Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:In biblical contexts, the term "rag" typically refers to a piece of old, worn-out cloth. It is often used metaphorically to describe something of little value or worth. The imagery of rags is employed in various passages to convey themes of humility, repentance, and the transient nature of earthly wealth and status. Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 64:6 · "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away." · In this passage, the prophet Isaiah uses the metaphor of "filthy rags" to illustrate the inadequacy of human righteousness compared to God's holiness. The imagery underscores the need for divine grace and redemption, as human efforts alone are insufficient for salvation. 2. Jeremiah 38:11-12 · "So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the king’s palace, to a place below the storehouse. From there he took old rags and worn-out clothes and lowered them with ropes to Jeremiah in the cistern. Ebed-melech the Cushite called down to Jeremiah, 'Put these old rags and worn-out clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.' Jeremiah did so." · Here, rags are used practically to cushion the ropes as Jeremiah is lifted from the cistern. This account highlights the compassion and resourcefulness of Ebed-melech, who uses whatever materials are available to aid the prophet Jeremiah. Theological Implications: · Humility and Repentance: The use of rags in Scripture often symbolizes humility and the recognition of one's own spiritual poverty. Just as rags are inadequate for covering and protection, human efforts are insufficient without God's intervention. This theme is central to the Christian understanding of repentance and the need for divine grace. · Earthly vs. Heavenly Value: The metaphor of rags serves to contrast the fleeting nature of earthly possessions and status with the eternal value of spiritual riches. Believers are reminded to seek treasures in heaven rather than relying on worldly wealth, which is as transient as a rag. · Compassion and Resourcefulness: The account of Ebed-melech and Jeremiah illustrates the importance of compassion and the use of available resources to assist others. It serves as a reminder of the Christian call to love and serve one's neighbor, even with the simplest of means. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient times, rags were often the remnants of clothing that had been worn to the point of disrepair. They were used for various practical purposes, such as cleaning or padding, as seen in the account of Jeremiah. The imagery of rags would have been familiar to the original biblical audience, who understood the contrast between the value of new garments and the insignificance of rags. Symbolism in Christian Thought: In Christian thought, rags symbolize the inadequacy of human righteousness and the need for the righteousness of Christ. The imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's grace, which can take what is worthless and make it valuable in His sight. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To scold or rail at; to rate; to tease; to torment; to banter.2. (n.) A piece of cloth torn off; a tattered piece of cloth; a shred; a tatter; a fragment. 3. (n.) Hence, mean or tattered attire; worn-out dress. 4. (n.) A shabby, beggarly fellow; a ragamuffin. 5. (n.) A coarse kind of rock, somewhat cellular in texture. 6. (n.) A ragged edge. 7. (n.) A sail, or any piece of canvas. 8. (v. i.) To become tattered. 9. (v. t.) To break (ore) into lumps for sorting. 10. (v. t.) To cut or dress roughly, as a grindstone. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia RAGPlural in Proverbs 23:21, "Drowsiness will clothe a man with rags" (qera'im "torn garment"; compare 1 Kings 11:30), and figuratively in Isaiah 64:6 the King James Version, "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," in the sense of "tattered clothing" (beghedh, the Revised Version (British and American) "garment"). In Jeremiah 38:11, 12 the American Standard Revised Version translates cechabhah, as "rag" (the King James Version, the English Revised Version "old cast clout"), while the King James Version, the English Revised Version use "rotten rag" for melach (the American Standard Revised Version "worn-out garment"). Both cechabhah and melach mean "worn out." Greek 4470. rhakos -- a rag ... a rag. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: rhakos Phonetic Spelling: (hrak'-os) Short Definition: a piece of cloth Definition: a piece of cloth, a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4470.htm - 6k 1281. diapragmateuomai -- to examine thoroughly, to gain by ... 5068. tetragonos -- a tetrarch (the governor of a fourth part of a ... 5497. cheiragogos -- leading by the hand 5496. cheiragogeo -- to lead by the hand Strong's Hebrew 4418. malach -- a rag... a rag. Transliteration: malach Phonetic Spelling: (maw-lawkh') Short Definition: rags. Word Origin from malach Definition a rag NASB Word Usage rags (2). ... /hebrew/4418.htm - 6k 7168. qera -- torn piece (of garment), a rag 5499. sechabah -- a rag 899. beged -- treachery 4173. morag -- a threshing sled 2727. charag -- to quake 707. arag -- to weave 7268. raggaz -- quivering, quaking 2026. harag -- to kill, slay 7273. ragli -- on foot Library Visitors and Pastimes The Insults Received by Jesus in the Court of Caiphas. Epiphanius Intervenes Explaining the Divine Life. The Indwelling Spirit Fully and Forever Satisfying. Resurgam Death to Sin's Penalty is the Way Out into a Life of Justification ... 'the Angel Adjutant' Incidents of Childhood Knox in the English Puritan Troubles at Frankfort: 1554-1555 Thesaurus Rag... 9. (vt) To break (ore) into lumps for sorting. 10. (vt) To cut or dress roughly, as a grindstone. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. RAG. ... /r/rag.htm - 7k Raguel (1 Occurrence) Clout Ragau (1 Occurrence) Forerunner (3 Occurrences) Rottenness (9 Occurrences) Rafts (2 Occurrences) Rot (15 Occurrences) Basket (40 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to have a double tongue? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins? | GotQuestions.org Why are all of our righteous acts considered filthy rags? | GotQuestions.org Rag: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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