### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַעֲטָפָה (maʻăṭâphâh, `{{H4595}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verb עָטַף (ʻâṭaph, meaning "to cover," "to wrap," or "to faint"). This etymological root immediately establishes its core meaning as something that envelops or provides a covering. Specifically, מַעֲטָפָה refers to an outer garment, a cloak, or a mantle. Unlike general terms for clothing, its derivation from a verb signifying "wrapping" or "enveloping" suggests a garment that is worn loosely, draped, or wrapped around the body, offering a distinct form of covering, perhaps for warmth, protection, or aesthetic purposes. Its semantic range is thus confined to this particular type of outer apparel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מַעֲטָפָה (maʻăṭâphâh, `{{H4595}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Isaiah:
* [[Isaiah 3:22]]: "the changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,"
In this singular occurrence, the word is found within a prophetic oracle against the women of Jerusalem and Judah, who are condemned for their arrogance, luxury, and excessive adornment. The passage in [[Isaiah 3:18-24]] provides a detailed list of their elaborate attire and ornaments, which the Lord threatens to strip away as a sign of judgment. The inclusion of מַעֲטָפָה (maʻăṭâphâh) among items such as "finery," "headbands," "earrings," and "shawls" indicates that it was a significant article of clothing, likely an expensive or fashionable outer garment that contributed to their perceived status and outward display of wealth. Its context underscores its role as a symbol of human vanity and the fleeting nature of worldly pomp.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for מַעֲטָפָה (maʻăṭâphâh, `{{H4595}}`) is its verbal root, עָטַף (ʻâṭaph), which, in its various forms, conveys the idea of being covered, enveloped, or overwhelmed, often leading to faintness or weakness. This root subtly imbues the garment with a sense of being all-encompassing or enveloping.
Other Hebrew words for garments or coverings that share conceptual overlap include:
* שִׂמְלָה (śimlâ, `{{H8071}}`): A common term for a general outer garment or cloak, often used for warmth or as a covering for the poor.
* מְעִיל (meʻîl, `{{H4301}}`): A robe or cloak, often associated with dignity, status, or priestly office (e.g., Samuel's robe, Jonathan's robe).
* אַדֶּרֶת (ʼaddereth, `{{H155}}`): A mantle or robe, specifically one of distinction, often associated with prophets (like Elijah's mantle) or kings, signifying authority or a distinct identity.
* כְּסוּת (kᵉsûth, `{{H3682}}`): A general term for covering or clothing.
While מַעֲטָפָה (maʻăṭâphâh) shares the general category of "outer garment" with these words, its unique occurrence in [[Isaiah 3:22]] places it specifically within the context of luxurious and perhaps ostentatious female attire, distinguishing it from garments primarily associated with function, poverty, or prophetic/royal authority.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of מַעֲטָפָה (maʻăṭâphâh, `{{H4595}}`) in [[Isaiah 3:22]] carries significant theological weight within its prophetic context. It is not merely a descriptive term for clothing but serves as a tangible representation of the pride, vanity, and worldly preoccupation that characterized the women of Jerusalem. The divine judgment pronounced by Isaiah includes the stripping away of these very garments, symbolizing the humiliation and destitution that will befall those who place their trust in outward show rather than in the Lord.
Theological implications include:
1. **Condemnation of Worldly Adornment:** The word highlights God's disdain for excessive luxury and the pursuit of external beauty at the expense of inner righteousness. It serves as a reminder that human glory and material possessions are fleeting and ultimately subject to divine judgment.
2. **Symbol of Stripping and Humiliation:** The removal of the *maʻăṭâphâh* along with other finery signifies a reversal of status and a public shaming. What was once a source of pride becomes a mark of disgrace, illustrating the consequences of rebellion against God.
3. **Contrast with True Covering:** While humanity seeks covering in elaborate garments, the Bible often speaks of God as the ultimate source of covering, protection, and righteousness (e.g., "garments of salvation," "robe of righteousness" in [[Isaiah 61:10]]). The focus on the *maʻăṭâphâh* as a symbol of human vanity implicitly contrasts with the true spiritual covering provided by divine grace.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַעֲטָפָה (maʻăṭâphâh, `{{H4595}}`) denotes a specific type of outer garment, a cloak or mantle, derived from a root signifying "to wrap" or "to cover." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Isaiah 3:22]] is highly significant, placing it among a list of luxurious items of female apparel that are condemned by the prophet. In this context, the *maʻăṭâphâh* serves as a powerful symbol of human pride, vanity, and the fleeting nature of worldly adornment. Its promised removal by divine judgment underscores the theological theme that reliance on outward show rather than on God leads to humiliation and loss. The word thus contributes to the prophetic critique of superficiality and underscores the impermanence of human glory in the face of divine righteousness and judgment.
TRV