A kerchief, in biblical terms, refers to a type of head covering or cloth, often associated with women. The term is mentioned in the context of ancient Israelite customs and practices, particularly in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The Hebrew word often translated as "kerchief" is "מִסְפָּחוֹת" (mispachot), which appears in the book of Ezekiel.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to kerchiefs is found in Ezekiel 13:18-21. In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel delivers a message from God condemning certain women in Israel who were using kerchiefs as part of deceptive practices:

"This is what the Lord GOD says: 'Woe to the women who sew magic bands on all their wrists and make veils of every size for their heads in order to ensnare people. Will you ensnare the lives of My people but preserve your own? You have profaned Me among My people for a few handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people, who listen to lies, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not live.'" (Ezekiel 13:18-19)

In this context, the kerchiefs, or veils, are associated with false prophecy and sorcery. The women mentioned were using these items as tools to deceive and manipulate the people of Israel, leading them away from the truth of God. The passage highlights the seriousness of false teachings and the consequences of leading others astray.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, head coverings were common for women and served various purposes, including modesty, protection from the elements, and as a symbol of marital status. The use of kerchiefs in Ezekiel's time, however, took on a more sinister role as described in the prophetic rebuke.

The practice of using objects like kerchiefs in magical or superstitious rituals was not uncommon in the ancient world. Such practices were often condemned by the prophets of Israel, who called the people back to the worship of Yahweh and adherence to His commandments.

Theological Implications:

The mention of kerchiefs in Ezekiel serves as a warning against the dangers of false prophecy and the misuse of religious symbols. It underscores the importance of discernment and faithfulness to God's word. The passage also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's opposition to idolatry and syncretism, where elements of pagan practices were mixed with the worship of the true God.

In a broader theological sense, the passage calls believers to be vigilant against false teachings and to uphold the truth of Scripture. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face and the need to rely on God's truth rather than human inventions or deceptions.Mentioned only Ezek. 13:18, 21, as an article of apparel or ornament applied to the head of the idolatrous women of Israel. The precise meaning of the word is uncertain. It appears to have been a long loose shawl, such as Oriental women wrap themselves in (Ruth 3:15; Isaiah 3:22). Some think that it was a long veil or head-dress, denoting by its form the position of those who wore it. 1. (n.) A square scarf worn on the head or used a handkerchief; a square of fine linen worn by women as a covering for the head; hence, anything similar in form or material, worn for ornament on other parts of the person; -- mostly used in compounds; as, neckerchief; breastkerchief; and later, handkerchief.

2. (n.) A lady who wears a kerchief.

KERCHIEF

ker'-chif (micpachoth; epibolaia): Occurs only in Ezekiel 13:18, 21, in a passage which refers to some species of divination. Their exact shape or use is unknown. They were apparently long veils or coverings put over the heads of those consulting the false prophetesses and reaching down to the feet, for they were for "persons of every stature."

4555. mispachah -- a long veil
... 2). kerchief. From caphach; a veil (as spread out) -- kerchief. see HEBREW
caphach. 4554, 4555. mispachah. 4556 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4555.htm - 6k

The Traitors
... His head was covered with a wide kerchief, which was bound with a cord, and hid
the forehead. ... The Hebrew put back his kerchief and stood uncovered. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxviii the traitors.htm

A Little Jewish Maid.
... eyebrows. When she went out, this little maid went also, in a little dress
of scarlet, with a white kerchief on her dark head. She ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/a little jewish maid.htm

The Shunammite's Boy.
... Coming up the stone stair, she stood at the door of the little chamber, hiding her
face, her dark hair covered by a white kerchief that fell over a tunic of ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the shunammites boy.htm

On the Road to Jerusalem
... Blinded, with scarf and kerchief wrapped over mouth and nostril, the fleeing
party swept down upon the very heart of that stifling mystery. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter ii on the road.htm

The Adventures of Saint James of Spain.
... his helmet, for well he knew that one thrust from its deadly point would pierce
through steel and skull as easily as a lady's bodkin through her kerchief. ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter six the adventures of.htm

In Travel-Worn Garb Vergilius Went Early to See the King. ...
... "Most earnestly, my beloved king.". "Traitors!" said Herod, and as he spoke
his powerful hands were tearing his kerchief into rags. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 13 in travel-worn garb.htm

How Miracles of Healing have Been Frequently Wrought in the Place ...
... Upon which she called for water, washed her face, arranged her hair, put a kerchief
on her head, and returned home on foot, in good health, with those who had ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap ix how miracles of.htm

Of Theodorus the Confessor.
... indeed he had felt some little pain, but that then had appeared to him one who
continually wiped the sweat from his face with a cool and soft kerchief and bade ...
/.../chapter vii of theodorus the confessor.htm

The Procession of Amen
... The sleeves were wide and showed the wristbands of a white under-garment. The
head-dress was a brown kerchief bound about the brow with a cord, also yellow. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iv the procession of.htm

Joseph the Dreamer.
... He was dressed in his favourite coat of many colours, protected by his long cloak,
while a bright kerchief covered his head, and a spear and club hung at his ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/joseph the dreamer.htm

Kerchief
... and later, handkerchief. 2. (n.) A lady who wears a kerchief. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. KERCHIEF. ker'-chif (micpachoth ...
/k/kerchief.htm - 7k

Keras

/k/keras.htm - 6k

Kerchiefs (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Kerchief. Multi-Version Concordance
Kerchiefs (2 Occurrences). Ezekiel 13:18 and say, Thus ...
/k/kerchiefs.htm - 7k

Mantle (35 Occurrences)
... Found in plural once (Isaiah 3:22), where it (ma`ataphoth) is an upper wide tunic
with sleeves (kethoneth). See DRESS; KERCHIEF. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/m/mantle.htm - 21k

Scab (7 Occurrences)
... A cognate word in Ezekiel 13:18 is the name of a large Tallith or prayer veil used
by the false prophetesses in Israel (translated "kerchief"). ...
/s/scab.htm - 11k

Scabbed (3 Occurrences)
... A cognate word in Ezekiel 13:18 is the name of a large Tallith or prayer veil used
by the false prophetesses in Israel (translated "kerchief"). ...
/s/scabbed.htm - 9k

Hat
... On the top of these is wound a long piece of cotton cloth with red stripes
and fringes, a flowered kerchief, or a striped keffiyeh. ...
/h/hat.htm - 9k

Dress (38 Occurrences)
... a cloth for wiping off perspiration, sudor) which is probably the "napkin" of John
11:44; John 20:7, although there it appears as a kerchief, or covering, for ...
/d/dress.htm - 53k

Kerchief: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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