or לְבֻשׁ; from לָבַשׁ; a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife; apparel, clothed with, clothing, garment, raiment, vestment, vesture.
Transliteration:lᵉbûwsh
Pronunciation:leb-oosh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3830}}` (lᵉbûwsh), derived from the verb `{{H3847}}` (lābash), meaning "to put on" or "to wear," primarily denotes "a garment," "clothing," or "apparel." Its semantic range extends from the literal items worn on the body to powerful figurative expressions and, in some interpretations, a nuanced euphemistic sense. Literally, it encompasses any form of attire, from everyday wear to specialized vestments, reflecting the practical need for covering and protection. Figuratively, `{{H3830}}` is employed to describe abstract qualities or states that "clothe" or characterize an individual or group, such as strength, dignity, shame, or salvation. While the primary and figurative uses are well-attested, the definition also suggests a euphemistic implication of "wife." This nuanced understanding likely stems from the ancient concept of clothing as a "covering" or "possession," particularly in marital contexts where a husband "covers" his wife (cf. the use of `{{H3671}}` (kānāf) in [[Ruth 3:9]]), though `{{H3830}}` itself is not directly translated as "wife" in explicit textual instances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3830}}` appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Literal Garments:** Most commonly, `{{H3830}}` refers to physical clothing. It is used in the context of priestly vestments, emphasizing their sacred nature and specific design, as seen in the detailed instructions for Aaron's garments in [[Exodus 28:2]] and [[Exodus 29:21]]. Similarly, it describes the specific attire for the high priest when entering the Holy Place in [[Leviticus 16:4]]. Beyond cultic contexts, `{{H3830}}` refers to general clothing, such as the raiment of a virgin in [[2 Samuel 13:18]] or the royal robes worn by Mordecai in [[Esther 8:15]], signifying honor and authority. It can also denote the clothing of animals, as in [[Genesis 49:11]] where a donkey's garment is mentioned.
* **Figurative Clothing of Attributes:** `{{H3830}}` is powerfully employed to describe the "wearing" of abstract qualities. In [[Proverbs 31:25]], the virtuous woman is described as "clothed with strength and dignity," indicating that these virtues are inherent to her character and outwardly manifest. Conversely, enemies or those facing divine judgment are depicted as "clothed with shame" (e.g., [[Psalm 35:26]], [[Psalm 109:29]]), symbolizing their utter disgrace and public humiliation. This figurative usage highlights that one's inner state or divinely ordained condition can be as visible and defining as physical attire.
* **Euphemistic Implication:** As noted in the core meaning, the euphemistic sense of "wife" is suggested. While `{{H3830}}` does not directly translate to "wife" in any clear biblical instance, the concept of a "covering" for intimacy and marital union is deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern culture and biblical law (e.g., "uncovering nakedness" in [[Leviticus 18]]). This interpretive extension likely arises from the understanding of clothing providing intimacy, identity, and a sense of belonging within a marital covenant, where the wife is seen as a "covering" or integral part of the husband's household.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H3830}}` is enriched by its relationship to its root verb and other terms for clothing and related concepts:
* **Root Verb:** `{{H3847}}` (lābash), "to put on," "to wear," or "to be clothed," is the direct source of `{{H3830}}`. The noun encapsulates the result or object of the verb's action.
* **Synonyms for Garment:** Several other Hebrew words denote various types of clothing, often with overlapping but distinct nuances:
* `{{H899}}` (beged): A general term for clothing or garment, frequently used interchangeably with `{{H3830}}`.
* `{{H3688}}` (kuttōnet): A tunic or inner garment, such as Joseph's famous "coat of many colors" ([[Genesis 37:3]]).
* `{{H4598}}` (me'îl): A robe or outer garment, often associated with dignity or official status, like Samuel's robe ([[1 Samuel 15:27]]).
* `{{H8071}}` (simlāh): An outer garment or cloak, often used for sleeping or as collateral ([[Exodus 22:27]]).
* `{{H646}}` ('ephod): A specific priestly vestment.
* **Related Concepts:** The concept of `{{H3830}}` is inextricably linked to broader biblical themes:
* **Nakedness and Covering:** The state of being uncovered (nakedness) often signifies shame, vulnerability, or judgment, while clothing provides covering, dignity, and protection, echoing God's provision for Adam and Eve after the Fall ([[Genesis 3:21]]).
* **Identity and Status:** Clothing frequently serves as a visual marker of one's identity, social status, profession (e.g., priestly garments), or even spiritual state.
* **Purity and Impurity:** Specific garments were required for ritual purity and holiness, particularly for priests, and defiled garments could signify impurity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3830}}` transcends its literal meaning, pointing to profound truths about God, humanity, and salvation:
* **Divine Provision and Grace:** The very first instance of God providing `{{H3830}}` is in [[Genesis 3:21]], where He clothes Adam and Eve with garments of skin after their sin. This act signifies God's merciful provision for human shame and vulnerability, foreshadowing His ultimate covering for sin through Christ.
* **Holiness and Consecration:** The elaborate and specific `{{H3830}}` prescribed for the Levitical priesthood (e.g., [[Exodus 28]]) underscore the absolute holiness required for approaching God. These garments were not merely functional but symbolic of the purity, glory, and authority necessary for mediation between God and His people. They set the priests apart as consecrated to divine service.
* **Righteousness and Salvation:** Perhaps one of the most powerful theological applications of `{{H3830}}` is its figurative use to describe spiritual attributes. The imagery of being "clothed with garments of salvation" and "a robe of righteousness" in [[Isaiah 61:10]] is a profound metaphor for God's gracious act of imputing His righteousness to His people. This concept resonates throughout biblical theology, where believers are spiritually "clothed" in Christ's righteousness (cf. [[Galatians 3:27]], `{{G1746}}` (endyō)).
* **Shame and Judgment:** Conversely, being "clothed with shame" (e.g., [[Psalm 109:29]]) serves as a stark symbol of divine judgment and public disgrace for those who oppose God or His people. It signifies a reversal of honor and a visible manifestation of divine displeasure.
* **Spiritual Transformation:** The act of "putting on" new `{{H3830}}` can symbolize a spiritual transformation or a change in status, from shame to honor, from sin to righteousness, from weakness to strength.
### Summary
`{{H3830}}` (lᵉbûwsh) is a rich and multifaceted Hebrew term, primarily denoting "garment" or "clothing," derived from the verb "to wear" (`{{H3847}}`). Its usage spans literal descriptions of attire, from everyday wear to sacred priestly vestments, which signify identity, status, and holiness. More profoundly, `{{H3830}}` is employed figuratively to express abstract qualities that "clothe" individuals, such as strength, dignity, or shame, thereby revealing inner character or divine judgment. While a euphemistic implication of "wife" is suggested, it likely reflects the cultural understanding of clothing as a "covering" in intimate contexts rather than a direct semantic translation. Theologically, `{{H3830}}` powerfully illustrates God's gracious provision for humanity's shame, the holiness required for divine service, and the spiritual reality of being "clothed" with God's righteousness and salvation. It serves as a constant reminder of both human vulnerability and divine grace.
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