Topical Bible: Dress: Mixed Materials In, Forbidden

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In the biblical context, the prohibition against wearing garments made of mixed materials is primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically within the Mosaic Law. This directive is part of a broader set of laws given to the Israelites, which were intended to set them apart as a holy people dedicated to God.

Biblical References

The primary scripture addressing the prohibition of mixed materials in clothing is found in Leviticus 19:19 and Deuteronomy 22:11. Leviticus 19:19 states: "You must keep My statutes. You shall not breed your livestock with different kinds, nor sow your field with two kinds of seed, nor wear clothing made of two kinds of material." Similarly, Deuteronomy 22:11 instructs: "Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together."

Theological Significance

The commandment against wearing garments of mixed materials is often understood as part of the broader theme of separation and purity that permeates the Mosaic Law. The Israelites were called to be distinct from the surrounding nations, and this distinctiveness was to be reflected in various aspects of their daily lives, including their dress. The prohibition can be seen as a symbolic act of maintaining purity and avoiding the mixing of what God intended to be separate.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, clothing often held significant cultural and religious symbolism. The Israelites' adherence to specific dress codes served as a constant reminder of their covenant relationship with God. By avoiding mixed materials, they demonstrated obedience to God's commandments and reinforced their identity as His chosen people.

Interpretation and Application

From a conservative Christian perspective, the laws concerning mixed materials are often viewed as part of the ceremonial law, which was fulfilled in Christ. While Christians are not bound by these specific Old Testament regulations, the underlying principles of holiness, obedience, and distinction remain relevant. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of spiritual purity and separation from worldly influences, which can be seen as a continuation of the themes present in the Old Testament laws.

Symbolism and Typology

Some theologians suggest that the prohibition against mixed materials may also carry a typological significance, pointing to the purity and unity found in Christ. Just as the Israelites were to avoid mixing different materials, believers are called to maintain spiritual integrity and avoid compromising their faith with worldly practices.

In summary, the biblical injunction against wearing garments of mixed materials serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the distinct identity of God's people. While the specific command may not be directly applicable to Christians today, its underlying principles continue to hold spiritual significance.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 22:11
You shall not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woolen and linen together.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... Females also entertained mixed companies in their own homes. ... prevailing color of
the Hebrew dress, at least ... the natural white of the materials employed, which ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... It was now that that mixed language arose, or at ... of having conquered "Ansan of Elam."
The materials for his ... king was not allowed to change his dress, to ride ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Puritan Innovations
... even contended so strongly for the medi??val dress, that, Sooner ... disregard of its
true purpose been mixed up with ... it, as well in the chiefest materials, as in ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter ii the puritan innovations.htm

Egypt
... a lavish profusion of precious materials; its walls and ... and the Canaanitish
captives"the "mixed multitude" of ... In dress, however, the Egyptian was simple; his ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... touched the ground; sometimes an actual dress seems to ... brought into Chaldaean any
of those materials which were ... a fine plastic clay, carefully mixed and kept ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... The pagans despised them both, and mixed themselves up ... who were condemned to quarry
materials for Diocletian's ... been so different in type, dress, and attitude. ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... And thus, though forbidden by their original constitution to hold property, in a ...
Thus they seek their own pleasure in dainty fare, dress, jewels, vanity, and ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem.
... milk and wine, and wish again to separate what is mixed together, although ... been
dissolved in the earth, attracts to itself the surrounding materials, and rises ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/to pammachius against john of.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... the history of Asia, a supply of materials of varying ... his time, these troops were
all mixed up haphazard ... is usually described as Persian, but the dress is that ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... legends, and conjectures, and, as these materials reach us ... the occasion of a death,
it was forbidden to burn ... Their dress was unpretentious, they wore no jewels ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm