Flax was early cultivated in Egypt (Exodus 9:31 ), and also in Palestine (Joshua 2:6; Hosea 2:9 ). Various articles were made of it: garments (2 Samuel 6:14 ), girdles (Jeremiah 13:1 ), ropes and thread (Ezekiel 40:3 ), napkins (Luke 24:12; John 20:7 ), turbans (Ezekiel 44:18 ), and lamp-wicks (Isaiah 42:3 ).
The word "linen" is used as an emblem of moral purity (Revelation 15:6 ). In Luke 16:19 it is mentioned as a mark of luxury.