Headdresses in the Bible are mentioned in various contexts, often symbolizing status, authority, or cultural identity. They appear in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting the customs and traditions of ancient Near Eastern societies.

Old Testament References

1. Priestly Garments: The headdress is notably part of the attire prescribed for the Israelite priests. In Exodus 28:4, the garments for Aaron, the high priest, include a "turban" . This headdress, known as the "mitre" or "turban," was made of fine linen and signified the holiness and consecration of the priestly office. Exodus 28:36-37 describes a gold plate inscribed with "Holy to the LORD" attached to the turban, emphasizing the sacred role of the priest.

2. Cultural and Social Significance: In the broader cultural context, headdresses were worn by both men and women as symbols of dignity and honor. Isaiah 3:20 mentions "headdresses" among the adornments of the daughters of Zion, indicating their use in fashion and social status. The prophet Isaiah, in this passage, critiques the pride and ostentation of the people, suggesting that such adornments were associated with wealth and vanity.

3. Symbol of Mourning or Humiliation: Headdresses could also signify mourning or humiliation. In Ezekiel 24:17, the prophet is instructed not to cover his head as a sign of mourning, indicating that removing or altering the headdress was a customary expression of grief.

New Testament References

1. Cultural Practices: In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11:4-7. While not explicitly mentioning headdresses, the passage discusses the cultural practice of head coverings during worship. Paul writes, "Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head" . This reflects the cultural norms of the time, where head coverings were a sign of respect and propriety.

2. Symbol of Authority: The discussion in 1 Corinthians 11 also touches on the symbolic nature of head coverings as a sign of authority and order within the church. Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining cultural practices that reflect the divine order, stating, "For this reason a woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels" (1 Corinthians 11:10).

Cultural and Theological Implications

Headdresses in biblical times were more than mere fashion; they carried deep cultural and theological significance. They were often associated with one's role, status, and relationship with God. The use of headdresses in religious contexts, such as the priestly garments, underscores the importance of outward symbols in expressing inward devotion and consecration. In social settings, they reflected societal norms and values, serving as markers of identity and propriety.

Throughout the Bible, the use of headdresses illustrates the intersection of cultural customs and religious practices, highlighting the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts in interpreting biblical texts.6287b. peer -- headdress, turban
... Word Origin from paar Definition headdress, turban NASB Word Usage decorated (1),
garland (2), headdresses (1), turban (1), turbans (2). 6287a, 6287b. ...
/hebrew/6287b.htm - 5kHeaddresses (2 Occurrences)
...Headdresses (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 3:20 the headdresses, the ankle chains, the
sashes, the perfume bottles, the charms, (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/headdresses.htm - 7k

Head-dresses (11 Occurrences)
Head-dresses. Headdresses, Head-dresses. Headed . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Headdresses, Head-dresses. Headed . Reference Bible.
/h/head-dresses.htm - 9k

Head-dress (22 Occurrences)
Head-dress. Headdress, Head-dress. Headdresses . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(BBE). Headdress, Head-dress. Headdresses . Reference Bible.
/h/head-dress.htm - 14k

Thrones (19 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 13:18 Say to the king and to the queen mother, Humble yourselves, sit down;
for your headdresses have come down, even the crown of your glory. ...
/t/thrones.htm - 13k

Bottles (12 Occurrences)
... DBY WBS YLT). Isaiah 3:20 the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes,
the perfume bottles, the charms, (WEB NIV). Jeremiah 48:12 ...
/b/bottles.htm - 9k

Charms (10 Occurrences)
... enchanter. (See RSV). Isaiah 3:20 the headdresses, the ankle chains, the
sashes, the perfume bottles, the charms, (WEB NIV). Isaiah ...
/c/charms.htm - 9k

Ankle (2 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah 3:20 the headdresses, the ankle
chains, the sashes, the perfume bottles, the charms, (WEB ASV NAS NIV). ...
/a/ankle.htm - 7k

Sashes (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Isaiah 3:20 the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the
perfume bottles, the charms, (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/sashes.htm - 8k

Chains (100 Occurrences)
... WBS). Isaiah 3:20 the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume
bottles, the charms, (WEB ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). Isaiah ...
/c/chains.htm - 39k

Queen (59 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 13:18 Say to the king and to the queen mother, Humble yourselves, sit down;
for your headdresses have come down, even the crown of your glory. ...
/q/queen.htm - 44k

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