Topical Bible: Garments: Bonnet or Hat

◄ Garments: Bonnet or Hat ►

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In biblical times, garments held significant cultural and religious importance, often symbolizing status, identity, and devotion. Among these garments, the bonnet or hat is mentioned in various contexts, primarily associated with priestly attire and modesty.

Priestly Attire

The bonnet, often referred to as a "mitre" or "turban" in some translations, was a key component of the high priest's garments as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. In Exodus 28:4, the Berean Standard Bible lists the garments of the high priest: "These are the garments they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests." The turban, or bonnet, was a symbol of the priest's consecration and dedication to God, signifying purity and holiness.

Exodus 28:36-38 further describes the significance of the headpiece: "You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten it to a cord of blue to mount it on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. And it will be on Aaron’s forehead, so that Aaron may bear the guilt of the holy things that the Israelites consecrate as all their holy gifts. It will always be on his forehead, so that they may find favor before the LORD." This inscription emphasized the priest's role as an intermediary between God and the people, bearing the responsibility of their offerings.

Cultural and Symbolic Aspects

Beyond the priestly context, head coverings in the form of bonnets or hats were also a part of everyday attire in ancient Near Eastern cultures. They served practical purposes, such as protection from the sun, and were often indicative of one's social status or role within the community.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the topic of head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11:4-7 : "Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as if her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man." This passage reflects the cultural norms of the time, where head coverings were associated with modesty and respect within the worship setting.

Symbol of Authority and Modesty

The use of bonnets or hats as a symbol of authority and modesty is evident in the biblical narrative. For women, head coverings were a sign of submission to authority, as seen in the cultural context of Corinth. For men, the absence of a head covering during worship was a sign of honor to God, reflecting the created order.

In summary, the bonnet or hat in biblical times was more than a mere article of clothing. It carried deep religious, cultural, and social significance, reflecting the values and beliefs of the people of Israel and the early Christian church.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 8:13
And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats on them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets on them; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 3:21
Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the middle of the burning fiery furnace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

All the Day Long
... while they are turning the brush round their best hat. ... put on the fear of God with
their new bonnet. ... every day becomes a holy day; our garments, vestments; our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/all the day long.htm