Topical Encyclopedia Fabrics in the Bible are mentioned frequently, reflecting their importance in daily life, religious practices, and symbolism. The ancient Israelites, like other cultures of the time, used various types of fabrics for clothing, tents, and sacred purposes. The Bible provides insights into the materials, colors, and uses of fabrics, highlighting their significance in both practical and spiritual contexts.Materials and Types 1. Linen: Linen was a highly valued fabric in biblical times, often associated with purity and holiness. It was made from flax and was used extensively in the construction of the Tabernacle and the garments of the priests. Exodus 28:39 describes the priestly garments: "You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion the sash with embroidery." 2. Wool: Wool was another common fabric, derived from sheep. It was used for everyday clothing and was also significant in religious contexts. Leviticus 13:47-48 discusses the laws concerning leprosy in garments, mentioning both wool and linen: "If any fabric is contaminated with mildew—any woolen or linen garment, any weave or knit of linen or wool, or any leather article—" 3. Silk: Although not as frequently mentioned, silk was known and valued for its luxurious quality. Proverbs 31:22 speaks of the virtuous woman: "She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple." 4. Goat Hair: Used primarily for making tents, goat hair was a durable material. The Tabernacle itself was covered with curtains made from goat hair, as described in Exodus 26:7: "You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all." Colors and Symbolism Colors in fabrics often held symbolic meanings. Purple, for instance, was a color of royalty and wealth, as it was expensive to produce. The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is clothed in "fine linen and purple" (Proverbs 31:22), indicating her noble character and status. Scarlet and crimson were also significant, often symbolizing sin and redemption. Isaiah 1:18 uses these colors metaphorically: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Religious and Cultural Significance Fabrics played a crucial role in religious rituals and cultural practices. The high priest's garments, as described in Exodus 28, were made with specific fabrics and colors, each with its own symbolic meaning. The ephod, breastplate, and robe were crafted with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, signifying the glory and beauty of the priestly office. The prohibition against mixing wool and linen, found in Deuteronomy 22:11, "Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together," reflects a broader principle of maintaining purity and separation, a theme prevalent throughout the Mosaic Law. Economic and Social Aspects Fabrics were also an indicator of economic status and social class. The production and trade of textiles were significant economic activities. The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is depicted as engaging in the textile trade, "She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants" (Proverbs 31:24). In summary, fabrics in the Bible are more than mere materials; they are imbued with cultural, religious, and symbolic meanings that reflect the values and beliefs of the biblical world. Greek 4211. porphuropolis -- a seller of purple fabrics ... a seller of purple fabrics. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: porphuropolis Phonetic Spelling: (por-foo-rop'-o-lis) Short Definition: a female ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4211.htm - 7k 5045. tekton -- a craftsman, spec. a carpenter Library Church Fabrics and Services. On Clothes. The Flood-Tide of Power. Prefatory Notice. Book ix. On Jerusalem and Her Enemies Hiram, the Inspired Artificer From Abraham to Egypt. Mason -- Messiah's Throne Index. Eyes Right Thesaurus Fabrics (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Fabrics (4 Occurrences). Acts 16:14 A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira ... /f/fabrics.htm - 7k Fabric (8 Occurrences) Sheer (2 Occurrences) Colors (12 Occurrences) Crafts (2 Occurrences) Color (18 Occurrences) Phoenicians Phoenicia (6 Occurrences) Ornament (23 Occurrences) Lint (1 Occurrence) Resources Why does the Bible speak against wearing clothing made of different types of fabric? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God hate shrimp? | GotQuestions.org What is GotQuestions.org's review of the Living Biblically TV series? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fabrics (4 Occurrences)Acts 16:14 2 Chronicles 2:7 2 Chronicles 2:14 2 Chronicles 3:14 Subtopics Related Terms Stretched-out (21 Occurrences) Stumblingblock (14 Occurrences) Supplications (32 Occurrences) |