Topical Bible: Women: Made Garments

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In the biblical narrative, women are often depicted as skilled artisans in the craft of garment-making, a vital and respected role within the family and community. This skill is highlighted in various passages throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the importance of women's contributions to both domestic life and religious practices.

Old Testament References

The art of making garments is first seen in the early chapters of Genesis. After the fall, God Himself made garments of skin for Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21), setting a precedent for the importance of clothing. Women, in particular, are noted for their role in this craft. In Proverbs 31, the virtuous woman is described as one who "selects wool and flax and works with eager hands" (Proverbs 31:13). She is industrious, providing clothing for her household and even making linen garments to sell (Proverbs 31:24).

In Exodus, the construction of the Tabernacle involved the skilled work of women. Exodus 35:25-26 states, "Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen. And all the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun the goat hair." This passage highlights the collaborative effort and the essential role women played in creating the sacred garments and coverings for the Tabernacle, underscoring their contribution to Israel's worship and religious life.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the role of women in garment-making is exemplified in the life of Dorcas (also known as Tabitha). Acts 9:36-39 describes her as a disciple in Joppa who was "full of good works and acts of charity." She made tunics and other garments for the widows, and her death was deeply mourned by the community, who showed Peter the clothing she had made. Her resurrection by Peter's prayer further emphasizes the value of her work and her impact on the early Christian community.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The making of garments by women in biblical times was not merely a domestic task but a significant cultural and religious activity. Clothing was often symbolic, representing status, identity, and religious devotion. The high priest's garments, for example, were made with great care and specific instructions, as detailed in Exodus 28. Women’s involvement in creating such garments indicates their integral role in maintaining the spiritual and cultural fabric of their society.

Moreover, the skill of garment-making was passed down through generations, reflecting the continuity of tradition and the preservation of cultural identity. The depiction of women as garment-makers in the Bible serves as a testament to their industriousness, creativity, and essential role in both the family unit and the broader community.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 9:39
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ...
... of hair hanging down, and were clothed in garments of Tyrian ... to his son, because
of the promise made to David ... him, and delivered up himself to women, and to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how solomon grew.htm

Commandments to Women.
... neither affect to wear fine broidering, garments, or shoes ... as all things which God
has made are very ... when thou walkest abroad, veiling thyself as becomes women. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii commandments to women.htm

Many Others, Both Men and Women, who Suffered in Various Ways.
... And after arranging their garments suitably, they went aside from ... Eusebius evidently
approved of these women's suicide, and ... as a crime, and thus made a decided ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xii many others both men.htm

Women Adorned with Good Work
... spring comes it puts on its beautiful garments, and rejoices ... serve God, too, is what
Christian women ought to ... the holy city descend from heaven, made ready as ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xvii women adorned with good.htm

Acts of Paul and Thecla.
... And the women made great lamentation, since also the lioness ... And the women, when
other wild beasts were being ... having heard this, ordered her garments to be ...
/.../unknown/acts of paul and thecla/acts of paul and thecla.htm

The Empress Eudoxia from the Story of Christian Womanhood in Old ...
... constitute the initial stage in the prominence of Christian women of the ... was crowned
with garlands and decked out in garments entirely made of silk ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ix the empress eudoxia from.htm

Argument. From the Prison they are Led Forth with Joy into the ...
... All Refuse to Put on Profane Garments. ... in the beginning of the exhibition he and
Revocatus made trial of ... 3. Moreover, for the young women the devil prepared a ...
/.../chapter vi argument from the prison.htm

Last Days and After.
... With a sublime simplicity and faith in the goodness of women, he found a ... With her
own hands she made garments for the needy, stimulated others in connection ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/vii last days and after.htm

The Heroic Women of Early Indiana Methodism.
... fare was not always sumptuous, nor their garments of purple ... settler's fire, or of
an improvised lamp made of a ... to have a company of neighbor women without the ...
/.../the heroic women of early indiana methodism/the heroic women of early.htm

The Holy Women at the Sepulchre.
... Her garments were quite moist with dew, and her veil ... in his hand, and a large hat
(apparently made of the ... which Jesus had related to the holy women at Bethania ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter lxiv the holy women.htm