from מָעַל in the sense of covering; a robe (i.e. upper and outer garment); cloke, coat, mantle, robe.
Transliteration:mᵉʻîyl
Pronunciation:meh-eel'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְעִיל (mᵉʻîyl), Strong's number `{{H4598}}`, refers to an outer garment, specifically a robe, cloak, or mantle. Its etymological root is understood "in the sense of covering," distinguishing it from the homophonous root associated with unfaithfulness or trespass. This garment was typically long, flowing, and worn over other clothing, signifying dignity, status, or a specific role. Unlike a common cloak (e.g., `{{H8071}}` simlah) that might serve purely practical purposes, the mᵉʻîyl often carried symbolic weight, indicating the wearer's position, authority, or the solemnity of an occasion. Its semantic range thus encompasses not merely a piece of apparel but an item imbued with social, religious, or personal significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מְעִיל (mᵉʻîyl) appears approximately 28 times in the Hebrew Bible, with its usage illuminating various aspects of its meaning:
1. **Priestly Vestments:** The most significant and detailed descriptions of the mᵉʻîyl are found in the context of the high priest's garments. The "robe of the ephod" was a specific mᵉʻîyl, made entirely of blue material, worn beneath the ephod. Its hem was adorned with alternating golden bells and pomegranates ([[Exodus 28:31-34]], [[Exodus 39:22-26]]). This sacred garment underscored the high priest's unique mediatorial role, signifying holiness, order, and the solemnity of his approach to God. The sound of the bells ensured his presence was known as he ministered in the Holy Place, preventing death.
2. **Prophetic and Kingly Authority:** The mᵉʻîyl is associated with figures of authority, particularly prophets and kings.
* Young Samuel wore a "little robe" (mᵉʻîyl) made by his mother, Hannah, symbolizing his dedication to the Lord's service from childhood ([[1 Samuel 2:19]]).
* The tearing of Samuel's mᵉʻîyl by Saul ([[1 Samuel 15:27]]) is a powerful prophetic act, symbolizing the tearing away of Saul's kingdom from him.
* David's cutting off a corner of Saul's mᵉʻîyl ([[1 Samuel 24:4-5]], [[1 Samuel 24:11]]) demonstrates his respect for God's anointed, even while Saul was pursuing him. The garment here represents Saul's kingship and divinely appointed authority.
3. **Expression of Grief and Humiliation:** Tearing one's mᵉʻîyl was a profound gesture of mourning, distress, or spiritual anguish.
* Job tears his mᵉʻîyl upon hearing of the destruction of his family and possessions, signifying deep grief and submission to God's will ([[Job 1:20]]).
* Job's friends similarly tear their mᵉʻîyl and throw dust on their heads in solidarity with Job's suffering ([[Job 2:12]]).
* Ezra tears his mᵉʻîyl and cloak in response to the sin of intermarriage among the Israelites, expressing his profound spiritual agony and identification with the people's transgression ([[Ezra 9:3]]).
4. **Figurative and Poetic Usage:**
* In [[Isaiah 61:10]], the mᵉʻîyl is used metaphorically: "He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness." Here, it symbolizes the spiritual covering and divine favor bestowed upon God's people.
* [[Proverbs 30:4]] uses mᵉʻîyl in a rhetorical question about God's omnipotence: "Who has wrapped the waters in a garment?" This imagery highlights God's ultimate control over creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The mᵉʻîyl stands among a range of terms for clothing in the Hebrew Bible, each with distinct nuances:
* `{{H899}}` (beged): A general term for any garment or clothing.
* `{{H3801}}` (kethoneth): An inner tunic or shirt, often worn next to the skin.
* `{{H8071}}` (simlah): A broader term for an outer cloak or mantle, often used for everyday wear and sometimes serving as a blanket at night.
* `{{H6697}}` (tsa'iph): A veil or shawl, typically worn by women.
While all these terms refer to clothing, the mᵉʻîyl is specifically an outer robe often associated with formality, office, or significant personal expression. Its connection to the concept of "covering" (as per its etymology) links it to ideas of protection, concealment, and the bestowal of identity or status. The acts of donning, removing, or tearing the mᵉʻîyl are intrinsically tied to the concepts of honor, shame, authority, and grief.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the מְעִיל (mᵉʻîyl) is multifaceted:
1. **Sacred Office and Mediation:** The high priest's mᵉʻîyl is the preeminent example, symbolizing the holiness and distinctiveness of his office. Its blue color, bells, and pomegranates spoke of heavenly truth, the audible presence of the priest before God, and the fruitfulness of his ministry. It underscored the necessity of proper approach to God and the divine ordination of the priesthood.
2. **Divine Authority and Sovereignty:** As seen in the narratives of Samuel and Saul, the mᵉʻîyl could represent the divine investiture of authority in a leader. Its tearing or defilement often paralleled the loss or transfer of God's favor and kingdom. This highlights God's ultimate sovereignty over human rulers and their destinies.
3. **Human Response to Crisis and God:** The tearing of the mᵉʻîyl in moments of profound grief (Job, Ezra) demonstrates a visceral human response to suffering, sin, or calamity. It is an outward manifestation of inner anguish, humility, and often, a turning towards God in lament or repentance.
4. **Imputed Righteousness and Salvation:** The metaphorical usage in [[Isaiah 61:10]], where God clothes His people with a "robe of righteousness" (mᵉʻîyl tzedeq), is deeply significant. It points to the divine act of imputation, where God covers believers with His own righteousness, transforming their status from condemned sinners to righteous recipients of salvation. This imagery anticipates the New Testament concept of being "clothed with Christ" ([[Galatians 3:27]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְעִיל (mᵉʻîyl), an outer robe or mantle, carries significant weight beyond its literal meaning as a garment. Derived from a sense of "covering," it consistently appears in contexts that underscore its symbolic importance. From the sacred vestments of the high priest, signifying holiness and mediatorial office, to the robes of prophets and kings representing divine authority, the mᵉʻîyl is often a visual marker of status and calling. Its tearing serves as a powerful expression of profound grief, humiliation, or spiritual distress. Most profoundly, in prophetic literature, it becomes a metaphor for the divine clothing of salvation and righteousness, pointing to God's gracious provision for His people. Thus, the mᵉʻîyl is not merely an item of clothing but a rich symbol of divine appointment, human response, and the transformative power of God's grace.
TRV