Dress: Robe
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Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the robe was a significant garment, often symbolizing authority, status, and identity. The robe is mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures, serving various purposes and carrying different connotations depending on the context.

Old Testament Usage

The robe, or "me'il" in Hebrew, was a common garment in ancient Israel. It was typically a long, flowing outer garment worn over other clothing. The robe's significance is evident in several key biblical narratives.

1. Joseph's Robe: One of the most famous mentions of a robe is the "robe of many colors" given to Joseph by his father Jacob (Genesis 37:3). This robe symbolized Jacob's special affection for Joseph, which incited jealousy among his brothers and ultimately led to Joseph's sale into slavery.

2. Priestly Garments: The robe was an essential part of the high priest's attire. In Exodus 28:31-35, God commands Moses to make a robe of blue for Aaron, the high priest, as part of his sacred garments. This robe was adorned with pomegranates and bells, signifying the priest's holy service and the need for reverence in approaching God.

3. Royal Robes: Robes were also associated with royalty and authority. In 1 Samuel 18:4, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, gives his robe to David, symbolizing the transfer of his princely rights and his recognition of David's future as king.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, robes continue to hold symbolic meaning, often representing righteousness and divine authority.

1. The Prodigal Son: In the parable of the prodigal son, the father orders his servants to bring out the best robe for his returning son (Luke 15:22). This act signifies the son's restoration to his family and the father's forgiveness and acceptance.

2. Jesus' Garments: During the crucifixion, the soldiers cast lots for Jesus' garments, including His robe (John 19:23-24). This event fulfilled the prophecy found in Psalm 22:18, highlighting the significance of Jesus' suffering and the fulfillment of Scripture.

3. Heavenly Robes: In Revelation, robes are frequently mentioned as symbols of purity and righteousness. The saints are described as wearing white robes, representing their victory and sanctification through the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:9, 13-14).

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Throughout the Bible, robes often symbolize more than mere clothing. They represent authority, identity, and spiritual status. The giving or taking of a robe can signify a change in one's position or relationship with God and others. For instance, the robe of righteousness is a metaphor for the believer's new identity in Christ, clothed in His righteousness rather than their own (Isaiah 61:10).

In summary, the robe in biblical literature is a multifaceted symbol, rich with cultural, spiritual, and theological significance. Whether denoting authority, purity, or divine favor, the robe serves as a powerful emblem of God's interaction with humanity throughout the biblical narrative.
Nave's Topical Index
Exodus 28:4
And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a turban, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, and his sons, that he may minister to me in the priest's office.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 18:4
And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
2440. himation -- an outer garment, a cloak, robe
... Neuter of a presumed derivative of ennumi (to put on); a dress (inner or outer) --
apparel, cloke, clothes, garment, raiment, robe, vesture. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2440.htm - 7k

4158. poderes -- reaching to the feet
... long robe, dress. From pous and another element of uncertain affinity; a dress
(esthes implied) reaching the ankles -- garment down to the foot. see GREEK pous. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4158.htm - 6k

2066. esthes -- clothing
... apparel, clothing, raiment, robe. From hennumi (to clothe); dress -- apparel, clothing,
raiment, robe. (estheta) -- 3 Occurrences. (estheti) -- 4 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2066.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew
155. addereth -- glory, a cloak
... Feminine of 'addiyr; something ample (as a large vine, a wide dress); also the same
as 'eder -- garment, glory, goodly, mantle, robe. see HEBREW 'addiyr. ...
/hebrew/155.htm - 6k

3801. kethoneth -- a tunic
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a tunic NASB Word Usage coat (2), dress
(1), garment (2), garments (4), tunic (14), tunics (6). coat, garment, robe. ...
/hebrew/3801.htm - 6k

8008. salmah -- a wrapper, mantle
... Word Usage cloak (5), clothes (6), clothing (1), garment (1), garments (3), robe*
(1). clothes, garment, raiment. Transp. For simlah; a dress -- clothes, garment ...
/hebrew/8008.htm - 6k

Library

"Grief, Like a Garment, Cloth'd Me Round, "And Sackcloth was My ...
... 7 "Grief, like a garment, cloth'd me round, "And sackcloth was my dress,
"While I procur'd for naked souls "A robe of righteousness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/7 grief like a garment.htm

Letter xiv. Dress.
... In the third chapter of Genesis, we learn that the object of dress, when first ... with
the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness ...
/.../newcomb/a practical directory for young christian females/letter xiv dress.htm

Toilet.
... It seems incredible that a ribbon-knot, the color of a robe, or the form of a
head-dress, could become a capital matter for an intelligent creature destined to ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xv toilet.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... After this robe had been arranged to fall in long straight folds, a kind of scapulary
was ... It hung in a single width down to the edge of the dress, of which it ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

Christian Experience.
... My ticket was my experience and title to heaven, and the dress left up
in the tiny seat was the robe of Christ's righteousness. ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter xi christian experience.htm

Gifts to the Prodigal
... The father says, 'Take them all off him, and put the best robe upon him.' What ... mind,
traits of character, and the like are described as being the dress of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/gifts to the prodigal.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... her elder daughter Mary Heli, with the latter's little daughter Mary Cleophas; then
the holy child Mary followed in her sky-blue dress and robe, with wreaths ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

Argument. Perpetua is Again Tempted by Her Father Her Third vision ...
... It is variously supposed to signify little round ornaments either of cloth or metal
attached to the soldier's dress, or the small bells on the priestly robe. ...
/.../chapter iii argument perpetua is again.htm

Devout Customs and Usages
... Times and customs have changed, but the dress of the Priest, made sacred by association ...
to the vestments: the alb is said to signify the white robe which Herod ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/devout customs and usages.htm

On Clothes.
... beasts (figured on it), and that saffron-coloured ointment-dipped robe, and those ...
who sit covered with flowers, wearing a saffron-coloured dress, [1532] painted ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi name clothes.htm

Resources
What does it mean to dress modestly? | GotQuestions.org

Why do we have to dress up nice for church? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian view fashion? | GotQuestions.org

Dress: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Dress

Dress for Wedding Feasts

Dress of Fig Leaves

Dress of Skins

Dress of the Head by Ezekiel

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: Cloak

Dress: Embroidered Coat

Dress: Filthy, of Unrighteousness

Dress: Hats (Turbans, RV Margin), Worn by Men

Dress: Hoods (Turban, RV)

Dress: Hosen

Dress: Kerchiefs

Dress: Men Forbidden to Wear Women's, and Women Forbidden to Wear Men's

Dress: Mixed Materials In, Forbidden

Dress: Mufflers

Dress: Not to be Held Overnight As a Pledge for Debt

Dress: Presents Made of Changes of Clothes

Dress: Robe

Dress: Rules With Respect to Women's

Dress: Sashes (Rv)

Dress: Shawls

Dress: Skirts

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

Dress: Wimples (Satchels, RV)

Related Terms

War-dress (6 Occurrences)

Head-dress (22 Occurrences)

Undress (1 Occurrence)

Jewel (12 Occurrences)

Attire (11 Occurrences)

Headdress (1 Occurrence)

Gown (1 Occurrence)

Trim (4 Occurrences)

Array (63 Occurrences)

Skirt (16 Occurrences)

Fashion (24 Occurrences)

Mitre (10 Occurrences)

Body-cover (11 Occurrences)

Colour (22 Occurrences)

Apparel (38 Occurrences)

Robe (142 Occurrences)

Habit (9 Occurrences)

Wimple

Dyed (10 Occurrences)

Cloth (57 Occurrences)

Adorn (13 Occurrences)

Dressed (77 Occurrences)

Coat (54 Occurrences)

Priest (500 Occurrences)

Metal (69 Occurrences)

Vest (11 Occurrences)

Napkin (3 Occurrences)

Girdle (44 Occurrences)

Face (780 Occurrences)

Tidy (1 Occurrence)

Taw (1 Occurrence)

Trousers (7 Occurrences)

Rag

Raiment (75 Occurrences)

Edge (150 Occurrences)

Disguise (7 Occurrences)

Mantle (35 Occurrences)

Prune (2 Occurrences)

Barber

Bonnet (1 Occurrence)

Bosom (47 Occurrences)

Cultivate (11 Occurrences)

Shroud (6 Occurrences)

Lasting (40 Occurrences)

Uproar (33 Occurrences)

Shattered (42 Occurrences)

Breastplate (45 Occurrences)

Clothe (52 Occurrences)

Hood

Band (150 Occurrences)

Bulls (68 Occurrences)

Wail (50 Occurrences)

Linen (111 Occurrences)

Twisted (79 Occurrences)

Veil (67 Occurrences)

Bind (68 Occurrences)

Tire (5 Occurrences)

Cord (47 Occurrences)

Dressing (7 Occurrences)

Drenched (11 Occurrences)

Muffler

Cloak (73 Occurrences)

Clothing (288 Occurrences)

Countries (86 Occurrences)

Woman (4043 Occurrences)

Sackcloth (47 Occurrences)

Change (109 Occurrences)

Clothes (208 Occurrences)

Splendor (87 Occurrences)

Old (3966 Occurrences)

Hittites (39 Occurrences)

Placed (297 Occurrences)

Rich (140 Occurrences)

Baptist (16 Occurrences)

Harness (9 Occurrences)

Quiet (167 Occurrences)

High (4559 Occurrences)

Vesture (10 Occurrences)

Vineyards (55 Occurrences)

Dress: Presents Made of Changes of Clothes
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