מַעֲטֶה

a vestment

Definition

The Hebrew noun מַעֲטֶה (maʻăṭeh) refers to a garment or vestment, specifically a covering or outer clothing item. It is derived from the root עָטָה (ʻāṭâ), meaning 'to wrap' or 'to cover,' indicating its function as a wrapping or covering garment. In its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 61:3, it is used metaphorically as 'a garment of praise' in contrast to 'a spirit of despair,' symbolizing a complete transformation of state or identity. The word emphasizes not just any clothing, but a distinctive, perhaps ceremonial, covering that signifies a change in condition or role.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 61:3. It is used in a prophetic and poetic context, where the prophet declares that God will provide 'a garment of praise' (מַעֲטֶה תְהִלָּה) for those who mourn in Zion. This singular usage is highly metaphorical, employing the concrete image of a vestment to represent the spiritual reality of praise replacing despair. The context is one of divine comfort and restoration following exile.

Etymology

מַעֲטֶה is a noun derived from the root עָטָה (H5844), which means 'to wrap oneself, to cover, to veil.' This root is used for putting on garments (e.g., Job 38:9) and for covering objects. The noun form, מַעֲטֶה, specifically denotes the item that does the covering—a wrap, cloak, or vestment. Cognates appear in other Semitic languages with similar meanings related to covering or clothing.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, מַעֲטֶה carries significant theological weight in Isaiah 61:3. It is part of a messianic prophecy where the speaker (interpreted as the Messiah in Luke 4:18-21) announces a ministry of redemption. The 'garment of praise' symbolizes a complete exchange orchestrated by God: He actively removes the inner 'spirit of despair' and replaces it with an outer, visible identity characterized by joyful worship. This illustrates the biblical theme of God's transformative grace, where He clothes His people with righteousness, salvation, and honor (cf. Isaiah 61:10), changing their fundamental standing before Him.

In ancient Israelite culture, garments were potent symbols of identity, status, and emotional state. Specific vestments, like priestly robes, denoted office and holiness. Mourning was often expressed through wearing sackcloth or tearing one's clothes. Therefore, the promise of a 'garment of praise' would vividly communicate a total reversal of fortune—from the attire of grief to the celebratory clothing of a festival or a priestly role. This metaphor relies on the cultural understanding that clothing was not merely functional but communicative.

בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — A general term for garment or clothing, often used for everyday apparel or in contexts of deception ('treacherous garment'). שִׂמְלָה (śimlâ, H8008) — A wrapper or mantle, typically an outer garment or cloak. לְבוּשׁ (lᵊḇûš, H3830) — Apparel, clothing, often in a collective sense or for royal/ceremonial dress.

Word Details

Scripture References