or לְבֻשׁ; from לָבַשׁ; a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife; apparel, clothed with, clothing, garment, raiment, vestment, vesture.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lᵉbûwsh**, represented by `{{H3830}}`, is a term for **a garment**. It appears 32 times across 32 unique verses. While its primary meaning is a literal garment or apparel, it is also used figuratively to represent abstract qualities and even a wife.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3830}}` is used to describe a wide array of clothing. It can denote royal attire, such as the "**royal** apparel of blue and white" worn by Mordecai [[Esther 8:15]]. It is also used for garments of mourning and humility, as when David made **sackcloth** his **clothing** [[Psalms 35:13]]. The word can refer to basic clothing needed for survival, with Job speaking of the naked who perish for want of **clothing** ([[Job 31:19]], [[Job 24:7]]). In prophecy, it is used symbolically, as when the disciples cast lots for the Messiah's **vesture** [[Psalms 22:18]], and when a divine figure from Edom is described as "glorious in his **apparel**" [[Isaiah 63:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of garments and being clothed:
* `{{H3847}}` **lâbash** (to put on a garment or clothe): This is the primitive root verb from which `{{H3830}}` is derived. It signifies the act of getting dressed, as when Mordecai was arrayed by Haman [[Esther 6:11]].
* `{{H899}}` **beged** (a covering, i.e. clothing): A common synonym often used in parallel with `{{H3830}}`. The heavens "shall wax old like a **garment**" and be changed like a vesture [[Psalms 102:26]].
* `{{H4403}}` **malbûwsh** (a garment, or (collectively) clothing): Another noun for apparel, used interchangeably with `{{H3830}}` when vestments were brought out for the worshippers of Baal [[2 Kings 10:22]].
* `{{H8242}}` **saq** (coarse loose cloth or sacking): This specifies the material for garments of mourning. It was forbidden to enter the king's gate clothed with **sackcloth** [[Esther 4:2]].
* `{{H3682}}` **kᵉçûwth** (a cover (garment)): This word for a covering is used alongside `{{H3830}}` to emphasize the plight of the poor who lack both **clothing** and a **covering** in the cold [[Job 24:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and figurative weight of `{{H3830}}` is significant, using physical clothing to explain intangible truths.
* **A Metaphor for Character:** The word is used to personify abstract qualities. For the virtuous woman, "Strength and **honour** are her **clothing**" [[Proverbs 31:25]]. In a negative sense, it is said that one "covereth **violence** with his **garment**" [[Malachi 2:16]].
* **A Symbol of Divine Creation:** God's creative acts are depicted as dressing the world. He "made the cloud the **garment** thereof" for the sea [[Job 38:9]] and covered the deep "as with a **garment**" [[Psalms 104:6]].
* **An Image of Transience:** The created heavens are likened to clothing that ages and is replaced. They will "wax old like a garment; as a **vesture** shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed" [[Psalms 102:26]], highlighting God's permanence.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3830}}` moves beyond the simple definition of a garment. It describes everything from the silk and purple of a noble woman [[Proverbs 31:22]] to the sackcloth of a mourner [[Psalms 69:11]]. More profoundly, it serves as a powerful biblical metaphor to illustrate abstract concepts like personal honor, hidden violence, and the majestic, creative power of God.
TRV