perhaps by permutation for the feminine of סֶמֶל (through the idea of a cover assuming the shape of the object beneath); a dress, especially a mantle; apparel, cloth(-es, -ing), garment, raiment. Compare שַׂלְמָה.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H8071}}`, *simlâh*, most broadly refers to a garment or piece of clothing. Its base definition encompasses apparel, cloth, clothing, and raiment, with a particular emphasis on a "mantle" or outer garment. Etymologically, the Strong's definition suggests a potential connection to `{{H5566}}` (*semel*), implying an object that covers and assumes the shape of that which it covers. This suggests a primary function of concealment, protection, and definition of form. Unlike more specific terms for inner garments or specialized attire, *simlâh* often denotes the principal or most visible item of clothing, frequently serving as a multi-purpose outer wrap. It could function as a cloak for warmth during the day, a blanket for sleeping at night, or even a bag for carrying small items. This versatility underscores its fundamental importance in daily life in ancient Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *simlâh* appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its pervasive role in various aspects of life and law.
* **Essential Necessity:** One of its most poignant uses is found in the Mosaic Law concerning pledges. [[Exodus 22:26-27]] mandates that if a poor man's *simlâh* is taken as a pledge, it must be returned by sunset, "for that is his only covering, his garment for his skin; in what else shall he sleep?" This highlights the garment's crucial role for survival and dignity, reflecting God's concern for the vulnerable. Similarly, [[Deuteronomy 24:13]] reinforces this compassionate law.
* **Gender and Identity:** [[Deuteronomy 22:5]] prohibits cross-dressing, stating, "A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak (*simlâh*), for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God." Here, *simlâh* defines gender identity and social order.
* **Mourning and Repentance:** The tearing of one's *simlâh* is a recurring act signifying intense grief, despair, or repentance. Jacob tears his *simlâh* upon hearing of Joseph's presumed death ([[Genesis 37:34]]). Joshua and the elders of Israel tear their garments in lamentation and supplication after the defeat at Ai ([[Joshua 7:6]]). This ritual act expresses profound emotional distress and often accompanies prayer or confession.
* **Valuable Possession:** As a significant item, the *simlâh* could be a spoil of war ([[Numbers 31:20]]) or a valuable possession. [[Isaiah 3:6]] depicts a desperate society where one who merely possesses a *simlâh* is entreated to lead, underscoring its value as a mark of even minimal prosperity.
* **Prophetic Symbolism:** In [[Zechariah 8:23]], the *simlâh* is used metaphorically: "Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the *simlâh* of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" Here, taking hold of the garment symbolizes seeking association, protection, or spiritual guidance.
* **General Use:** It also appears in more generic contexts for clothing, such as the clothes of David's men ([[1 Samuel 21:9]]) or the garments of those afflicted with leprosy ([[Leviticus 13:47-59]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The entry for *simlâh* explicitly points to a comparison with `{{H7970}}` (*salmâh*), which is often considered a close synonym or even an alternative spelling, also denoting a garment or mantle. Both terms describe the outer, multi-purpose cloak.
Other related Hebrew terms for clothing or covering include:
* `{{H3830}}` (*lᵉbûš*): A general term for clothing or apparel.
* `{{H3682}}` (*kᵉsûṯ*): Meaning "covering" or "clothing," often emphasizing the act of covering.
* `{{H3801}}` (*kûttonet*): A tunic or inner garment, distinct from the outer *simlâh*.
* `{{H4598}}` (*maʿaṭāpâ*): A specific type of mantle or cloak, famously associated with Elijah.
Concepts intertwined with *simlâh* include:
* **Modesty and Nakedness:** Garments provide covering and modesty, contrasting with the shame associated with nakedness.
* **Purity and Defilement:** Levitical laws frequently address the ritual purity of garments, which could become defiled by various conditions, requiring washing or destruction ([[Leviticus 13-15]]).
* **Social Status and Role:** While *simlâh* is a general term, more elaborate garments could signify higher status (e.g., priestly robes), and the act of changing garments could signify a change in status or a purification.
* **Divine Provision:** The concept of God providing clothing, as seen with Adam and Eve in [[Genesis 3:21]], underlies the understanding of clothing as a basic necessity and a sign of divine care.
### Theological Significance
The *simlâh* carries significant theological weight, reflecting core biblical themes.
* **Divine Compassion and Justice:** The laws concerning the poor man's *simlâh* ([[Exodus 22:26-27]]; [[Deuteronomy 24:13]]) powerfully illustrate God's deep concern for the marginalized and His demand for social justice. To deprive someone of their essential covering is presented as an act contrary to God's character and covenant. This highlights the ethical dimension of material possessions.
* **Human Dignity and Vulnerability:** The garment is not merely an item of clothing but a symbol of human dignity and a shield against vulnerability. Its presence signifies basic provision, while its absence or forced removal speaks to destitution and shame.
* **Identity and Order:** The prohibition against cross-dressing ([[Deuteronomy 22:5]]) underscores the divine establishment of distinct gender roles and identities, which clothing helps to define and maintain within the community.
* **Expression of Spiritual State:** The tearing of the *simlâh* in mourning or repentance is a physical manifestation of a profound spiritual state—grief, horror, or a contrite heart. It demonstrates that external actions can reflect internal realities and a turning towards God in distress.
* **Purity and Holiness:** The meticulous laws regarding the cleanliness of garments in the Levitical code underscore the broader theological principle of holiness. Physical purity in clothing was a tangible reminder of the spiritual purity required to approach a holy God and live within His covenant.
* **Metaphor for Righteousness:** Although *simlâh* itself is not typically used in the "garments of righteousness" metaphor, the concept of clothing as a covering for sin or a symbol of salvation is pervasive in biblical theology (e.g., [[Isaiah 61:10]], "He has clothed me with the garments of salvation"). This links the physical necessity of covering to the spiritual necessity of divine covering and righteousness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *simlâh* (`{{H8071}}`) serves as a comprehensive term for a garment, most notably an outer cloak or mantle. Its semantic range highlights its multifaceted role in ancient Israelite society as a fundamental item of daily wear, a crucial possession for the poor, and a definer of gender and social identity. Contextual analysis reveals its use in expressions of profound emotion (mourning, repentance), its significance in legal and ethical considerations (pledges, cross-dressing), and its symbolic function in prophetic imagery. Theologically, *simlâh* illuminates divine compassion and justice, underscores human dignity and vulnerability, reinforces the importance of social order, and provides a tangible metaphor for purity and spiritual states before God. It is a word that, while seemingly mundane, carries deep resonance within the biblical narrative, reflecting essential aspects of human existence and divine interaction.
TRV