Meaning
A garment is an article of clothing worn to cover or protect the body.
Biblical Usage
Scripture mentions garments in descriptions of ordinary clothing, family life, royal dress, priestly service, and mourning. The kind of garment and its significance depend on the passage.
In 2 Samuel 13:18, Tamar wears a garment of divers colours, described as the clothing worn by the king’s virgin daughters. Other passages describe garments being torn in grief, worn by priests, or used in figurative descriptions.
Key References
- Genesis 3:21 — God makes coats of skins for Adam and his wife.
- Genesis 37:3 — Jacob makes Joseph a coat of many colours.
- Exodus 28:2 — Describes holy garments made for Aaron.
- 2 Samuel 13:18-19 — Describes Tamar’s distinctive garment and her response after the wrong done to her.
- 1 Kings 22:30 — Records the king of Israel disguising himself for battle.
- Psalm 104:2 — Uses clothing figuratively in a description of the LORD’s majesty.
- Matthew 27:35 — Records the dividing of Jesus’ garments.
- Revelation 19:8 — Uses fine linen as a description associated with the righteousness of saints.
Related Terms
- Clothing — Items worn to cover the body.
- Robe — A long, loose garment.
- Tunic — A garment worn over the body, often extending toward the knees.
- Sackcloth — Coarse cloth worn or used as an expression of mourning or distress.