or מַלְבֻּשׁ; from לָבַשׁ; a garment, or (collectively) clothing; apparel, raiment, vestment.
Transliteration:malbûwsh
Pronunciation:mal-boosh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H4403}}` (malbûwsh), also appearing as מַלְבֻּשׁ, is derived from the verb `{{H3847}}` (lavash), meaning "to put on," "to clothe," or "to array oneself." The "m-" prefix in Hebrew often denotes an instrument, place, or the result of an action. Thus, `{{H4403}}` fundamentally signifies "that which is put on" or "a means of clothing." Its core meaning encompasses "a garment," "clothing," "apparel," "raiment," or "vestment." The semantic range is broad, referring to either a single article of clothing (e.g., a specific robe) or, collectively, to an entire set of garments worn by an individual or group. It serves as a general term for any covering worn on the body.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4403}}` appears a relatively limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, with notable concentrations in the books of Esther, 2 Chronicles, and Ezekiel. Its usage consistently highlights aspects of status, provision, and symbolic representation.
* **Esther:** In the book of Esther, `{{H4403}}` is frequently used to describe royal or ceremonial attire, underscoring its significance in conveying status and honor.
* In [[Esther 6:8]], Haman suggests "royal apparel" (מַלְבּוּשׁ מַלְכוּת) for the man the king wishes to honor, emphasizing the symbolic power of clothing in bestowing recognition.
* [[Esther 6:9]] and [[Esther 6:11]] recount Mordecai being arrayed in these very garments, vividly depicting his elevation and the king's favor.
* [[Esther 8:15]] further solidifies this theme, describing Mordecai's magnificent attire—"royal apparel of blue and white, with a great crown of gold, and a robe of fine linen and purple"—upon his promotion, symbolizing his newly acquired authority and dignity.
* **2 Chronicles:** Here, `{{H4403}}` appears in contexts related to temple service or acts of compassion.
* [[2 Chronicles 9:4]] mentions the "apparel" (מַלְבּוּשׁ) of Solomon's servants, suggesting order, prosperity, and possibly the uniform of a royal retinue.
* [[2 Chronicles 28:15]] describes a profound act of mercy where the men of Israel "clothed all who were naked among them, and clothed them with garments (מַלְבּוּשׁ), and gave them sandals, and gave them food and drink." In this context, `{{H4403}}` signifies basic provision and compassionate care for the returning captives.
* **Ezekiel:** In Ezekiel, `{{H4403}}` is used in symbolic or prophetic descriptions of adornment and allure.
* [[Ezekiel 16:13]] speaks of Jerusalem being adorned with "clothing" (מַלְבּוּשׁ) of fine linen, silk, and embroidered work, symbolizing God's lavish provision and adornment of His people, which later became intertwined with their spiritual harlotry.
* [[Ezekiel 23:6]] refers to the "clothing" (מַלְבּוּשׁ) of the Assyrians and Babylonians, highlighting their splendor and the seductive allure they presented to Israel.
* **Other Occurrences:**
* [[Isaiah 63:3]] employs "garments" (מַלְבּוּשׁ) in a powerful image of divine judgment, where God's raiment is stained with the blood of His enemies from treading the winepress of wrath.
* [[Job 24:7]] uses `{{H4403}}` to describe the plight of the poor, who "lie all night naked, without clothing (מַלְבּוּשׁ), and have no covering in the cold," emphasizing destitution and vulnerability.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{H4403}}` is enriched by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms for clothing and broader thematic concepts.
* **Root Verb:** The foundational connection is to the verb `{{H3847}}` (lavash), "to put on," "to clothe," or "to array." `{{H4403}}` represents the *object* or *result* of this action.
* **Common Nouns for Clothing:**
* `{{H899}}` (beged): The most ubiquitous and general term for "garment" or "clothing" in the Hebrew Bible. While often interchangeable with `{{H4403}}` in meaning, `{{H899}}` appears far more frequently.
* `{{H3681}}` (kesuth): Signifies "covering" or "clothing," often emphasizing the protective aspect of apparel.
* `{{H4594}}` (ma'ateh): Refers to a "garment" or "cloak," often a broader outer covering.
* `{{H5497}}` (sut): Another term for "garment" or "clothing," similar in meaning to `{{H4403}}` but also less common.
* **Thematic Connections:**
* **Status and Authority:** The use of clothing to signify social standing, royalty, or official position is a pervasive theme, strongly evident with `{{H4403}}` in Esther.
* **Provision and Poverty:** The presence or absence of clothing (as in Job and 2 Chronicles) serves as a stark indicator of wealth or destitution, underscoring the biblical concern for the vulnerable.
* **Identity and Transformation:** While `{{H4403}}` itself doesn't explicitly denote this, the broader biblical motif of putting on new clothes symbolizes a change in status, repentance, or a new beginning (e.g., the prodigal son's new robe).
* **Purity and Defilement:** Although not directly inherent in `{{H4403}}`, clothing in general (e.g., priestly garments, torn garments, or defiled garments) is frequently linked to ritual purity, mourning, or sin in the biblical narrative.
### Theological Significance
While primarily a descriptive term, `{{H4403}}` participates in significant theological themes related to clothing in the biblical narrative.
* **Divine Provision and Care:** The concept of God as the ultimate provider of "clothing" is foundational. Though not using `{{H4403}}`, God's act of making "garments of skins" for Adam and Eve after the Fall ([[Genesis 3:21]]) symbolizes His gracious covering of their shame and sin. This foundational act sets a precedent for God's concern for human needs, echoed in the compassionate act of clothing the naked in [[2 Chronicles 28:15]].
* **Human Status and Pride:** The opulent "malbûwsh" described in Esther and Ezekiel can highlight human glory and the significance of outward appearance. However, as seen with Jerusalem's adornment in Ezekiel 16, outward splendor, even when initially a divine gift, can become entangled with pride, idolatry, and spiritual unfaithfulness, masking inner corruption.
* **Judgment and Shame:** The "garments" stained with blood in [[Isaiah 63:3]] powerfully illustrate divine judgment and wrath. Conversely, the absence of "malbûwsh" in [[Job 24:7]] underscores the profound shame, vulnerability, and destitution of the poor, a state from which God often promises deliverance and restoration.
* **Symbolic of Spiritual Realities:** While `{{H4403}}` itself is typically concrete, the broader biblical imagery of clothing extends to spiritual realities. The "garments of salvation" and "robe of righteousness" that God provides for His people ([[Isaiah 61:10]]) point to a spiritual covering that transcends physical apparel, signifying divine grace and imputed righteousness.
### Summary
`{{H4403}}` (malbûwsh) is a Hebrew noun meaning "garment," "clothing," or "apparel," derived from the verb `{{H3847}}` (lavash, "to put on"). Its usage in the Old Testament, though not as frequent as other terms for clothing, is consistently meaningful. It primarily describes physical attire but carries significant implications, often highlighting:
1. **Status and Authority:** As exemplified by the royal robes of Mordecai in Esther, signifying honor and elevated position.
2. **Provision and Need:** Illustrated by the compassionate act of clothing the naked in 2 Chronicles, or the profound destitution of those without it in Job.
3. **Splendor and Adornment:** Used in Ezekiel to describe rich clothing, symbolizing both divine blessing and the potential for human pride or spiritual unfaithfulness when outward appearance overshadows inward piety.
4. **Divine Action:** In Isaiah, it vividly portrays God's garments stained with the blood of judgment.
Thus, while a general term for clothing, `{{H4403}}` consistently contributes to the biblical narrative's rich use of apparel as a symbol for identity, honor, provision, and spiritual state, participating in the broader theological themes of divine care, the human condition, and the nature of righteousness and judgment.
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