The term "stole" in biblical and ecclesiastical contexts refers to a long, narrow strip of cloth, often worn as a vestment by clergy. While the specific word "stole" does not appear in most English translations of the Bible, the concept and its symbolic significance can be traced through various scriptural references to garments and robes, particularly those associated with priestly and royal functions.

Biblical Context

In the Old Testament, garments hold significant symbolic meaning, often representing authority, purity, and divine appointment. The priestly garments described in Exodus, particularly those worn by Aaron and his descendants, serve as a precursor to the ecclesiastical stole. Exodus 28:2-4 describes the sacred garments made for Aaron, including the ephod, breastpiece, and robe, which were designed "for glory and for beauty." These garments set the priests apart for their sacred duties and symbolized their role as mediators between God and the people.

The stole, as a liturgical vestment, finds its roots in these ancient traditions. Although not explicitly mentioned, the stole's function as a symbol of ordained ministry and service can be seen as an extension of the priestly garments described in the Old Testament.

New Testament Symbolism

In the New Testament, garments continue to carry symbolic weight. For instance, 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), symbolizing restoration and honor. Similarly, in Revelation, the saints are described as wearing white robes, representing purity and righteousness (Revelation 7:9, 13-14).

While the stole itself is not mentioned, these references to robes and garments underscore the importance of clothing as a symbol of spiritual authority and purity. The stole, in Christian liturgical practice, embodies these themes, representing the yoke of Christ and the authority granted to clergy through ordination.

Ecclesiastical Use

In the early Christian church, the stole became a distinct vestment for deacons, priests, and bishops. It is typically worn around the neck, with the ends hanging down in front, and is often adorned with crosses or other Christian symbols. The stole's color often corresponds to the liturgical season or specific church celebrations, further emphasizing its role in the worship setting.

The wearing of the stole signifies the wearer's role in the sacramental and liturgical life of the church. It is a visible sign of the spiritual authority and responsibility entrusted to clergy, echoing the biblical themes of service, leadership, and divine calling.

Conclusion

The stole, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, is deeply rooted in the scriptural tradition of garments as symbols of authority, purity, and divine service. Its use in Christian liturgy reflects the continuity of these biblical themes, serving as a reminder of the sacred duties and responsibilities of those who wear it.1. (imp.) of Steal.

2. (v.) imp. of Steal.

3. (n.) A stolon.

4. (n.) A long, loose garment reaching to the feet.

5. (n.) A narrow band of silk or stuff, sometimes enriched with embroidery and jewels, worn on the left shoulder of deacons, and across both shoulders of bishops and priests, pendent on each side nearly to the ground. At Mass, it is worn crossed on the breast by priests. It is used in various sacred functions.

4749. stole -- equipment, apparel
... stole. 4750 . ... long robe. From stello; equipment, ie (specially), a "stole" or
long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity) -- long clothing (garment), (long) robe. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4749.htm - 7k

2813. klepto -- to steal
... See 2812 (). Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to steal NASB Word Usage steal
(10), steal...away (1), steals (1), stole...away (1). steal. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2813.htm - 7k

1589. ganab -- to steal
... 1), fact kidnapped (1), kidnapping (1), kidnaps (1), steal (9), steal away (1),
stealing (1), steals (3), steals him away (1), stealth (1), stole (3), stole ...
/hebrew/1589.htm - 6k

1591. genebah -- a thing stolen
... Definition: theft. Word Origin from ganab Definition a thing stolen NASB
Word Usage theft (1), what he stole (1). theft. From ganab ...
/hebrew/1591.htm - 6k

Pelagius by his Mendacity and Deception Stole his Acquittal from ...
... Book II. On Original Sin. Chapter 15 [XIV.]"Pelagius by His Mendacity and
Deception Stole His Acquittal from the Synod in Palestine. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 15 xiv pelagius by his.htm

Excursus on the Vestments of the Early Church.
... The manner in which the use of the stole is spoken of in this canon shews not only
the great antiquity of that vestment but of other ecclesiastical vestments ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the vestments of.htm

The Son of the Maker is Like unto his Father as Maker!
... Tamar went forth, and in the darkness [458] stole the Light, and in uncleanness
stole the Holy One, and by uncovering her nakedness she went in and stole Thee ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn vii the son of.htm

Whether the Vestments of the Ministers are Fittingly Instituted in ...
... The deacon has in addition the "stole" over the left shoulder, as a sign that he
is deputed to a ministry in the sacraments themselves, and the "dalmatic ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the vestments of the.htm

Devout Customs and Usages
... "The Stole is a strip of silk about three inches wide and eight and a half
feet long, with ends ornamented by embroidery and fringed. ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/devout customs and usages.htm

On Confession
... change their nature." In the case of stealing, for example, you need not tell whether
it was from a grocery, a bakery, or dry-goods store you stole, for that ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 19 on confession.htm

The Way of Life and the Way of Death.
... of Israel." [3375] "Thou shalt not steal:" for Achan, when he had stolen in Israel
at Jericho, was stoned to death; [3376] and Gehazi, who stole, and told a lie ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the two ways.htm

Matt. xxviii. 11-14.
... had assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto
the soldiers, saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole Him away ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xc matt xxviii 11-14.htm

From the Seventh to the End of the Tenth Commandment
... Parents who know that their children steal and do not prevent them or compel them
to bring back what they stole, but rather encourage them by being indifferent ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 34 from the seventh.htm

I am Joseph of Arimath??a, who Begged from Pilate the Body of the ...
... [2033] And he set his hand to robbing the multitude of the Jews, and stole the law
[2034] itself in Jerusalem, and stripped naked the daughter of Caiaphas, who ...
/.../unknown/the narrative of joseph of arimathaea/chapter 1 i am joseph.htm

Stole (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Stole (9 Occurrences). Matthew 28:13 saying, "Say that
his disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. ...
/s/stole.htm - 9k

Jehosheba (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took
Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons who ...
/j/jehosheba.htm - 8k

Ephod (45 Occurrences)
... ef'-od ('ephowdh (28 times), 'ephodh (20 times), 'ephodh; Septuagint epomis, ephoth,
ephod, ephoud, stole exallos, stole bussine): (1) A sacred vestment ...
/e/ephod.htm - 27k

Bed-chamber (6 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took
Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons that ...
/b/bed-chamber.htm - 9k

Cattle (277 Occurrences)
... floor were not to be muzzled, so as to prevent them from eating of the provender
over which they trampled (Deuteronomy 25:4). Whosoever stole and sold or ...
/c/cattle.htm - 52k

Athali'ah (17 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took
Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons that ...
/a/athali'ah.htm - 11k

Murdered (25 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took
Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons who ...
/m/murdered.htm - 14k

Jo'ash (44 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took
Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons who ...
/j/jo'ash.htm - 19k

Nurse (23 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took
Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons who ...
/n/nurse.htm - 17k

Ahazi'ah (33 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took
Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons that ...
/a/ahazi'ah.htm - 16k

Did Moses copy the Law from the Code of Hammurabi? | GotQuestions.org

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Stole: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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