In biblical terminology, the term "skirted" often refers to the hem or edge of a garment, particularly in the context of robes or cloaks worn during biblical times. The concept of skirts or the hem of a garment holds significant symbolic meaning throughout Scripture, often representing authority, identity, and divine protection.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the hem of a garment was more than just a functional part of clothing; it was a symbol of the wearer's status and authority. For instance, in 1 Samuel 24:4-5, David secretly cuts off a corner of Saul's robe while he is in a cave. This act is significant because it symbolizes David's potential to take over Saul's kingship, yet David later feels remorse for having done so, recognizing the sacredness of the Lord's anointed: "Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe" (1 Samuel 24:5).

The hem of a garment also appears in the context of the priestly garments. In Exodus 28:33-34, the instructions for the priestly robe include pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn around the hem, interspersed with golden bells. These elements were not merely decorative but served as a reminder of the priest's role and the holiness required in approaching God.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the hem of a garment continues to hold symbolic importance. One of the most notable references is found in the account of the woman with the issue of blood. In Matthew 9:20-22, the woman believes that if she can just touch the hem of Jesus' garment, she will be healed. Her faith is rewarded, and Jesus acknowledges her belief: "Jesus turned and saw her. 'Take courage, daughter,' He said, 'your faith has healed you.' And the woman was cured from that very hour" (Matthew 9:22). This passage highlights the power and authority of Jesus, even extending to the fringes of His clothing.

Symbolism and Significance

The concept of "skirted" garments in the Bible often symbolizes protection and refuge. In Ruth 3:9, Ruth asks Boaz to spread the corner of his garment over her, symbolizing his role as her kinsman-redeemer and protector: "I am your servant Ruth,' she said. 'Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are a kinsman-redeemer'" (Ruth 3:9). This act signifies Boaz's willingness to take Ruth under his care and provide for her, reflecting God's protective nature over His people.

Additionally, the fringes or tassels on the garments of the Israelites, as commanded in Numbers 15:38-39, served as a physical reminder of God's commandments: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them to make tassels for the corners of their garments throughout their generations. And put a blue cord on the tassel at each corner. You will have these tassels to look at so that you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes" (Numbers 15:38-39).

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the hem of a garment was often used in legal and social contexts. It could serve as a form of identification, much like a signature or seal. The act of cutting off a piece of the hem could symbolize the transfer of authority or the severing of a relationship, as seen in the account of David and Saul.

Overall, the concept of "skirted" garments in the Bible is rich with meaning, reflecting themes of authority, protection, and divine presence. The hem of a garment, while seemingly a minor detail, carries profound theological and cultural significance throughout the biblical narrative.(imp. & p. p.) of Skirt.

The Northern Mountains
... his morning-winged feet, Whose bright fruit is gleaming yet; And the red and golden
vines Piercing with their trellised lines The rough dark-skirted wilderness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

Imperial Tombs.
... The procession formed by the Senate, the high priesthood, the knights, the army,
and the whole population skirted the Circus Flaminius and the Septa Julia, and ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm

The Disciples' Return.
... As Gethsemane, and Kedron, and the Temple-path, are in succession skirted,
while "sorrowful, they are alway REJOICING." Why is this? ...
/.../macduff/memories of bethany/xxiii the disciples return.htm

The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ...
... Lebanon. It is scarcely likely, that Jesus and His disciples skirted the
almost impenetrable marsh and jungle by Lake Merom. It ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvii the great confession.htm

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
... Possibly they skirted the shore, hoping that he would hail them and come on board.]
18 And the sea was rising by reason of a great wind that blew. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxiii first withdrawal from herods 3.htm

The Morning. AD 1100-1250
... The forest indeed still skirted the horizon, but the cleared spaces were wider,
and the monotonous green of the broad stretches of pasture land was broken up ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/chapter iii the morning a d.htm

Letter xiv. To Gregory his Friend.
... A plain lies beneath, enriched by the waters which are ever draining off from it;
and skirted by a spontaneous profusion of trees almost thick enough to be a ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xiv to gregory his.htm

Visit to Ceylon and Return to Benares.
... I might have thought myself in my own Highlands, as mountain after mountain came
into view, and our road in its descents and ascents skirted precipices, where ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xviii visit to ceylon.htm

On the Morning of Christ's Nativity
... chin upon an orient wave, The flocking shadows pale Troop to the infernal jail,
Each fetter'd ghost slips to his several grave; And the yellow-skirted fays Fly ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/on the morning of christs.htm

On the Morning of Christ's Nativity
... Each fetter'd ghost slips to his several grave; And, the yellow-skirted Fays. Fly
after the night-steeds, leaving their moon-loved maze. "But see! ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/lxxxi on the morning of.htm

Skirted (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Skirt. Multi-Version Concordance
Skirted (1 Occurrence). Judges 11:18 Then they went through ...
/s/skirted.htm - 6k

Skirt (16 Occurrences)
... surround. 7. (vt) To border; to form the border or edge of; to run along
the edge of; as, the plain was skirted by rows of trees. 8 ...
/s/skirt.htm - 13k

Skirts (23 Occurrences)

/s/skirts.htm - 13k

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