Needle-work in the Bible refers to the art of sewing, embroidery, and other forms of decorative stitching, often used in the creation of garments, curtains, and other textiles. This craft is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, highlighting its significance in both everyday life and religious practices.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 26:36 : "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 verse describes the intricate needle-work involved in the construction of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the use of fine materials and skilled craftsmanship. The curtain served as a significant element in the sacred space, symbolizing the beauty and holiness of God's dwelling place among His people.

2. Exodus 28:39 : "You are to weave the tunic with fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion the sash with embroidery." The garments of the priests, particularly those of the High Priest, were adorned with needle-work, signifying their consecration and the dignity of their service. The use of embroidery in these garments underscored the importance of beauty and detail in worship.

3. Proverbs 31:22 : "She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple." The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 is noted for her skill in needle-work, producing high-quality textiles for her household. This passage highlights the value of industriousness and the ability to provide for one's family through skilled labor.

4. Judges 5:30 : "‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoil: a girl or two for each warrior, the spoil of dyed garments for Sisera, the spoil of embroidered garments, double-embroidered garments for my neck as spoil?’" In the Song of Deborah, the spoils of war include embroidered garments, indicating the high value placed on such items. Needle-work was not only a domestic craft but also a symbol of wealth and status.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

Needle-work in biblical times was a highly regarded skill, often passed down through generations. It was primarily the domain of women, who used their talents to create both functional and decorative items for their households and religious settings. The intricate designs and vibrant colors achieved through embroidery were seen as expressions of creativity and devotion.

In the religious context, needle-work played a crucial role in the construction of the Tabernacle and the adornment of priestly garments. These items were not merely utilitarian but were crafted to reflect the glory and majesty of God. The use of specific colors and patterns in the embroidery carried symbolic meanings, often representing divine attributes or aspects of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Overall, needle-work in the Bible is portrayed as a noble and valuable craft, integral to both daily life and spiritual worship. It serves as a testament to the creativity and skill endowed by God to His people, enabling them to beautify their surroundings and honor Him through their handiwork.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

7553. riqmah -- variegated stuff
... colors (1). broidered work, divers colors, raiment of needlework on both sides.
From raqam; variegation of color; specifically, embroidery ...
/hebrew/7553.htm - 6k

Questions which Ought to be Asked
... He fashioned your curious framework, and put every bone into its place. He, as
with needlework, embroidered each nerve, and vein, and sinew. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/questions which ought to be.htm

To the Reader
... This Sermon of Christ on the Mount is a piece of spiritual needlework, wrought about
with divers colours; here is both usefulness and sweetness. ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/to the reader.htm

He is Lovely in his Relations.
... "She shall be brought to the king in raiment of needle-work, the virgins, her
companions that follow her, shall be brought unto thee; with gladness and ...
/.../flavel/christ altogether lovely/he is lovely in his 3.htm

List of Books for Reference
... "The Congregation in Church." Mowbray & Co., London. "Church Needlework." Lambert.
"Embroidery for Church Guilds." Woodward. "Church Vestments." Dolby. ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/list of books for reference.htm

Physician to the Rani of Khetri
... Instruction is also given in needlework of various kinds, and other things,
the knowledge of which is necessary for good housekeeping. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hoskins/clara a swain md/physician to the rani of.htm

Christian Meekness
... etc. The graces therefore are compared to needlework, which is different
and various in its flowers and colours (Psalm 45:14). In ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... Above this table was a picture in some sort of embroidery or needlework which hung
like a curtain in front of a kind of little cupboard containing scrolls of ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

A Few Days Later the Fashionable World of Europe was Startled by ...
... It seemed very strange! How much more natural for her to marry some decent man of
established position and be content with babies and plain needlework! ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/xxxvii a few days later.htm

Christ the Best Husband: or an Earnest Invitation to Young Women ...
... be brought forth to him, in white robes, and a raiment of perfect righteousness,
more rich and curious, my dear sisters, than any of your needle-work; and the ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the best husband or.htm

It is an Annoyance to the Jew that Christ is Said to be Adored ...
... The rich of the people shall entreat Thy face. All the glory of the King's daughter
[is] within, clad in embroidered garments of needlework. ...
/.../chapter xxxviii it is an annoyance.htm

Needlework (23 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NEEDLEWORK. ne'-d'-l-wurk. See EMBROIDERY.
Multi-Version Concordance Needlework (23 Occurrences). ...
/n/needlework.htm - 14k

Needle-work (7 Occurrences)
Needle-work. Needlework, Needle-work. Needs . Multi-Version Concordance
Needle-work (7 Occurrences). ... (WBS). Needlework, Needle-work. Needs . Reference
/n/needle-work.htm - 8k

Embroidery (12 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Needlework used to enrich textile fabrics,
leather, etc.; also, the art of embroidering. 2. (n ...
/e/embroidery.htm - 13k

Coloured (21 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:4 This is what they are to make: a priest's bag, an ephod, and a robe,
and a coat of coloured needlework, a head-dress, and a linen band; they are to ...
/c/coloured.htm - 12k

Doorway (221 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Exodus 26:36 And you are to make a curtain for the doorway of the Tent,
of the best linen with needlework of blue and purple and red. (BBE NAS). ...
/d/doorway.htm - 35k

Curtain (60 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Exodus 26:36 And you are to make a curtain for the doorway of the Tent,
of the best linen with needlework of blue and purple and red. (BBE DBY NIV). ...
/c/curtain.htm - 27k

Best (252 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:36 And you are to make a curtain for the doorway of the Tent, of the
best linen with needlework of blue and purple and red. (BBE). ...
/b/best.htm - 36k

Hanging (82 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of
blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework. ...
/h/hanging.htm - 35k

Trained (37 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 To them he has given knowledge of all the arts of the handworker, of
the designer, and the expert workman; of the maker of needlework in blue and ...
/t/trained.htm - 19k

Expert (59 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 To them he has given knowledge of all the arts of the handworker, of
the designer, and the expert workman; of the maker of needlework in blue and ...
/e/expert.htm - 25k

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