Bible Encyclopedias
Apparel

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a -par´el : The English equivalent of six Hebrew and three Greek words, variously signifying all kinds of raiment, chiefly garments costly and beautiful: ornamental ( 2 Samuel 1:24 ); royal , as of Ahasuerus (Esther 6:8 ), of Herod (Acts 12:21 , ἐσθής , esthḗs ); of kings' daughters ( 2 Samuel 13:18 ); priestly ( Ezra 3:10 ); also mourning ( 2 Samuel 14:2 ). In 1 Samuel 17:38 , 1 Samuel 17:39 "apparel" replaces "armor" of King James Version: "Saul clad David with his apparel," probably some close-fitting garment worn under the armor, or sometimes without it. Severe judgment was pronounced on Jewish princes who clothed themselves with "strange" (the King James Version), i.e. "with foreign apparel" ( Zephaniah 1:8; compare Isaiah 2:6-8 ). "Modest apparel" as against "costly raiment" is commended as suited to Christians (1 Timothy 2:9; ἱματισμός , himatismós , and καταστολή , katastolḗ ). Angels are robed in white apparel ( Acts 1:10; compare Luke 24:4 , "dazzling"). Fig. of the glorious and red (suggestive of the wine-press) apparel of the Messiah ( Isaiah 63:1 , Isaiah 63:2 ), and of "a meek and quiet spirit" (1 Peter 3:4 ).