(Aramaic) corresponding to לָבַשׁ; {properly, wrap around, i.e. (by implication) to put on agarment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively}; clothe.
Transliteration:lᵉbash
Pronunciation:leb-ash'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb לְבַשׁ (lᵉbash), Strong's number `{{H3848}}`, primarily signifies "to clothe" or "to be clothed." Its core meaning derives from the idea of "wrapping around" or "putting on a garment." This definition extends to both literal and figurative applications. Literally, it refers to the physical act of donning apparel. Figuratively, it denotes the act of being invested with a quality, status, or authority, much like one puts on a garment to signify a role or condition. As an Aramaic cognate, it directly corresponds to the more frequently occurring Hebrew verb לָבַשׁ (lābash), `{{H3847}}`, sharing its broad semantic range of physical adornment and metaphorical endowment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb לְבַשׁ (lᵉbash) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its occurrences demonstrate both its literal and figurative usages:
* **Literal Usage:** In [[Ezra 3:10]], the priests are described as being "clothed" (מְלֻבָּשִׁים) in their vestments when the foundation of the temple was laid. This highlights the importance of proper attire for sacred service and underscores the priests' consecrated role in worship. The Pual participle indicates a state of being clothed.
* **Figurative Usage:** In the book of Daniel, לְבַשׁ (lᵉbash) is used to describe the bestowal of honor and authority upon Daniel by King Belshazzar.
* In [[Daniel 5:7]], [[Daniel 5:16]], and [[Daniel 5:29]], Daniel is promised and subsequently "clothed" (הֻלְבַּשׁ / תִּתְלְבַּשׁ) with purple robes and a gold chain. This act is not merely about physical adornment but symbolizes his elevation to a position of high honor and third ruler in the kingdom. The Hophal and Ithpeel forms emphasize that Daniel *was clothed* or *would be clothed* by another, signifying a conferred status. This figurative use powerfully conveys the concept of being invested with power and prestige.
Across these contexts, לְבַשׁ (lᵉbash) consistently communicates the idea of being adorned or equipped, whether for sacred duty or for a position of worldly prominence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew counterpart, לָבַשׁ (lābash), `{{H3847}}`. Understanding the usage of `{{H3847}}` provides a broader context for the semantic potential of `{{H3848}}`. While `{{H3848}}` has limited occurrences, `{{H3847}}` is widely used to express being clothed with strength, salvation, shame, spirit, or even a curse. This demonstrates a common linguistic pattern in Semitic languages where physical actions serve as metaphors for abstract states.
Other related terms include:
* לְבוּשׁ (lᵉbûš), `{{H3830}}`: The Aramaic noun meaning "garment" or "clothing," as seen in [[Ezra 3:10]] alongside the verb.
* מַלְבּוּשׁ (malbûsh), `{{H4403}}`: The Hebrew noun for "garment" or "clothing."
* כָּסָה (kāsāh), `{{H3680}}`: A general Hebrew verb meaning "to cover," which can sometimes overlap with the concept of clothing.
The concepts associated with לְבַשׁ (lᵉbash) include honor, authority, consecration, identity, and the visible manifestation of status or role.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of לְבַשׁ (lᵉbash) stems from its application to both sacred and secular spheres, always denoting a change or confirmation of status.
1. **Divine Appointment and Consecration:** In the context of the priests in Ezra, being "clothed" for service underscores the concept of divine appointment and consecration. The specific garments were not merely attire but symbols of their set-apartness and readiness for holy work. This act of clothing signifies a transition from common to sacred, a visible sign of God's ordaining and equipping His servants.
2. **Bestowal of Authority and Favor:** Daniel's being "clothed" with purple and gold is a powerful symbol of royal favor and the conferral of significant authority. While bestowed by a human king, the narrative of Daniel consistently highlights God's sovereign hand in elevating His faithful servants, even within foreign empires. Thus, Daniel's investiture can be seen as a manifestation of divine providence and blessing, where God uses worldly means to honor those who honor Him.
3. **Transformation and Identity:** The act of putting on new clothes, or being clothed, signifies a transformation or a new identity. For the priests, it's their identity as mediators; for Daniel, it's his identity as a trusted advisor and ruler. Theologically, this can parallel the spiritual transformation believers undergo when they are "clothed" with Christ, righteousness, or salvation, signifying a new nature and purpose given by God.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb לְבַשׁ (lᵉbash), `{{H3848}}`, meaning "to clothe" or "to be clothed," serves as a vital term in the books of Ezra and Daniel. It encompasses both the literal act of dressing, as seen with the priests in [[Ezra 3:10]], and the figurative act of being invested with honor and authority, as exemplified by Daniel's elevation in the Babylonian court ([[Daniel 5:7]], [[Daniel 5:16]], [[Daniel 5:29]]). This word, corresponding to the Hebrew לָבַשׁ (lābash), {{H3847}}`, consistently communicates the idea of being equipped, adorned, or endowed. Its theological significance lies in its portrayal of divine appointment, consecration for service, the bestowal of favor and authority, and the visible manifestation of a new status or identity. The act of being "clothed" in these biblical contexts powerfully illustrates God's sovereign work in setting apart His people for specific roles and purposes, whether sacred or secular.
TRV