יָעַט
to clothe
Definition
The Hebrew verb יָעַט (yâʻaṭ) means 'to clothe' or 'to cover.' It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 61:10, where it describes God clothing the speaker with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness. In this context, the word conveys a sense of being fully and divinely adorned, not merely with physical clothing but with spiritual blessings and identity. The action is performed by God upon a person, indicating a bestowal of honor, protection, and a transformed status.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only in Isaiah 61:10. Its usage is metaphorical and poetic, describing God's act of salvation. The context is one of celebration and restoration, where clothing symbolizes the complete covering and new identity given by God to His people. The pattern is singular and highly theological, focusing on divine action rather than ordinary dressing.
Etymology
יָעַט is a primitive root in Biblical Hebrew. Its exact derivation is uncertain, but it is related to the basic concept of covering or wrapping. Cognates may exist in other Semitic languages with similar meanings of clothing or adorning. In Hebrew, it stands as a distinct verb for this specific act of covering, often with a connotation of splendor or completeness.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays salvation as a divine gift of clothing. In Isaiah 61:10, it underscores that righteousness and salvation are not earned but bestowed by God, covering human sin and shame. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the imagery of God actively dressing His people in garments that signify redemption, priestly holiness, and joyous celebration, central to the gospel promise.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, clothing often signified status, identity, and honor. Being clothed by a superior, especially a king or deity, was a profound act of favor and establishment. The 'garments of salvation' and 'robe of righteousness' would evoke ideas of priestly vestments, royal attire, or wedding garments, all symbols of a restored relationship with God and a high calling.
לָבַשׁ (lāḇaš, H3847) — the common verb for putting on clothes, used for both literal and figurative dressing; כָּסָה (kāsâ, H3680) — to cover, conceal, or hide, often used for physical covering or atonement; עָטָה (ʻāṭâ, H5844) — to wrap or cover oneself, sometimes used for putting on a garment or veil.
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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