Habiliments refer to clothing or garments, often used in a broader sense to describe attire or apparel. In biblical contexts, habiliments can signify more than just physical clothing; they often symbolize spiritual states, roles, or identities. The Bible frequently uses clothing imagery to convey deeper theological truths and moral lessons.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, clothing often signifies status, identity, and divine favor or disfavor. For instance, Joseph's "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3) given by his father Jacob, symbolizes his favored status among his brothers, which ultimately leads to jealousy and conflict. Similarly, the priestly garments described in Exodus 28 are detailed habiliments that signify the holiness and set-apart nature of the priesthood. These garments include the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, each with specific instructions and symbolic meanings, underscoring the sanctity and responsibility of the priestly office.

The prophet Isaiah uses clothing imagery to convey spiritual truths, as seen in Isaiah 61:10 : "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Here, habiliments symbolize salvation and righteousness, portraying the transformative work of God in the believer's life.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, habiliments continue to carry symbolic weight. Jesus' parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:11-12 highlights the importance of proper attire, where the wedding garment represents the righteousness required to enter the kingdom of heaven. The man without the wedding garment is cast out, illustrating the necessity of being clothed in Christ's righteousness.

The Apostle Paul frequently uses clothing metaphors to describe the Christian life. In Ephesians 6:11 , believers are exhorted to "put on the full armor of God," which includes various pieces of spiritual habiliments like the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and helmet of salvation. These are not physical garments but represent spiritual virtues and defenses against the schemes of the devil.

Paul also encourages believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). This metaphor of putting on new habiliments signifies the transformation and renewal that comes through faith in Christ, contrasting with the old self characterized by sin.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Throughout Scripture, habiliments serve as powerful symbols of spiritual realities. They can represent purity, as seen in Revelation 19:8 , where the fine linen worn by the bride of Christ is described as "the righteous acts of the saints." Conversely, filthy garments can symbolize sin and defilement, as in Zechariah 3:3-4 , where Joshua the high priest is cleansed and given "festal robes" to replace his filthy garments, signifying God's forgiveness and restoration.

The Bible's use of habiliments underscores the importance of spiritual readiness and the transformation that comes through a relationship with God. Whether through the priestly garments of the Old Testament or the spiritual armor of the New Testament, habiliments remind believers of their identity in Christ and the call to live in holiness and righteousness.

Jesus Only
... were in as good company as when they were on the mountain summit, Moses and Elias
being there also; and although Jesus Christ in his common habiliments and in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 16 1870/jesus only.htm

The Home-Parlor.
... are allured by these outward attractions; their imaginations are fed upon the unreal,
and they learn to judge character by the external habiliments in which ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxii the home-parlor.htm

The Date of the Beginning of Noonday.
... the episcopacy was increased and honored with great favors and enriched with vast
endowments; the ritual received many additions; the habiliments of the clergy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i the date of.htm

The Sons of God
... Here the heir of heaven is unknown; he is in disguise, full often clad in the
habiliments of poverty, but there his princely character shall be discerned and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the sons of god.htm

The Story of a Maiden of Corinth, and a Certain Magistrianus.
... And taking off her garments, and dressing her in his own attire, his night-gown,
his cloak, and all the habiliments of a man, he says to her, Wrap yourself up ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/the story of a maiden.htm

Concerning Herod's Death, and Testament, and Burial.
... First of all went his guards, then the band of Thracians, and after them the Germans;
and next the band of Galatians, every one in their habiliments of war ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 concerning herods death.htm

Distinguishing Grace
... with the humble; every man shall be called our brother,not merely those who are
arrayed in goodly raiment, but those who are clothed in the habiliments of toil ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/distinguishing grace.htm

Regeneration
... O! dress yourselves never so grandly with the habiliments of godliness; put the
chaplet of benevolence upon your brow, and gird your loins with integrity; put ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/regeneration.htm

Prayer and Importunity
... Here, importunity is demonstrated, not as a stark impertinence, but as with the
persuasive habiliments of humility, sincerity, and fervency. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/vi prayer and importunity.htm

Before Egypt's Throne
... But for the badge of princehood, the fringed ribbon dependent from a gem-crusted
annulet over each temple, his habiliments were the same as the Pharaoh's. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxix before egypts throne.htm

Habiliments (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Habiliments (2 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 22:5
The habiliments of a man are not on a woman, nor doth a man ...
/h/habiliments.htm - 7k

Habit (9 Occurrences)

/h/habit.htm - 10k

Chooseth (19 Occurrences)
... 17:40 And he taketh his staff in his hand, and chooseth for him five smooth stones
from the brook, and putteth them in the shepherds' habiliments that he hath ...
/c/chooseth.htm - 12k

Apparel (38 Occurrences)
... 3:4). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) External clothing; vesture; garments;
dress; garb; external habiliments or array. 2. (n.) A ...
/a/apparel.htm - 24k

Shepherds (55 Occurrences)
... 17:40 And he taketh his staff in his hand, and chooseth for him five smooth stones
from the brook, and putteth them in the shepherds' habiliments that he hath ...
/s/shepherds.htm - 24k

Habergeons (2 Occurrences)

/h/habergeons.htm - 7k

Draweth (52 Occurrences)
... 17:40 And he taketh his staff in his hand, and chooseth for him five smooth stones
from the brook, and putteth them in the shepherds' habiliments that he hath ...
/d/draweth.htm - 21k

Putteth (182 Occurrences)
... 17:40 And he taketh his staff in his hand, and chooseth for him five smooth stones
from the brook, and putteth them in the shepherds' habiliments that he hath ...
/p/putteth.htm - 38k

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