probably from the same root as מַסְוֶה; covering, i.e. clothing; clothes.
Transliteration:çûwth
Pronunciation:sooth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5497}}` (çûwth) primarily denotes "covering," which naturally extends to "clothing" or "clothes." Its base definition suggests a close relationship, perhaps even derivation, from the root of `{{H4533}}` (masweh), meaning "veil" or "covering." This etymological connection underscores the fundamental function of çûwth as something that envelops or conceals. While a relatively straightforward term for physical attire, its usage in biblical texts often carries significant symbolic weight, moving beyond mere fabric to represent identity, status, and spiritual condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5497}}` appears in a limited but highly significant set of contexts within the Hebrew Bible:
* **[[2 Kings 10:22]]**: "And he said to him who was over the wardrobe, 'Bring out vestments for all the servants of Baal.' So he brought out vestments for them." Here, çûwth refers to specific garments or robes worn by the worshippers of Baal. In this narrative, the clothing serves as a marker of religious allegiance and identity within a cultic setting, facilitating Jehu's strategic deception and subsequent purge of Baal's followers. The "vestments" signify belonging to a particular religious order.
* **[[Isaiah 63:3]]**: "I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments (çûwth), and I stained all my raiment." In this powerful prophetic vision, çûwth describes the garments of the divine warrior, Yahweh Himself. These garments are depicted as stained with the blood of His enemies, symbolizing the thoroughness and ferocity of divine judgment. The imagery conveys the overwhelming nature of God's wrath and His solitary, decisive action in executing justice.
* **[[Zechariah 3:4]]**: "And the angel said to those who were standing before him, 'Remove the filthy garments from him.' And to him he said, 'Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments (çûwth).'" This is arguably the most profound usage of çûwth. In the vision concerning Joshua the High Priest, the "filthy garments" symbolize his sin and the defilement of the priesthood. The subsequent command to clothe him with "pure vestments" (çûwth) signifies divine cleansing, forgiveness of iniquity, and the restoration of his priestly purity and office. This passage moves beyond the literal to a profound spiritual and theological truth about God's grace and imputation of righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H5497}}` intersects with several other Hebrew terms for clothing and covering, each with its own nuances:
* **`{{H4533}}` (masweh)**: As noted in the base definition, this word for "veil" or "covering" highlights the primary function of concealment or protection, which is inherent in çûwth.
* **`{{H899}}` (beged)**: A very common and general term for "garment" or "clothing," often used in everyday contexts.
* **`{{H3830}}` (lebush)**: Refers to "garment," "clothing," or "attire," frequently used for official, royal, or priestly robes, emphasizing dignity or status.
* **`{{H3682}}` (kesuth)**: Another word for "covering" or "garment," often implying protection or provision.
* **`{{H671}}` (ephod)**: A specific priestly garment, distinct from general clothing.
The concept of "clothing" itself, whether literal or symbolic, is deeply intertwined with themes of identity, status, purity, defilement, shame, honor, and divine provision throughout the biblical narrative.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5497}}` is most vividly expressed in its symbolic applications, particularly in the prophetic books:
* **Identity and Allegiance**: In [[2 Kings 10:22]], the "vestments" serve as a visible sign of adherence to a specific religious cult. This highlights how external appearance, including clothing, can signify internal allegiance or communal identity.
* **Divine Judgment and Wrath**: [[Isaiah 63:3]] presents a stark image of the divine warrior's garments stained with the blood of His adversaries. This portrays the intensity and inescapable nature of God's righteous judgment against sin and rebellion, where even His raiment bears witness to His decisive action.
* **Purity, Forgiveness, and Restoration**: The most profound theological insight comes from [[Zechariah 3:4]]. The exchange of "filthy garments" for "pure vestments" is a powerful visual metaphor for God's work of atonement and sanctification. It signifies the removal of sin and guilt (represented by the defiled clothing) and the imputation of divine righteousness and purity (represented by the clean clothing). This act is entirely initiated and performed by God, underscoring His sovereign grace in cleansing and restoring His people, particularly those in priestly or leadership roles, for service. It prefigures the New Testament concept of being clothed in Christ's righteousness (cf. `{{G1746}}` endyō, `{{G2440}}` himation).
### Summary
`{{H5497}}` (çûwth) primarily denotes "clothing" or "garments," rooted in the idea of a "covering." While simple in its literal meaning, its biblical occurrences imbue it with profound symbolic weight. In [[2 Kings 10:22]], it marks religious identity; in [[Isaiah 63:3]], it illustrates the severity of divine judgment. However, its most significant theological contribution is found in [[Zechariah 3:4]], where it powerfully symbolizes the divine act of removing sin and bestowing purity and righteousness upon the defiled. This transformation from "filthy garments" to "pure vestments" encapsulates the core biblical message of God's gracious provision for forgiveness and spiritual restoration, making çûwth a key term for understanding aspects of divine grace, judgment, and the spiritual state of humanity.
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