Meaning
Sackcloth is a coarse cloth used in biblical times as a garment or covering. It is often associated with mourning, grief, repentance, or distress.
Biblical Usage
Scripture describes people wearing sackcloth during periods of grief, calamity, repentance, or distress. It is often mentioned with ashes, fasting, and weeping as an outward expression of a person’s circumstances or response.
In 2 Samuel 3:31, David commands Joab and the people to gird themselves with sackcloth and mourn for Abner. In Esther 4:1, Mordecai puts on sackcloth and ashes after learning of the decree against the Jews. Other passages describe its use in repentance and prophetic activity.
Key References
- Genesis 37:34 — Jacob puts sackcloth upon his loins while mourning Joseph.
- 2 Samuel 3:31 — David commands the people to wear sackcloth and mourn for Abner.
- 1 Kings 21:27 — Ahab puts on sackcloth in response to a declaration of judgment.
- Esther 4:1-3 — Mordecai and others wear sackcloth in response to the decree against the Jews.
- Psalm 35:13 — David describes humbling himself with sackcloth.
- Jonah 3:5-8 — The people of Nineveh, including the king, respond with fasting and sackcloth.
- Matthew 11:21 — Jesus refers to repentance in sackcloth and ashes.
- Revelation 11:3 — The two witnesses are described as prophesying clothed in sackcloth.
Related Terms
- Mourning — The expression of grief, especially after a death.
- Ashes — The powdery remains of burned material, also used in biblical expressions of grief or humility.
- Fasting — Abstaining from food for a period, often in connection with prayer or mourning.
- Repentance — Turning from wrongdoing or changing one’s mind and conduct.