לְבוּשׁ

לְבוּשׁ

Definition

לְבוּשׁ (lᵉbûwsh) is an Aramaic noun meaning 'garment' or 'clothing,' referring to an item worn to cover the body. In the Bible, it appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of Daniel, where it denotes the specific attire worn by individuals in significant contexts. In Daniel 3:21, it describes the garments of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as they are thrown into the fiery furnace, emphasizing their unchanged state despite the king's decree. In Daniel 7:9, it refers to the clothing of the Ancient of Days, whose garment is 'white as snow,' symbolizing purity and divine majesty in a visionary throne-room scene.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both in the Aramaic sections of Daniel. It appears in narrative (Daniel 3:21) to describe the ordinary garments of the three Hebrew men, highlighting their human vulnerability. In apocalyptic vision (Daniel 7:9), it describes the celestial garment of God, emphasizing transcendence and holiness. The usage spans from earthly, physical clothing to heavenly, symbolic attire, reflecting a contrast between human and divine realms.

Etymology

לְבוּשׁ is the Aramaic cognate of Hebrew לְבוּשׁ (H3830), both derived from the root ל־ב־שׁ (l-b-sh), meaning 'to clothe' or 'to put on.' This root is common across Semitic languages, indicating the act of dressing. The Aramaic form corresponds directly to its Hebrew counterpart, retaining the core meaning of a garment, but is used specifically in Aramaic literary contexts within the Bible.

Semantic Range

לְבוּשׁ carries theological weight in Daniel 7:9, where the 'garment' of the Ancient of Days is white, symbolizing divine purity, righteousness, and eternal sovereignty. This imagery enriches understanding of God's character as holy and majestic, contrasting with human garments in Daniel 3:21, which underscore human frailty. The word highlights themes of divine judgment and protection, inviting reflection on how God's attributes are revealed through symbolic language in apocalyptic literature. In ancient Near Eastern culture, garments signified status, identity, and occasion. Ordinary לְבוּשׁ, as in Daniel 3:21, was typically made of wool or linen, reflecting daily life. In Daniel 7:9, the white garment aligns with royal and priestly symbolism, where white often represented purity and divinity in Mesopotamian and Israelite contexts. This contrasts with modern clothing's functional focus, as ancient attire carried deeper social and religious meanings. בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a more common Hebrew term for garment, often used for clothing in general, including deceitful contexts (e.g., Joshua 7:21). שִׂמְלָה (simlah, H8071) — refers to a cloak or outer garment, emphasizing covering or protection (e.g., Deuteronomy 22:17). מַלְבּוּשׁ (malbush, H4403) — another Hebrew word for apparel, often denoting splendid or royal attire (e.g., 2 Kings 10:22).

Word Details