תַּלְבֹּשֶׁת

a garment

Definition

The Hebrew noun תַּלְבֹּשֶׁת (talbôsheth) refers to a garment or article of clothing, specifically a covering worn on the body. It is derived from the root לָבַשׁ (lavash), meaning 'to put on, wear, or clothe oneself,' indicating its function as something that is worn. In its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 59:17, the word is used metaphorically to describe divine armor, portraying God putting on righteousness as a breastplate and garments of vengeance as a תַּלְבֹּשֶׁת. This singular usage elevates the term from a simple physical garment to a symbolic covering representing God's active justice.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 59:17. It is used in a prophetic, metaphorical context, describing the Lord's action in response to injustice. The prophet Isaiah depicts God arming Himself with righteousness and vengeance as if putting on military garments. This singular usage is poetic and symbolic, rather than describing everyday clothing. The context is one of divine intervention and judgment.

Etymology

The noun תַּלְבֹּשֶׁת (talbôsheth) is a feminine noun derived from the root לָבַשׁ (lavash, H3847), which means 'to put on, wear, clothe.' It is part of a family of words related to clothing and covering, sharing its root with verbs for dressing and nouns like לְבוּשׁ (levush, H3830), another common word for garment. The formation suggests a concrete object resulting from the action of the verb—something that is worn.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, תַּלְבֹּשֶׁת carries significant theological weight in Isaiah 59:17. It portrays God's attributes—righteousness and vengeance—not as abstract qualities but as active, tangible equipment He dons to intervene in human history. This vivid metaphor enriches our understanding of God as a warrior for justice, personally engaging to save and judge. Understanding this Hebrew term highlights the powerful imagery of God clothing Himself with His own character to enact salvation and justice, a concept that finds a New Testament echo in Ephesians 6:14, where believers are told to put on the breastplate of righteousness.

In ancient Israelite culture, clothing was a significant marker of identity, status, and role. A תַּלְבֹּשֶׁת, as a garment, would have been understood as a necessary covering and often a symbol of one's office or purpose (e.g., priestly garments, royal robes). The metaphorical use in Isaiah 59:17 draws on the imagery of a warrior putting on armor—a powerful cultural symbol of preparation for battle and the assumption of a specific, active function. This differs from a modern, purely utilitarian view of clothing.

לְבוּשׁ (levush, H3830) — A more common general term for garment or clothing. בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — A general term for garment, but can carry connotations of treachery or covering. שִׂמְלָה (simlah, H8071) — A cloak or outer garment, often a primary article of clothing.

Word Details

Scripture References