The significance of clothing spans cultural, social and personal domains. It is far more than just a functional necessity, there is an important spiritual aspect to clothing.

Clothing and Culture

Clothing frequently signifies social status. In ancient times clothing dyed scarlet or crimson was solely the right of the wealthy or royalty.

Sub-strata’s of society are often recognizable through their choice of clothing. From office workers, construction or industrial workers, to street-walkers. All have very particular types of clothing. How did the Pharisee recognize the woman of low repute, Luke 7:39. Did he personally know her, or did he recognize her from her clothing?

When the king wanted to honour Mordecai he had a royal robe the king had worn placed on Mordecai and sat him on his own horse and had him paraded through the streets. All this was done at the bidding of Haman. He had planed the honour would be his, not the unworthy Jew who sat at the city gates, Esther 6. God uses for good what Satan devises for evil, Genesis 50:20.

Mood Changers and Communicator

Wearing certain types of clothing sends a message to others and can make one feel good and boost self-esteem and confidence. This phycological effect is known as ‘enclothed cognition’. 

The bible speaks of rending clothing, as Jacob rent his clothes and put on sackcloth when his sons came back and told him Joseph had been killed, Genesis 37:34. Today, Jews still make a small tear as a sign of mourning, usually in their shirt near the collar.

However, the most important use of clothing is what it portrays spiritually.

Clothing Spiritually

God covers Himself with light as with a cloak, Psalm 104:2. Timothy describes the Lord of Lords and Kings of Kings as dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, 1 Timothy 6:6.

Were Adam and Eve clothed with the light of God in the Garden of Eden before they sinned? Once they discovered they were naked they had an inborn instinct to cover themselves. God made a blood sacrifice when He killed animals, most likely lambs, to provide coverings of skin for Adam and Eve.

This is symbolic of how fallen mankind needs a covering from the curse of sin. A God-provided covering by the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world, Revelation 13:8.

Clothes of Great Significance

Throughout the bible we find the significance of clothing, from the priestly robes in Moses’ Tabernacle, to the many coloured robe Jacob made for Joseph, Genesis 37:3.

There is also great spiritual significance in the events on Mt. Transfiguration which denoted a marked change in the ministry of Jesus. It was a prophecy of Christ’s future exaltation and the coming kingdom.

Jesus’ face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light, Matthew 17:2. Was this the same light that God clothes Himself with? Psalm 104:2.

More Symbolic Clothing

King Herod, a descendant of Edom who had converted to Judaism, joined with his soldiers to mock the arrested Jesus. They placed a gorgeous robe on Christ before returning Him to Pilate, Luke 23:11.

After Pilate’s announcement that condemned Jesus to be crucified, the soldiers dressed Jesus in a purple robe after twisting a crown of thorns and thrusting it on His head, before punching and beating Him with a rod, Mark 15:17. How little did the soldiers understand they were mocking the King of Kings and Lord of Lords with their pretend royalty.

At the cross the soldiers did not rend Jesus’ tunic that was worn next to the skin. It had been so lovingly and unusually woven as a single piece by His mother, Mary, John 19:23.

Followers of Jesus and Clothing

The prophet Isaiah wrote, He has clothed me with garments of salvation. He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, Isaiah 61:10. All who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour are clothed in His righteousness, 2 Corinthians 5:21.

A W Tozer said, ‘When followers of Jesus come together and worship God they are clothed with God’s glory’. They can feel the manifest presence of the great I Am That I Am, Exodus 3:3, just as Old and New Testament saints did throughout the ages.

Significance of Clothing of the Bride

The significance of clothing is finally seen in Revelation. Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come. And His bride has made herself ready. It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean. For the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints, Revelation 19:7,8.

The great multitude of redeemed, which no one could count, from every nation, and all tribes and peoples and tongues, stand before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes and palm branches in their hands, Revelation 7:9. All these people were redeemed by the blood of the slain Lamb, though there appears to be difference to what the Bride wears, Revelation 19:7.

Choice of Clothing is a Conscious Action

Putting on clothes is a conscious action we all do. Even the choice of clothing is a conscious action. The Bride is to clothe herself with righteousness, an action she must do herself.

All our righteousness is as filthy rags, Isaiah 64:6. Therefore, our righteousness is the righteousness of Christ for which He paid the enormous price for at Calvary. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him, 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Followers of Christ must daily choose to put on the robe of righteousness in the way they live their life. Just as clothing in the natural sends out a message, true followers of Christ send out an unspoken message through how they conduct their life.

Eternal Significance of Clothing

There is an eternal significance to clothing that few of us stop to consider.

Christ poured Himself out to give all mankind the privilege of entering into a personal relationship with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. That is what makes Christianity unique.

For all eternity the Bride will wear that robe of righteousness and be clothed in the eternal glory of God, shining brighter than the sun.

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Dr. Wendy Stenberg-Tendys is a freelance writer who enjoys researching a topic and sharing words of encouragement from the Word of God.

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