Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, clothing was not merely a necessity for covering the body but also a significant symbol of wealth, status, and honor. The giving of garments as gifts is a recurring theme in the Scriptures, often signifying favor, covenant, or reward. This practice is evident in several biblical narratives, where changes of clothes are presented as tokens of esteem or gratitude.One of the earliest instances of clothing as a gift is found in the account of Joseph. After interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph is elevated to a position of power in Egypt. As a sign of his new status, Pharaoh gives Joseph fine linen garments: "Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck" (Genesis 41:42). This act not only signifies Joseph's authority but also his acceptance into the Egyptian royal court. In the narrative of Samson, we see clothing used as a wager. Samson poses a riddle to the Philistines, promising them thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes if they solve it. When they succeed through deceit, Samson is compelled to fulfill his promise: "Then the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, took their belongings, and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle" (Judges 14:19). Here, the garments represent a significant loss, highlighting the value placed on clothing. The account of Naaman, the Aramean commander, further illustrates the use of clothing as a gift. After being healed of leprosy by the prophet Elisha, Naaman offers gifts, including changes of clothes, as a token of gratitude: "Now Naaman urged him to accept the gift, but Elisha refused. So Naaman said, 'If you will not, please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry. For your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the LORD'" (2 Kings 5:16-17). Although Elisha declines the gifts, the offer itself underscores the cultural importance of clothing as a valuable and honorable present. In the book of Esther, Mordecai is honored by King Ahasuerus with royal garments. After Haman's plot is exposed, the king commands that Mordecai be dressed in the king's own robes: "So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man whom the king delights to honor!'" (Esther 6:11). This act of dressing Mordecai in royal attire publicly acknowledges his favor with the king and his elevated status. The New Testament also reflects the significance of clothing as a gift. In the parable of the prodigal son, upon the son's return, the father orders his servants to bring out the best robe and put it on him: "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet'" (Luke 15:22). The robe symbolizes restoration and acceptance back into the family, highlighting the father's forgiveness and love. Throughout the Bible, the giving of clothing as a gift is a powerful symbol of honor, restoration, and covenant. It reflects the cultural and spiritual significance of garments in biblical times, serving as a tangible expression of relationships and divine favor. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 45:22To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 18:4 2 Kings 5:5 Esther 6:8 Daniel 5:7 Library The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force must Inevitably be ... The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty Christianity Misunderstood by Believers. The Iranian Conquest Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... The Close of the Theban Empire The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich The Political Constitution of Egypt The Memphite Empire Resources Who are the Mennonites, and what are their beliefs? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christian women wear pants (trousers)? | GotQuestions.org What is Hasidic Judaism? What do Hasidic Jews believe? | GotQuestions.org Dress: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dress of the Head: Bonnets (R. V., Head-Tires), Prescribed by Moses, for the Priests Dress: Bonnets (Rv , Head-Tires), Worn by Women Dress: Ceremonial Purification of Dress: Changes of Clothes, the Folly of Excessive Dress: Filthy, of Unrighteousness Dress: Hats (Turbans, RV Margin), Worn by Men Dress: Men Forbidden to Wear Women's, and Women Forbidden to Wear Men's Dress: Mixed Materials In, Forbidden Dress: Not to be Held Overnight As a Pledge for Debt Dress: Presents Made of Changes of Clothes Dress: Rules With Respect to Women's Dress: Sleeveless Shirt, Called Coat Dress: Symbolical: Filthy, of Iniquity Dress: Uniform Vestments Kept in Store for Worshipers of Baal Dress: Various Articles of Mantle Dress: Various Articles of Many-Colored Dress: Various Articles of Purple Related Terms |
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