### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shûwl**, represented by `{{H7757}}`, describes a **skirt**, **hem**, or **train**. Derived from a root meaning to hang down, it refers to the bottom edge of a garment. It appears **11 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible, carrying two distinct and powerful connotations: one of sacredness and majesty, and the other of disgrace and judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H7757}}` appears in contexts of both divine glory and human shame. In the book of Exodus, the word is used repeatedly to describe the **hem** of the high priest's robe, which was to be intricately decorated with golden bells and pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet [[Exodus 28:33-34]]. In a vision of God's majesty, Isaiah sees the Lord's **train `{{H7757}}`** filling the temple, a symbol of His immense glory [[Isaiah 6:1]]. Conversely, the prophets use the word to symbolize sin and its consequences. Jeremiah warns that for Israel's iniquity, their **skirts `{{H7757}}`** will be discovered [[Jeremiah 13:22]], and in Lamentations, Jerusalem's downfall is described as having "filthiness in her **skirts**" [[Lamentations 1:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the contexts in which `{{H7757}}` is found:
* `{{H1540}}` **gâlâh** (to denude... reveal, uncover): This word is used to describe the action taken against the "skirts" in judgment. The Lord declares through the prophet Nahum that He will "discover thy **skirts**" [[Nahum 3:5]], an act of revealing shame.
* `{{H4598}}` **mᵉʻîyl** (robe, cloke, mantle): This is the garment to which the **hem `{{H7757}}`** is attached. The instructions for the priest's holy garments specify decorations upon the **hem `{{H7757}}`** of the **robe `{{H4598}}`** [[Exodus 28:34]].
* `{{H6472}}` **paʻămôn** (bell): These were placed on the **hem `{{H7757}}`** of the high priest's robe, alternating with pomegranates [[Exodus 39:25]].
* `{{H7036}}` **qâlôwn** (disgrace, shame, dishonour): This word describes the result of having one's skirts uncovered. The judgment in both Jeremiah and Nahum is that their **shame `{{H7036}}`** would be made to appear ([[Jeremiah 13:26]]; [[Nahum 3:5]]).
* `{{H7416}}` **rimmôwn** (pomegranate): These ornamental fruits were sewn onto the **hem `{{H7757}}`** of the priest's robe, signifying blessing or abundance [[Exodus 28:33]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7757}}` is seen in its contrasting applications of holiness and judgment.
* **Sanctity and Divine Service:** The **hem `{{H7757}}`** of the high priest's robe served as a sacred boundary, adorned with items prescribed by God for ministering in the holy place [[Exodus 39:26]]. Its specific design was essential for consecrated service.
* **Manifestation of God's Glory:** In Isaiah's vision, the Lord's **train `{{H7757}}`** is not merely a piece of clothing but a physical manifestation of His overwhelming presence and sovereignty filling His temple [[Isaiah 6:1]].
* **Symbol of Moral State and Judgment:** The prophets use the "skirts" as a metaphor for a nation's moral condition. Clean skirts imply righteousness, while filthy or discovered **skirts `{{H7757}}`** represent sin and the resulting public shame and dishonor inflicted as divine judgment ([[Lamentations 1:9]]; [[Nahum 3:5]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7757}}` is a word that illustrates the profound symbolism embedded in biblical descriptions of garments. It functions as more than the bottom edge of a piece of cloth. It can represent the glorious and holy presence of God, the consecrated status of His priests, or, in stark contrast, the public disgrace and judgment that results from rebellion and sin. The use of **shûwl** demonstrates how a simple object can convey deep theological truths about glory, holiness, and shame.
TRV