מַלְבּוּשׁ
a garment, or (collectively) clothing
Definition
The Hebrew noun מַלְבּוּשׁ (malbûwsh) refers to a garment or clothing, often with a sense of being worn or put on. It can denote a single, specific garment, such as the royal robes of the queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:5, 2 Chronicles 9:4) or the special vestments provided for the worshippers of Baal (2 Kings 10:22). In a collective sense, it refers to clothing in general, as in the apparel of the righteous that becomes plunder for the wicked (Job 27:16) or the splendid attire symbolizing God's blessing on Jerusalem (Ezekiel 16:13). The word also appears in metaphorical contexts, like the garments stained from treading the winepress of God's judgment (Isaiah 63:3).
Biblical Usage
מַלְבּוּשׁ is used seven times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and prophetic books. It describes luxurious, ceremonial, or special clothing. In historical books (1 Kings, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles), it denotes the impressive royal garments that inspire awe. In the prophets (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zephaniah), it is used both literally for fine clothing and metaphorically for divine judgment or blessing. For example, in Zephaniah 1:8, it refers to the foreign-style clothing of those punished for apostasy. The usage in Job 27:16 presents clothing as a symbol of wealth and security.
Etymology
The word מַלְבּוּשׁ is a noun derived from the root לָבַשׁ (labash, H3847), meaning 'to put on, wear, or clothe oneself.' This root is common in Semitic languages for clothing. The noun form indicates something that is worn, emphasizing the act of being clothed. Related words include לְבוּשׁ (levush, H3830), another common term for garment, and the verb form itself, which appears frequently for the act of dressing.
Semantic Range
While primarily a term for physical clothing, מַלְבּוּשׁ carries theological weight in its symbolic uses. In Ezekiel 16:13, the fine linen and silk garments represent God's lavish grace and covenant blessings upon Jerusalem. Conversely, in Isaiah 63:3, stained garments vividly portray the execution of God's wrath and judgment. This connects clothing imagery to themes of identity, status, divine provision, and moral condition. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting how biblical authors used attire as a powerful metaphor for spiritual reality.
In ancient Israelite culture, clothing was a significant marker of social status, wealth, and occasion. A מַלְבּוּשׁ often indicated special, formal, or costly attire, not everyday wear. Royal garments (1 Kings 10:5) displayed power and splendor, while specific vestments (2 Kings 10:22) were associated with religious ritual. The condemnation of wearing 'foreign apparel' in Zephaniah 1:8 reflects the cultural and religious importance of dress in maintaining Israel's distinct identity under God.
לְבוּשׁ (levush, H3830) — A very common, general term for clothing or garment. בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — Often refers to a garment, but can imply treachery or covering. שִׂמְלָה (simlah, H8071) — A cloak or outer garment, often of a simpler, more functional type.
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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