probably of foreign origin; damask (stuff of variegated thread); rich apparel.
Transliteration:bᵉrôwm
Pronunciation:ber-ome'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בְּרוֹם (bᵉrôwm, `{{H1264}}`) carries the core meaning of "damask" or "rich apparel." The etymology suggests a foreign origin, indicating that the term, and perhaps the fabric itself, was imported into ancient Israel. "Damask" refers to a type of patterned fabric, typically characterized by an intricate woven design created through a specific weaving technique that produces a reversible pattern. The definition "stuff of variegated thread" implies the use of multiple colors or complex, multi-toned designs, enhancing its luxurious quality. As "rich apparel," it denotes costly, high-status clothing made from such exquisite fabric, signifying wealth, prestige, and often, a connection to royal or elite circles.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בְּרוֹם (bᵉrôwm, `{{H1264}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the prophetic book of Ezekiel.
* [[Ezekiel 27:24]]: "These were your traders in choice wares: in wrappings of blue and embroidered work, and in chests of rich apparel (בְּרוֹם), in clothes of many colors, and in strong cords, well-woven, among your merchandise."
This solitary occurrence is found within Ezekiel's lamentation over Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city renowned for its vast maritime trade and immense wealth. The passage in [[Ezekiel 27]] meticulously catalogues the various nations and the specific goods they traded with Tyre, painting a vivid picture of the city's extensive commercial network and luxurious lifestyle. The inclusion of בְּרוֹם alongside "wrappings of blue," "embroidered work" (`{{H7553}}`), and "clothes of many colors" underscores the high value and artistic craftsmanship of the textiles that flowed through Tyre's markets. The context is purely descriptive, highlighting the opulence and commercial might of Tyre, which was a hub for the most exquisite and desirable goods of the ancient world.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of בְּרוֹם is closely related to other terms signifying fine fabrics, luxury items, and commercial activities in the biblical world:
* **Fine Textiles:**
* שֵׁשׁ (shesh, `{{H8336}}`): Fine linen, often associated with priestly garments or tabernacle furnishings, denoting purity and high quality.
* בּוּץ (buts, `{{H948}}`): Another term for fine linen, often used interchangeably with שֵׁשׁ.
* רִקְמָה (riqmah, `{{H7553}}`): Embroidered work or variegated cloth, explicitly mentioned alongside בְּרוֹם in [[Ezekiel 27:24]], highlighting the decorative aspect.
* **Luxury and Wealth:**
* זָהָב (zahav, `{{H2091}}`): Gold, a universal symbol of wealth and preciousness.
* כֶּסֶף (kesef, `{{H3701}}`): Silver, another valuable metal used for currency and ornamentation.
* אֶבֶן יְקָרָה (even yeqarah, `{{H68}}` `{{H3368}}`): Precious stone, signifying rare and valuable commodities.
* **Trade and Commerce:**
* סֹחֵר (socher, `{{H5503}}`): Merchant, indicating the agents involved in the trade of such goods.
* מַרְכֹּלֶת (markolet, `{{H4627}}`): Merchandise or trade, the general term for goods being bought and sold.
### Theological Significance
While בְּרוֹם (bᵉrôwm, `{{H1264}}`) describes a material object, its singular appearance within the prophetic indictment of Tyre carries significant theological weight. The detailed cataloging of Tyre's immense wealth, including "rich apparel," serves to emphasize the city's pride, self-sufficiency, and reliance on material possessions rather than on God. The prophet Ezekiel uses these vivid descriptions of worldly splendor to underscore the magnitude of Tyre's sin and the certainty of its impending divine judgment.
From a theological perspective, בְּרוֹם functions as a tangible representation of the "pride of life" ([[1 John 2:16]]) and the dangers inherent in accumulating vast earthly riches. The very items that symbolized Tyre's power and glory become part of the prophetic condemnation, highlighting the transient nature of human wealth and the vanity of trusting in material things. The fall of Tyre, with its luxurious בְּרוֹם and other treasures, serves as a powerful biblical illustration of God's sovereignty over all nations and His judgment against arrogance, injustice, and the idolatry of wealth. It implicitly contrasts fleeting earthly glory with the enduring spiritual riches found in God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word בְּרוֹם (bᵉrôwm, `{{H1264}}`) refers to "damask" or "rich apparel," signifying luxurious, intricately woven fabrics, likely of foreign origin. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Ezekiel 27:24]] describes the high-value goods traded by Tyre, illustrating the city's immense wealth and extensive commercial network. Contextually, it is associated with other fine textiles and symbols of opulence, such as embroidered work (`{{H7553}}`). Theologically, בְּרוֹם serves as a concrete example of the material riches that characterized Tyre's pride and eventual downfall. It underscores the biblical theme of the vanity and transience of worldly possessions, contrasting them with the enduring nature of divine truth and the certainty of God's judgment against human arrogance and reliance on material glory.
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