Dyed attire in biblical times was a symbol of wealth, status, and sometimes spiritual significance. The process of dyeing fabrics was labor-intensive and costly, making dyed garments a luxury item often associated with royalty and the affluent. The Bible references dyed attire in various contexts, highlighting its cultural and symbolic importance.

Historical Context

In ancient Israel and surrounding regions, the art of dyeing fabrics was well-developed. The most prized dye was Tyrian purple, extracted from the murex snail, which was so expensive that it became synonymous with royalty and high status. Other common dyes included reds, blues, and yellows, derived from plants and minerals.

Biblical References

1. Royalty and Wealth: Dyed garments are frequently associated with kings and nobility. In the book of Esther, Mordecai is honored by being clothed in royal garments of blue and white, with a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen (Esther 8:15). This attire signifies his elevated status and the king's favor.

2. Symbol of Prosperity: The Proverbs 31 woman is described as making coverings for her bed and clothing herself in fine linen and purple (Proverbs 31:22). This indicates her household's prosperity and her industrious nature.

3. Spiritual Symbolism: In the prophetic literature, dyed garments can symbolize judgment or redemption. Isaiah speaks of the Lord coming from Edom with dyed garments, symbolizing His vengeance and salvation (Isaiah 63:1-2).

4. Worldly Allure: Dyed attire is sometimes used to depict the allure of worldly wealth and the dangers of materialism. In Revelation, the great prostitute is described as being adorned in purple and scarlet, representing her opulence and the seductive nature of her influence (Revelation 17:4).

Cultural Significance

The use of dyed attire in biblical narratives often serves to convey deeper meanings beyond mere fashion. It reflects societal structures, economic conditions, and spiritual truths. The rarity and expense of dyed fabrics made them a powerful symbol of human achievement and divine blessing, as well as a caution against the excesses of wealth and power.

Moral and Ethical Implications

From a moral perspective, the Bible's references to dyed attire can be seen as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly riches and the importance of seeking spiritual wealth. The luxurious garments of the rich and powerful stand in contrast to the humble attire of Jesus and His followers, who emphasized inner virtue over outward appearance.

In summary, dyed attire in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, reflecting the complexities of human society and the divine messages conveyed through Scripture.Dyed Attire

ATTIRE; DYED ATTIRE

a-tir': "Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire?" asks the prophet Jeremiah in hot remonstrance against Israel's unfaithfulness. "Yet," saith Yahweh, "my people have forgotten me" (2:32). "And I saw that she was defiled," cries Ezekiel against Jerusalem; "she saw men. girded with girdles upon their loins, with flowing turbans [AV exceeding in dyed attire] upon their heads,... after the likeness of the Babylonians in Chaldea,. and. she doted upon them. "(Ezekiel 23:13-16). "And, behold, there met him," says the author of Proverbs (Proverbs 7:10) in his description of the "strange woman," that "lieth in wait at every street corner," "a woman with the attire of a harlot, and wily of heart," whose "house is the way to Sheol" (Proverbs 7:27). These passages show how diversely and elastically the term "attire" was used among the Hebrews. The numerous synonyms for "dress," "attire," "apparel," "clothes," "raiment," "garment," etc., found in English Versions of the Bible, reflect a similar wealth of nomenclature in the original Hebrew and Greek; but the lack of exactness and consistency in the renderings of translators makes the identification of the various articles of dress referred to very difficult, sometimes impossible. See DRESS.

George B. Eager

2871. tebul -- a turban
... dyed attire. Passive participle of tabal; properly, dyed, ie A turban (probably
as of colored stuff) -- dyed attire. see HEBREW tabal. 2870b, 2871. ...
/hebrew/2871.htm - 6k

John Smith, Platonist --"An Interpreter of the Spirit"
... over head and ears; he had not a slight tincture but was dyed and coloured ... look exactly
like it, but they only assume "the garish dress and attire of religion ...
/.../chapter xvi john smith platonistan.htm

Walamir and St. Telemachus
... a flower of perfect loveliness; and beside her, in a very simple attire, her noble ...
arena had been strewn, and the blood from his many wounds had dyed his robes ...
/.../chapter lix walamir and st.htm

A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... Consequently neither is the hair to be dyed, nor grey hair to have its colour changed. ...
992. [1671] [Another law against colours in clerical attire.]. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... attention in garments of gold you may begin to do so in mean attire. ... Parchments are
dyed purple, gold is melted into lettering, manuscripts are decked with ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... were entirely void of any cedar woodwork inlaid with gold, or panels of mosaic such
as we find in the temples, nor were they hung with dyed or embroidered ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Swearing was formerly considered to be a habit of gentility; but now it betrays
the blackguard, even when disguised in genteel attire. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

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