from an unused root meaning to stretch; properly, extent, i.e. measure; by implication, a dress (as measured); garment.
Transliteration:medev
Pronunciation:meh'-dev
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מֶדֶו (`{{H4063}}`, *medev*) derives from an unused root signifying "to stretch." This foundational meaning suggests an inherent connection to concepts of extension, dimension, and measurement. Properly, therefore, the word denotes "extent" or "measure." By implication, and through a metonymic extension, it comes to refer to a "dress" or "garment." This secondary meaning arises from the understanding that clothing, especially in ancient contexts, was often tailored or measured to fit the wearer. Thus, a *medev* is a garment understood as something that has been measured or whose dimensions are significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מֶדֶו (`{{H4063}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[1 Chronicles 15:27]]. This singular occurrence provides a crucial, albeit limited, context for its meaning. The verse describes the attire of King David and the Levites during the solemn procession of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem: "And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the leader of the music with the singers; and David wore a linen ephod."
In this passage, *medev* is translated as "robe" or "garment," specifically a "robe of fine linen" (מֶדֶו בּוּץ). The material, *butz* (`{{H948}}`), or "fine linen," was highly valued and frequently associated with purity, royalty, and priestly vestments. The context is one of profound religious significance, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's worship and national identity. David, as king and spiritual leader, dons this special garment alongside the Levites, who are also clothed in fine linen. The mention of David's "linen ephod" (אֵפוֹד בָּד) in the same verse further underscores the sacred and official nature of the attire, aligning the *medev* with garments suitable for divine service and solemn ceremony. The singular use, therefore, points to a specific, perhaps ceremonial, garment, emphasizing its quality and purpose in a moment of sacred worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The conceptual root of *medev* (`{{H4063}}`) in "stretching" or "measuring" links it to a family of words related to dimension and extent. A key cognate is מַד (`{{H4060}}`, *mad*), which also means "measure" or "garment." Like *medev*, *mad* can refer to clothing, often in a context of official or priestly attire (e.g., the "linen breeches" of the priests in [[Exodus 28:42]]). The close semantic and morphological relationship between *medev* and *mad* suggests they may derive from the same underlying root, both emphasizing the idea of a garment that is fitted or specifically measured.
Other related terms include:
* מִדָּה (`{{H4055}}`, *middah*): a more general term for "measure," "dimension," or "extent," reinforcing the core concept of measurement.
* בֶּגֶד (`{{H899}}`, *beged*): a common, general term for "garment" or "clothing."
* לְבוּשׁ (`{{H3830}}`, *levush*): another general term for "clothing" or "apparel."
* אֵפוֹד (`{{H646}}`, *ephod*): a specific priestly garment, explicitly mentioned alongside *medev* in [[1 Chronicles 15:27]], highlighting the sacred context.
The material, בּוּץ (`{{H948}}`, *butz*), "fine linen," is also crucial, as it defines the quality and symbolic value of the *medev* worn by David.
### Theological Significance
The single appearance of *medev* (`{{H4063}}`) in [[1 Chronicles 15:27]] carries significant theological weight.
1. **Holiness and Purity:** The garment's material, "fine linen," is consistently associated with purity, holiness, and divine service throughout the Pentateuch, especially in the construction of the Tabernacle and the vestments of the priests (e.g., [[Exodus 28]], [[Exodus 39]]). David's wearing of a *medev* of fine linen underscores the sanctity of the occasion and his personal consecration for the task of bringing the Ark of the Covenant, the very symbol of God's presence, into Jerusalem.
2. **Royal and Priestly Authority:** David, as king, is not a priest in the Levitical sense, yet his attire in this moment, including the *medev* and the linen ephod, reflects a unique blend of royal and what might be termed "proto-priestly" authority. He is leading the nation in worship, performing a sacred duty that bridges the gap between civil and religious leadership, anticipating the Messiah's role as both King and High Priest.
3. **Order and Decorum in Worship:** The emphasis on a "measured" garment (implied by the root of *medev*) points to the importance of order, intentionality, and appropriate decorum in approaching God. This was not casual attire, but a carefully chosen vestment that signified reverence, preparation, and the solemnity required for engaging with the divine presence. It highlights the biblical principle that worship is not to be approached lightly but with due respect and preparation.
4. **Preparation for Divine Encounter:** The wearing of the *medev* signifies David's personal and public preparation for a momentous encounter with the manifest presence of God. It is an outward sign of an inward disposition of humility and reverence before the Lord.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מֶדֶו (`{{H4063}}`, *medev*) originates from an unused root meaning "to stretch," primarily denoting "measure" or "extent." By extension, it refers to a "garment" or "dress," specifically one that is measured or fitted. Its sole appearance in the biblical text is in [[1 Chronicles 15:27]], where it describes the "robe of fine linen" worn by King David during the sacred procession of the Ark of the Covenant. This garment, made of fine linen (`{{H948}}`), signifies holiness, purity, and David's unique royal-priestly role in leading Israel in worship. Theologically, the *medev* underscores the importance of order, reverence, and appropriate preparation in approaching God's presence and engaging in sacred worship. It is closely related to `{{H4060}}` (*mad*), another term for a measured garment, reinforcing the conceptual link to tailored or official vestments.
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