Topical Encyclopedia Fringes, also known as tassels, are a significant element in biblical attire, particularly in the context of ancient Israelite culture and religious practice. The Hebrew term for fringes is "tzitzit," and they are mentioned in several passages of the Old Testament, serving both a practical and symbolic purpose.Biblical References The primary biblical instruction regarding fringes is found in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Deuteronomy. In Numbers 15:37-41 , the LORD commands Moses to instruct the Israelites to make tassels on the corners of their garments: "The LORD also said to Moses, 'Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come, they are to make tassels for the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. These will serve as reminders that you are to obey all My commandments and will be holy to your God. I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.'" Similarly, Deuteronomy 22:12 reiterates this command: "You are to make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear." Purpose and Symbolism The fringes served as a physical reminder for the Israelites to keep God's commandments and to live a life set apart for Him. The inclusion of a blue cord in the tassels is particularly noteworthy, as blue was a color associated with divinity and the heavens, symbolizing a constant reminder of God's presence and authority. The fringes were not merely decorative but were deeply embedded in the daily life and spiritual consciousness of the Israelites. They acted as a visual cue to remember the covenant between God and His people, encouraging them to live in obedience and holiness. Cultural and Religious Significance In the context of ancient Israel, wearing fringes was a public declaration of one's identity as a member of God's chosen people. It was a visible sign of adherence to the Mosaic Law and a commitment to the values and commandments given by God. The practice of wearing fringes has continued in various forms within Jewish tradition, most notably in the wearing of the tallit, a prayer shawl with fringes, during religious services. This tradition underscores the enduring significance of the commandment and its role in Jewish identity and worship. New Testament Context In the New Testament, fringes are mentioned in the context of Jesus' ministry. In Matthew 9:20-22 , a woman suffering from a bleeding disorder touches the fringe of Jesus' garment, believing that this act would heal her: "Just then a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak. She said to herself, 'If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed.' Jesus turned and saw her. 'Take courage, daughter,' He said, 'your faith has healed you.' And the woman was cured from that very hour." This account highlights the continued cultural and religious significance of fringes during the time of Jesus and illustrates their role as a point of contact for faith and divine healing. Conclusion Fringes, as described in the Bible, are more than mere adornments; they are a profound symbol of faith, obedience, and identity. They serve as a tangible reminder of God's commandments and the covenant relationship between God and His people, a tradition that has persisted through centuries and continues to hold spiritual significance today. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FRINGESfrin'-jis (tsitsith, "tassel, lock" (Numbers 15:38, 39), gedhilim, "twisted threads," "festoons" (Deuteronomy 22:12)): Tassels worn by the Israelites on the four corners of their garments as reminders of "all the commandments of Yahweh," in accordance with the law set out in Numbers 15:37-41 and Deuteronomy 22:12. These tassels originally contained a thread of tekheleth, "violet." Jewish tradition, however, has failed to retain the tekheleth, because of doubt as to the exact meaning of the term, and instead dark blue lines were dyed on the borders of the Tallith or garment in which the fringes were placed. According to tradition any garment having four corners required the mnemonic fringes, the importance of which was weighed against "all the commandments of the Lord." In New Testament times such garments were still worn (compare Matthew 9:20; Matthew 14:36; Matthew 23:5). The later Jews, after adopting the garments of the Diaspora, in order to observe the tsitsith commandment began to use two extra four-cornered fringed garments: the large Tallith while at prayer, and the small Tallith, or 'arba` kanephoth, as an undergarment during the day. Their tradition prescribes the exact manner in which each tassel shall be made, and gives a symbolic meaning to the numbers of windings and knots, somewhat after the manner of the string-writing of several early civilizations (compare the Peruvian quipus). Thus in the tsitsith a long cord is wrapped around seven shorter cords first seven times, then eight, then eleven, and finally thirteen, each series being separated from the others by two knots. The numbers seven and eight constituting fifteen together suggest YH, and the number eleven, WH. Together they make up the holy name YaHWeH. The number thirteen stands for echadh, the letters of which taken as numerals equal thirteen. The sentence Yahweh 'echadh means "Yahweh is one." Many other suggestions, more or less fanciful, have been worked out, all tending to associate the fringes with the Law in the mind of the wearer. Strong's Hebrew 7098. qatsah -- an end... Word Origin from qatsah Definition an end NASB Word Usage all (2), among (1), corners (1), end (7), ends (19), fringes (1), outermost (1), outermost* (1 ... /hebrew/7098.htm - 6k Library If this Queen Ye See Not, Now Rich Also with Royal Progeny. If She ... Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and ... Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph But You Will Say, the Good Will of a Friend Towards Me, Although I ... Concerning the Garments of the Priests, and of the High Priest. Among the People, and with the Pharisees The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ... The Coming of the Pharaoh The World, the Flesh, and the Devil On Clothes. Thesaurus Fringes (4 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia FRINGES. frin'-jis (tsitsith, "tassel, lock" (Numbers 15:38, 39), gedhilim, "twisted threads," "festoons ... /f/fringes.htm - 10k Fringe (7 Occurrences) Tassel (5 Occurrences) Skirts (23 Occurrences) Phylactery Hem (14 Occurrences) Borders (104 Occurrences) Libraries Quarters (17 Occurrences) Vesture (10 Occurrences) Resources What is a prayer shawl? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an infidel? | GotQuestions.org Fringes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fringes (4 Occurrences)Matthew 23:5 Numbers 15:38 Deuteronomy 22:12 Job 26:14 Subtopics Fringes: Made Broad by the Pharisees Fringes: Prescribed for the Vesture Worn by the Israelites Related Terms |
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