### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉʻîyl**, represented by `{{H4598}}`, is an upper and outer garment, translated as **robe**, **mantle**, **coat**, or **cloke**. It appears **28 times** across **27 unique verses**. While it denotes a literal piece of clothing, it often signifies the status, office, or spiritual state of the wearer, whether a priest, king, or prophet.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H4598}}` serves as an important indicator of role and circumstance. It is a central component of the priestly vestments, specifically the "robe of the ephod" made for Aaron and his sons to minister in the priest's office ([[Exodus 28:4]], [[Exodus 28:31]], [[Leviticus 8:7]]). This garment was made entirely of blue and was adorned with golden bells and pomegranates along its hem [[Exodus 28:34]]. It also denotes royalty and nobility; Jonathan gave his robe to David [[1 Samuel 18:4]], David cut the skirt of King Saul's robe [[1 Samuel 24:4]], and the king's virgin daughters were apparelled with such robes [[2 Samuel 13:18]]. The act of tearing the mantle is a recurring expression of deep grief or repentance, as demonstrated by Job [[Job 1:20]] and Ezra [[Ezra 9:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the function and meaning of the **mᵉʻîyl**:
* `{{H899}}` **beged** (garment): As a general term for clothing, it is often found alongside `{{H4598}}` to describe a person's full attire. In his mourning, Ezra rent both his garment and his mantle [[Ezra 9:3]].
* `{{H3847}}` **lâbash** (to clothe, put on): This verb is used for the act of wearing the robe. It is used when priests are clothed for service [[Leviticus 8:7]] and figuratively when God is said to put on righteousness as a breastplate and was clad with zeal as a cloke [[Isaiah 59:17]].
* `{{H7167}}` **qâraʻ** (to rend, tear): This action is powerfully associated with the mantle as an outward sign of anguish or distress. Job's friends rent their mantles when they saw his suffering [[Job 2:12]], and Samuel's mantle was rent by Saul [[1 Samuel 15:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4598}}` is demonstrated through its symbolic usage.
* **Official Consecration:** The robe is an essential part of the holy garments, setting apart priests like Aaron for their sacred duties before the LORD [[Exodus 28:4]]. The appearance of Samuel's spirit covered in a mantle confirmed his identity as a prophet [[1 Samuel 28:14]].
* **Representation of Authority:** As a garment of royalty, the robe is a symbol of a king's status and power. David's act of cutting the skirt of Saul's robe was a significant gesture showing he could have harmed the king but did not [[1 Samuel 24:11]].
* **Spiritual Metaphor:** The robe is used figuratively to represent abstract concepts. God clothes His people with the "robe of righteousness" [[Isaiah 61:10]] and is himself clad with "zeal as a cloke" [[Isaiah 59:17]]. In contrast, adversaries are to be covered with confusion "as with a mantle" [[Psalms 109:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4598}}` is a term that extends far beyond a simple description of an outer garment. It is a marker of identity, defining the sacred office of a priest, the royal authority of a king, and the solemnity of a prophet. Whether worn, gifted, or torn, the **mᵉʻîyl** functions as a powerful symbol in scripture, representing not only earthly status and human emotion but also divine attributes like righteousness and zeal.
TRV