Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5125 Parts of the body and clothing  »  5145 clothing

Garments were originally provided by God for Adam and Eve. Kings and priests were given special garments. God's people should neither be unduly anxious about how they dress, nor judge others by what they wear. Inner clothing is more important than outer adornment.

The origin of clothing

Genesis 3:21

Various regulations regarding clothing

See also

Leviticus 15:1-27; Deuteronomy 22:5,11-12

Special clothing for priests

Exodus 28:1-5; Exodus 29:5-6; Exodus 39:1; Leviticus 8:7-9; Ezekiel 44:17-19

Rich clothing a sign of wealth or status

Genesis 41:42; 2 Samuel 13:18; Esther 6:8-9; Esther 8:15; Psalm 45:13-14; Daniel 5:7; Luke 16:19; Acts 12:21

The Israelites' clothing did not wear out in the desert wanderings

Deuteronomy 8:4; Deuteronomy 29:5; Nehemiah 9:21

Clothing as a symbol of fragility and perishability

Isaiah 51:8 See also Isaiah 50:9

Symbolic actions involving clothing

The hem or corner of a garment

Ruth 3:9 The corner of a garment spread over a person denotes protection and possession.

Touching or taking hold of the corner of a garment indicates putting oneself under the control or domination of another:

Zechariah 8:23; Matthew 9:20 pp Luke 8:44; John 20:17

Cutting or tearing off the corner of someone else's garment indicates rebellion or a desire to break away from their control or authority:

1 Samuel 15:27; Samuel 24:4-5

Tearing one's own garments is a sign of mourning or distress:

Genesis 37:29,34; Genesis 44:13; Leviticus 10:6

2 Samuel 3:31

Provision of rich clothing a picture of God's love

See also

Ezekiel 16:10-13; Luke 15:22

Examples of unusual clothing

Joseph's richly ornamented robe

Genesis 37:3,23,32

The dress of Elijah and John the Baptist

2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4 pp Mark 1:6

Isaiah's lack of clothing a prophetic sign

Isaiah 20:2-4

The mock robing of Jesus Christ

Matthew 27:28 pp Mark 15:17 pp John 19:2; Luke 23:11

Gambling at the cross for Jesus Christ's clothing

Matthew 27:35 pp Mark 15:24 pp Luke 23:34 pp John 19:23-24; Psalm 22:18

Women and clothing

Women praised for making clothing

Proverbs 31:21,24; Acts 9:39

Women urged to dress modestly

1 Timothy 2:9 See also 1 Peter 3:3

Believers not to be unduly anxious about clothing

Matthew 6:28-30 pp Luke 12:27-28

Believers not to discriminate because of clothing

James 2:1-4

Inner clothing more important than outer adornment

1 Peter 3:3-4 See also 1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 31:25; Isaiah 52:1; Isaiah 61:3; Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 5:5

The robe of righteousness

Isaiah 61:10 See also Job 29:14; Psalm 132:9,16; Zechariah 3:3-5; Matthew 22:1-14; 2 Corinthians 5:2-4; Revelation 3:17-18; Revelation 19:8

White clothing, the clothing of heaven

The transfiguration of Jesus Christ

Matthew 17:2 pp Mark 9:3 pp Luke 9:29

The angels at the tomb

See also Matthew 28:3 pp Mark 16:5 pp Luke 24:4; John 20:12

The vision of the redeemed

Revelation 3:4-5 See also Revelation 3:18; Revelation 4:4; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 7:9

The vision of the exalted Christ

Revelation 1:13; Revelation 19:13

See also

4645  fleece
4807  colours
5131  belt
5144  cloak
5158  head-covering
5177  robes
5179  sandal
5188  tearing of clothes
5258  cloth
5915  ornaments
6742  sackcloth & ashes
7478  washing