בֶּגֶד
a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or pillage
Definition
The Hebrew noun בֶּגֶד (beged) primarily means a garment or article of clothing, serving as a basic covering for the body (Genesis 27:15, 27). However, it carries a significant secondary meaning derived from its root: treachery, deceit, or faithlessness. This dual sense arises because the verb בָּגַד (bagad) means 'to act treacherously.' Thus, a 'garment' can metaphorically represent a 'covering' for betrayal. In prophetic literature, the word is powerfully used to describe Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, pictured as a stained garment (Isaiah 59:6, Jeremiah 3:20).
Biblical Usage
בֶּגֶד appears 188 times across the Old Testament. Its most frequent use is the literal sense of clothing or fabric, common in narrative (Genesis, Exodus), legal (Leviticus), and wisdom books. The metaphorical sense of 'treachery' is prominent in the Prophets, especially Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Malachi, where it describes covenant betrayal. A poignant example is Joseph's torn garment (Genesis 37:29), which becomes a symbol of the brothers' deceit.
Etymology
Derived from the root verb בָּגַד (bagad, H898), meaning 'to act treacherously, deceitfully, or faithlessly.' The noun בֶּגֶד originally may have connoted something that 'covers' or 'conceals,' naturally extending from a physical garment to the abstract idea of a deceptive covering for betrayal. This connection between clothing and concealed intent is central to its semantic range.
Semantic Range
בֶּגֶד is theologically significant for its link between physical reality and spiritual condition. It vividly illustrates how Israel's outward religious observance could be a 'garment' covering inward treachery against God (Malachi 2:14-16). Understanding this enriches readings of passages about 'filthy rags' (Isaiah 64:6) and the need for God to clothe us in righteousness, replacing our garments of sin.
In ancient Israel, clothing (beged) was a valuable personal possession, often indicating social status, and could be given as a significant gift (Genesis 24:53, 45:22). Its tearing was a profound cultural expression of grief (Genesis 37:29) or repentance. The metaphorical link to treachery would resonate in a culture where covenant loyalty was paramount and betrayal was a grave offense against community and God.
לְבוּשׁ (levush, H3830) — a more general term for clothing or attire, often of a finer or official nature. שִׂמְלָה (simlah, H8071) — a wrapper or mantle, often the primary outer garment. בֶּגֶד (beged) itself can imply a specific, often valuable, item of apparel.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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