Garments of the Rich: Embroidered
Jump to: Torrey'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, garments served not only as a necessity for covering but also as a symbol of status, wealth, and identity. Among the various types of clothing mentioned in the Scriptures, embroidered garments are particularly noted for their association with the affluent and the noble.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Embroidered garments are frequently mentioned in the Bible as a mark of luxury and opulence. These garments were often made from fine materials and adorned with intricate designs, reflecting the skill and artistry of ancient textile workers. The use of embroidery in clothing is indicative of wealth and high social standing, as the process was labor-intensive and required significant resources.

In Ezekiel 16:10, the Lord describes His lavish care for Jerusalem, saying, "I clothed you with embroidered cloth and put sandals of fine leather on your feet. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk." Here, embroidered garments symbolize the Lord's abundant provision and the honor bestowed upon His people.

Similarly, in Ezekiel 27:7, the prophet speaks of Tyre, a wealthy and powerful city, noting, "Of embroidered fine linen from Egypt was your sail, serving as your banner; blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah was your awning." The use of embroidered linen from Egypt highlights the city's prosperity and its connections to distant lands renowned for their luxurious goods.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, embroidery was a highly valued craft. The process involved stitching decorative patterns onto fabric using threads of various colors, often including gold and silver. The complexity and beauty of the designs were a testament to the wearer's wealth and status. Such garments were typically worn by royalty, nobility, and the upper echelons of society.

The materials used for these garments were also significant. Fine linen, often imported from Egypt, and wool dyed in rich colors like purple and blue were common choices for embroidered clothing. These materials were expensive and not readily available to the average person, further emphasizing the exclusivity of embroidered garments.

Spiritual Implications

In the biblical narrative, clothing often carries spiritual connotations. Embroidered garments, with their beauty and intricacy, can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual richness and blessings bestowed by God upon His people. They serve as a reminder of the dignity and honor that come from a relationship with the Divine.

Moreover, the imagery of embroidered garments is used to contrast the splendor of God's provision with the spiritual poverty of those who turn away from Him. In Ezekiel 16, the Lord's description of clothing Jerusalem in embroidered garments underscores the city's initial favor and subsequent fall from grace due to unfaithfulness.

Conclusion

While embroidered garments in the Bible are primarily a symbol of earthly wealth and status, they also carry deeper spiritual meanings. They reflect the beauty and abundance of God's blessings and serve as a reminder of the honor and dignity that come from living in accordance with His will. Through these garments, the Scriptures convey a message of divine provision and the importance of faithfulness to God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 45:14
She shall be brought to the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 16:18
And took your broidered garments, and covered them: and you have set my oil and my incense before them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

It is an Annoyance to the Jew that Christ is Said to be Adored ...
... The rich of the people shall entreat Thy face. All the glory of the King's daughter
[is] within, clad in embroidered garments of needlework. ...
/.../chapter xxxviii it is an annoyance.htm

Devout Customs and Usages
... with a Y-shaped cross, which is often embroidered. ... chasuble is sometimes ornamented
with very rich needlework. ... These garments are very similar, being a kind of ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/devout customs and usages.htm

Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome
... and purple float in the wind; and as they are agitated by art or accident, they
occasionally discover the under-garments, the rich tunics, embroidered with the ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vii women who witnessed the.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... The Blessed Virgin's wedding garments were so remarkably ... blue ground covered with
an embroidered or woven ... interspersed with green leaves, like rich and ancient ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
... Jacob got the blessing in the garments of his elder brother ... The empyrean heaven
bespangled with light, arrayed with rich hangings, embroidered with glory ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/11 the comforts belonging to.htm

Changed Conditions
... of mercy in her temple, with many rich gifts, to ... commanded the exclusive use of
earth-coloured garments for the ... and brides were not to wear embroidered gowns. ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xx changed conditions.htm

1 Cor. xiii. 8
... be in a like needy condition, on being deprived of the rich. ... Gold, and silver, and
precious stones, and garments silken, purple, and embroidered with gold ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxiv 1 cor xiii.htm

The People's Christ
... He was not clad in purple garments, neither wrapped in embroidered clothing; the ...
He uttered the same truths to the rich men of the Sanhedrim, as to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the peoples christ.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... The hem itself was also embroidered. ... been saluted by all present, her ceremonial
garments were taken off ... baskets, rounded like the tureens that rich people have ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius.
... are exchanged for soft woollen garments intended to ... man one whom heretofore it ignored
as rich. ... boy-slaves, expensive clothing, and embroidered hangings, give ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxvi to pammachius.htm

Resources
What is the origin of baptism? | GotQuestions.org

Who are the Chemarim / Chemarims in Zephaniah 1:4? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prayer shawl? | GotQuestions.org

Garments: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Garments

Garments of Israel Preserved for Forty Years

Garments of the Poor used As a Covering by Night

Garments of the Poor: Not to be Retained in Pledge

Garments of the Poor: Provided Specially by God

Garments of the Poor: Vile

Garments of the Rich of the Finest Materials

Garments of the Rich: Embroidered

Garments of the Rich: Gay

Garments of the Rich: Gorgeous

Garments of the Rich: Multiplied and Heaped Up

Garments of the Rich: Often Moth-Eaten

Garments of the Rich: Perfumed

Garments of the Sexes, not to be Interchanged

Garments of Those Slain With a Sword not Used

Garments were often Changed

Garments were often Fringed and Bordered

Garments: (Rolled in Blood) Victory

Garments: (Washed in Wine) Abundance

Garments: (White) Righteousness

Garments: Bonnet or Hat

Garments: Burnouse or Cloak

Garments: Called: Clothes

Garments: Called: Clothing

Garments: Called: Raiment

Garments: Called: Vesture

Garments: Cleansed by Water from Ceremonial Uncleanness

Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Blue

Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Different Colours

Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Purple

Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Scarlet

Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: White

Garments: Girdle

Garments: Girt up During Employment

Garments: Given As a Token of Covenants

Garments: Given As Presents

Garments: Grew Old and Wore Out

Garments: Hyke or Upper Garment

Garments: Liable to Plague and Leprosy

Garments: Materials Used for Camel's Hair

Garments: Materials Used for Linen

Garments: Materials Used for Sackcloth

Garments: Materials Used for Silk

Garments: Materials Used for Skins

Garments: Materials Used for Wool

Garments: Not to be Made of Mixed Materials

Garments: Often Rent in Affliction

Garments: Origin of

Garments: Scribes and Pharisees Condemned for Making Broad the Borders

Garments: Shoe or Sandal

Garments: Tunic or Coat

Garments: Vail

Garments: Worn Long and Flowing

Related Terms

Rendeth (23 Occurrences)

Plaited (12 Occurrences)

Coloured (21 Occurrences)

Finely (27 Occurrences)

Worn (29 Occurrences)

Woven (40 Occurrences)

Tunic (24 Occurrences)

Consecrated (101 Occurrences)

Cloths (16 Occurrences)

Sacred (140 Occurrences)

Embroidered (26 Occurrences)

Fringes (4 Occurrences)

Priest's (75 Occurrences)

Office (64 Occurrences)

Vesture (10 Occurrences)

Festal (12 Occurrences)

Tunics (16 Occurrences)

Broidered (9 Occurrences)

Carrieth (10 Occurrences)

Sanctifieth (21 Occurrences)

Embroidery (12 Occurrences)

Bathed (45 Occurrences)

Worked (145 Occurrences)

Wrought (186 Occurrences)

Worn-out (4 Occurrences)

Turban (13 Occurrences)

Rending (8 Occurrences)

Dyed (10 Occurrences)

Miter (9 Occurrences)

Parted (67 Occurrences)

Sprinkleth (11 Occurrences)

Carcase (38 Occurrences)

Lots (26 Occurrences)

Wearing (43 Occurrences)

Flux (26 Occurrences)

Sanctified (105 Occurrences)

Ministering (63 Occurrences)

Warrior (36 Occurrences)

Sprinkled (55 Occurrences)

Mitre (10 Occurrences)

Coats (29 Occurrences)

Anointing (39 Occurrences)

Sprinkle (37 Occurrences)

Strip (33 Occurrences)

Rend (35 Occurrences)

Apparel (38 Occurrences)

Vest (11 Occurrences)

Necks (28 Occurrences)

Ladies (8 Occurrences)

Stripped (62 Occurrences)

Foal (10 Occurrences)

Flax (11 Occurrences)

Transmit (2 Occurrences)

Disguiseth (5 Occurrences)

Damsels (9 Occurrences)

Drams (6 Occurrences)

Maidens (40 Occurrences)

Broidery (1 Occurrence)

Breastpiece (21 Occurrences)

Communicate (7 Occurrences)

Crucify (20 Occurrences)

Breast-plate (22 Occurrences)

Silverlings (24 Occurrences)

Sash (16 Occurrences)

Spoils (19 Occurrences)

Spreading (74 Occurrences)

Shaved (23 Occurrences)

Threw (133 Occurrences)

Divided (102 Occurrences)

Clothes (208 Occurrences)

Minister (150 Occurrences)

Girdle (44 Occurrences)

Cells (24 Occurrences)

Robes (124 Occurrences)

Robe (142 Occurrences)

Consecrate (65 Occurrences)

Cloak (73 Occurrences)

Ashes (44 Occurrences)

Garments of the Rich of the Finest Materials
Top of Page
Top of Page