ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/against marcionists and manichaeans.htm

Philippians ii. 11-May
... Is it for thy varied knowledge of arts? But what is wiser than the bee in this;
what embroiderer, what painter, what geometrician, can imitate her works? ...
/.../homily vii philippians ii 11-may.htm

Embroiderer (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who embroiders. Multi-Version Concordance
Embroiderer (8 Occurrences). Exodus 26:36 "You shall ...
/e/embroiderer.htm - 9k

Colours (20 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and
purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer. ...
/c/colours.htm - 12k

Weaver (11 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and
purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer. ...
/w/weaver.htm - 9k

Yarn (37 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Exodus 26:36 "You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue,
and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer. ...
/y/yarn.htm - 18k

Embroidered (26 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:36 And thou hast made a covering for the opening of the tent, blue, and
purple, and scarlet, and twined linen, work of an embroiderer; (See RSV). ...
/e/embroidered.htm - 14k

Twined (25 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:36 "You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple,
and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer. ...
/t/twined.htm - 13k

Material (61 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Exodus 26:36 "You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue,
and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer. ...
/m/material.htm - 24k

Screen (26 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:36 "You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple,
and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer. ...
/s/screen.htm - 15k

Scarlet (54 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:36 "You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple,
and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer. ...
/s/scarlet.htm - 26k

Stuff (49 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Exodus 26:36 "You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue,
and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer. ...
/s/stuff.htm - 23k

Embroiderer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus