Topical Bible: Garments: Called: Clothing

◄ Garments: Called: Clothing ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Bible, garments or clothing hold significant symbolic and practical importance, reflecting cultural, spiritual, and moral dimensions. From the earliest chapters of Genesis to the prophetic visions in Revelation, clothing is frequently mentioned, serving as a metaphor for righteousness, identity, and divine provision.

Creation and the Fall

The concept of clothing is introduced in the Genesis account of creation and the fall of man. Initially, Adam and Eve were naked and unashamed (Genesis 2:25). However, after the fall, their eyes were opened, and they realized their nakedness, prompting them to sew fig leaves together as makeshift garments (Genesis 3:7). This act signifies the loss of innocence and the onset of human shame and guilt. God’s subsequent provision of garments made from animal skins (Genesis 3:21) symbolizes His care and the necessity of a covering, foreshadowing the sacrificial system and ultimately, the atonement through Christ.

Priestly Garments

In the Mosaic Law, specific instructions were given for the garments of the priests, particularly the high priest. These garments were not only functional but also symbolic of holiness and service to God. Exodus 28 details the intricate design of the high priest's attire, including the ephod, breastplate, robe, and turban, each element representing aspects of the priestly role and the spiritual truths of God's covenant with Israel. The garments were to be made "for glory and for beauty" (Exodus 28:2), underscoring the dignity and sanctity of the priestly office.

Prophetic Symbolism

Prophets often used clothing as a symbol in their messages. Isaiah speaks of garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), illustrating the transformative power of God's deliverance and grace. Conversely, the removal or tearing of garments often signified mourning, repentance, or judgment (e.g., 2 Samuel 1:11, Joel 2:13).

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, clothing continues to carry spiritual significance. Jesus' parable of the wedding banquet emphasizes the necessity of wearing the proper wedding garment, symbolizing righteousness and readiness for the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 22:11-14). The Apostle Paul frequently uses clothing imagery to describe the Christian life, urging believers to "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:24) and to clothe themselves with virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12).

Revelation and Eschatology

The Book of Revelation presents a vivid eschatological vision where clothing signifies purity and victory. The saints are depicted as wearing white robes, representing their righteousness and triumph through the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). The imagery of garments in Revelation underscores the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the eternal state of the redeemed.

Throughout Scripture, garments serve as a profound metaphor for spiritual truths, reflecting humanity's need for divine covering and the transformative power of God's grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 22:6
For you have taken a pledge from your brother for nothing, and stripped the naked of their clothing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 31:19
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Argument. From the Prison they are Led Forth with Joy into the ...
... All Refuse to Put on Profane Garments. ... Perpetua and Felicitas are Thrown Down; They
are Called Back to the ... and were constrained to put on the clothing"the men ...
/.../chapter vi argument from the prison.htm

Matt. xxii. 1-14.
... Reverence the love of Him, who called you, and let no one continue to have filthy
garments, but let each of you busy himself about the clothing of your soul. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxix matt xxii 1-14.htm

Whether the Nature of the Ceremonial Precepts Consists in their ...
... to themselves fringes in the corners of their garments." But these ... The reason for
their being so called was given ... of the Law which regard the clothing and food ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the nature of the.htm

A Savage Duel.
... His clothing is removed, and He is bent over, with thongs on the ... The whole band of
soldiers is called. Some old garments of royal purple are put upon Jesus. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/a savage duel.htm

Of Sisinnius Bishop of the Novatians. His Readiness at Repartee.
... to the apostles, clad in white garments.' His prompt reply to these and other questions
called forth the ... On the clothing of the clergy, see Bingham, Christ. ...
/.../chapter xxii of sisinnius bishop of.htm

How St Francis, Having Been Told by St Clare and the Holy Brother ...
... They soon arrived at a town called Savurniano, where St ... and even touched them with
his garments, and how ... you a twofold and a threefold clothing for yourselves ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xvi how st francis.htm

Mighty to Save
... as 'the power of God.' Strange clothing of weakness ... riding forth on his white horse,
with garments sprinkled with ... any but Himself, 'His name is called the Word ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/mighty to save.htm

1 Timothy i. 7-May
... of these, as well as for others, he has called it "the ... in a multitude of servant,
or of chariot, nor in costly garments. ... "Boast not of thy clothing and raiment ...
/.../homily ii 1 timothy i.htm

Change not Always Improvement.
... also work for the mutation of clothing, even while ... is the Mantle, above all the garments
in which ... was a writer of that kind of farce called "Atellan?? fabul?? ...
/.../tertullian/on the pallium/chapter iv change not always improvement.htm

A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
... represents what might otherwise have been called, in theological ... the exchange of
the filthy garments symbolical of ... meaning of this change of clothing is given ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a vision of judgement and.htm