Clout
An Archaic English Term
The word "clout" in the King James Version of the Bible is an archaic English term meaning a patch, rag, or piece of cloth used for mending. While modern readers may associate "clout" with influence or power, its biblical usage refers to humble scraps of fabric. Understanding this older meaning unlocks two important biblical stories where the word appears.
The Rescue of Jeremiah
In Jeremiah 38:11-12, the prophet Jeremiah had been lowered into a muddy cistern by officials who opposed his message. Ebed-melech, an Ethiopian official in the king's court, received permission to rescue him. He went to the palace storeroom and gathered "old cast clouts and old rotten rags," which he lowered to Jeremiah with ropes. The prophet was told to place the worn cloths under his armpits to cushion the ropes as he was pulled out of the mud. This small but compassionate detail reveals Ebed-melech's thoughtfulness — he not only saved Jeremiah's life but took care to prevent the ropes from cutting into his skin.
The Gibeonite Deception
In Joshua 9:5, the Gibeonites enacted an elaborate ruse to deceive Joshua and the Israelites. Fearing destruction after hearing about the fall of Jericho and Ai, they dressed in worn-out clothing and put "old shoes and clouted" (patched) sandals on their feet. The clouted shoes were part of their disguise, intended to make it appear they had traveled from a distant land rather than being local inhabitants of Canaan. Their deception succeeded, and Joshua made a peace treaty with them before discovering the truth (Joshua 9:3-27).
Themes of Humility and Resourcefulness
Both passages where "clout" appears share a common thread: humble materials serve important purposes. Ebed-melech's rags saved a prophet's life, while the Gibeonites' patched shoes preserved their entire city from destruction. These stories remind readers that God's purposes often work through ordinary, even shabby, means rather than through impressive displays of power.
Translation Across the Centuries
Modern Bible translations replace "clout" with more accessible terms. The ESV and NIV use "worn-out" or "old" to describe the rags and garments in these passages. The shift in translation reflects natural changes in the English language, but the underlying narratives remain powerful illustrations of human ingenuity and divine providence working through humble circumstances.
Biblical Context
The word 'clout' appears in two Old Testament narratives in the KJV. In Jeremiah 38:11-12, old rags are used to cushion ropes during Jeremiah's rescue from a cistern. In Joshua 9:5, patched sandals are part of the Gibeonites' disguise when they trick Joshua into making a covenant. Both stories involve humble materials playing pivotal roles in larger narratives.
Theological Significance
The biblical passages featuring 'clouts' illustrate God's willingness to work through humble and ordinary means. Ebed-melech's act of compassion with old rags foreshadows the biblical principle that small acts of kindness carry eternal significance. The Gibeonite story raises questions about divine sovereignty, covenant keeping, and the consequences of failing to seek God's guidance.
Historical Background
In the ancient Near East, textiles were valuable commodities, and worn clothing was regularly patched and reused rather than discarded. Archaeological finds from sites across Israel and Egypt confirm that fabric was precious and mending was standard practice. The English word 'clout' was common in Elizabethan usage, as seen in Shakespeare's works, but has largely fallen out of use in its original meaning.