לְבוּשׁ
a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife
Definition
The Hebrew noun לְבוּשׁ primarily refers to a garment or clothing, encompassing both literal attire and figurative coverings. Literally, it describes the physical garments of individuals, from royal robes (Esther 6:8) to mourning clothes (Esther 4:2). Figuratively, it can represent a state or condition, such as being 'clothed with salvation' (Psalm 132:16) or 'clothed with shame' (Psalm 109:29). In a specific euphemistic usage, it can poetically refer to a wife as one's 'covering' (Malachi 2:16).
Biblical Usage
לְבוּשׁ appears 32 times across various literary contexts, including historical narratives, poetry, and prophecy. It is used for literal clothing in stories like the royal apparel of Mordecai (Esther 6:8-10) and the garment torn by the messenger in 2 Samuel 1:24. In poetic books like Psalms, it takes on metaphorical meanings, describing spiritual attributes. The word is notably frequent in Esther, emphasizing themes of identity and status through clothing.
Etymology
Derived from the root verb לָבַשׁ (labash, H3847), meaning 'to put on, wear, or clothe oneself.' This root conveys the action of dressing, from which לְבוּשׁ is formed as the noun for the garment itself. Cognates exist in related Semitic languages, reinforcing the core concept of clothing as a covering.
Semantic Range
לְבוּשׁ holds theological significance as it bridges physical and spiritual realities. In scripture, clothing often symbolizes identity, status, or spiritual condition—such as being clothed with righteousness (Job 29:14) or with strength (Psalm 93:1). This enriches understanding of biblical metaphors where God adorns His people with salvation and dignity, reflecting themes of transformation and divine provision.
In ancient Israelite culture, garments were not merely functional but indicated social rank, occupation, and emotional state. Royal לְבוּשׁ, like in Esther, signified authority and honor, while sackcloth denoted mourning. The euphemistic use for a wife (Malachi 2:16) reflects the cultural view of marriage as a protective covering, differing from modern individualistic perspectives.
בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a more general term for garment, often with connotations of treachery or covering; שִׂמְלָה (simlah, H8071) — a wrapper or mantle, typically an outer garment; מַעֲטֶה (ma'ateh, H4594) — a covering or cloak, used in poetic contexts.
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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