Modesty in an Immodest Age

Transcription

1 Modesty in an Immodest Age By Mark Mayberry 9/26/2010 Introduction The question, What shall I wear? usually focuses on personal preference regarding function and style. However, a more serious concern must also be addressed: What does God think about our choices in clothing? Is there a divine standard of modesty that is applicable for males and females? This study will spotlight four related areas of thought: First of all, we will learn that God wants our clothing to be modest. Secondly, we will find that the Lord is not always satisfied with man s choice of clothing. Third, we will discover that the Bible condemns all forms of public nakedness. Finally, we will note the distinct relationship between modesty and marriage. If we are submissive and obedient, these principles will impact our choices of clothing and attire. Let us, therefore, show spiritual discretion in this and all other areas of life (Phil. 1:9-10; Col. 1:9-10). Philippians 1: And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; Colossians 1: For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; God Wants Our Clothing to be Modest God wants our clothing to be modest. In writing to Timothy, Paul said, In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works (1 Timothy 2:9-10, KJV). Four significant Greek words appear in this passage: modest is derived from kosmios, apparel is from katastole, shamefacedness from aidos, and sobriety from sophrosune. An understanding of these terms will help us distinguish between that which is modest and that which is immodest. Greek Word: KOSMIOS AIDOS SOPHROSUNE KJV Modest Shamefacedness Sobriety NKJV Modest Propriety Moderation

2 ASV Modest Shamefastness Sobriety NASB Proper Modestly Discreetly RSV Modestly Sensibly Seemly NRSV Modestly Decently Suitable 1 Timothy 2: In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. (KJV) 1 Timothy 2: in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. (NKJV) 1 Timothy 2: In like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; 10 but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works. (ASV) 1 Timothy 2: Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. (NASB) 1 Timothy 2: also that women should adorn themselves modestly and sensibly in seemly apparel, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly attire 10 but by good deeds, as befits women who profess religion. (RSV) 1 Timothy 2: also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. (NRSV) Kosmios Defined The Greek word kosmios is translated as modest (KJV, ASV, NKJ), modestly (RSV, NRS), and proper (NASB). BAGD say it refers to that which is respectable, honorable. BDAG define it as (1) pertaining to having characteristics or qualities that evoke admiration or delight, an expression of high regard for person, respectable, honorable persons; (2) pertaining to being appropriate for winning approval, appropriate, used with an impersonal noun, yet with reference to a person, whose special status is probably signaled thereby. Strong/Thayer say it refers to that which is well arranged, seemly, modest. Swanson says it identifies that which is (1) modest, moderate and well ordered; (2) proper, respectable. Thomas defines it orderly. Trench says this proper order extends not only to dress and demeanor but also to the inner life, which expresses itself in outward conversation [p. 364]. 2

3 This word appears twice in the New Testament (1 Tim. 2:9; 3:2). The word modesty has to do with that which is seemly or appropriate. It is derived from kosmos, which is usually translated world. However, Peter also uses it to describe the proper adorning of a Christian woman (1 Pet. 3:3-4). Just as we live in an orderly world, a universe governed by divinely ordained natural laws, so also Christians should dress in an orderly manner, as governed by God s unchanging spiritual law. The concept of order necessitates the idea of law. Herein lies a fundamental truth: Regardless of the age, dispensation, or covenant, God has always prescribed modesty and prohibited nakedness. 1 Timothy 2: Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with *proper clothing [kosmios], modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 1 Timothy 3: An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, *respectable [kosmios], hospitable, able to teach, 1 Peter 3: Your *adornment [kosmos] must not be merely external braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. The clothing of a faithful Christian must be well ordered, seemly and appropriate. We must avoid the dual sins of over-dressing and under-dressing. One s outward attire is a reflection of one s inner spirit. Instead of announcing our gaudiness and pride, instead of proclaiming our lust and licentiousness, the clothing that we wear should speak of our commitment to that which is respectable and honorable, as befitting those who are sanctified and holy (1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:3-4; cf. Isa. 3:16-26). 1 Timothy 2: Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 1 Peter 3: Your adornment must not be merely external braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. Isaiah 3: Moreover, the Lord said, Because the daughters of Zion are proud And walk with heads held high and seductive eyes, And go along with mincing steps And tinkle the bangles on their feet, 17 Therefore the Lord will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs, And the Lord will make their foreheads bare. 18 In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, headbands, crescent ornaments, 19 dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, 20 headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume boxes, amulets, 21 finger rings, nose rings, 22 festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, money purses, 23 hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans and veils. 24 Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction; Instead of a belt, a rope; Instead 3

4 of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp; Instead of fine clothes, a donning of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty. 25 Your men will fall by the sword And your mighty ones in battle. 26 And her gates will lament and mourn, And deserted she will sit on the ground. Katastole Defined The Greek word katastolē, translated as clothing in most versions, appears only here in the New Testament. This compound word is derived from the root kata, down and stello, to arrange, to prepare. BAGD says it refers to deportment, outward, as it expresses itself in clothing. BDAG say it carries the idea of subjugation. Like the verb katastello, the basic idea is keeping something in check, hence the use of this term in the sense of reserve, restraint. The verb stello means to furnish, equip, a sense that extends itself to the putting on of garments. Hence katastole readily serves to express outward attire, either the character one exhibits in personal deportment or something to cover the body, namely attire, clothing. dress in becoming manner (1 Tim. 2:9). The writer skillfully moves from the literal sense of garments to personal characteristics of modesty and self-control as appropriate adornment. Strong/Thayer say it refers to (1) a lowering, letting down; (2) a garment let down, dress, attire. Swanson defines it as in modest apparel, in modest dress, i.e., adj. symbol of modest behavior. Thomas says it refers to a garment. 1 Timothy 2: Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with *proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, Commenting on the meaning of katastolē, Kittle says, So far as may be seen the noun katastolē appears first in Hippocr. De Decentia, 5, 8 in the sense modesty, propriety. The intr. meaning is thus appropriate, ordered conduct and the trans. action with a view to ordered conduct. The further sense of clothes, clothing derived from the fact that decorum finds a first visible expression in clothing. Aidos Defined The Greek word aidos is translated as decently (NRS), modestly (NASB), propriety (NKJ), sensibly (RSV), shamefacedness (KJV), and shamefastness (ASV). It occurs once in the New Testament (1 Tim. 2:9). BAGD say it refers to (1) modesty of women; (2) reverence, respect. BDAG say This term expresses the opposite of considering or treating something in a common or ordinary manner; a respect for convention. Specifically, it describes (1) modesty of women; (2) reverence, respect. Strong/Thayer say it refers to a sense of shame or honour, modesty, bashfulness, reverence, regard for others, respect. Swanson says it describes modesty, decency. Thomas says it refers to a sense of shame. Trench says, AIDOS does not refer merely to the avoidance of open and manifest baseness, It refers to complete control over the passions and desires, so that they are lawful and reasonable. He continues, In 1 st Timothy 2:9, ADIOS refers to that shamefastness or modesty that shrinks from exceeding the limits of womanly reserve, as well as from the dishonor that would justly attach to doing so [p ]. 4

5 1 Timothy 2: Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, *modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 2 Chronicles 32: But King Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed about this and cried out to heaven. 21 And the Lord sent an angel who destroyed every mighty warrior, commander and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he [Sennacherib king of Assyria] returned in shame [Lit., in shame of face] to his own land. And when he had entered the temple of his god, some of his own children killed him there with the sword. 22 So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side. Faithful Christians adorn themselves decently, modestly, sensibly and with propriety. Their dress and decorum reflect a spirit of shamefastness. Just as modest clothing harmonizes with godly character, so immodest apparel suggests a spirit of insolence and impertinence (Prov. 7:10-23; Isa. 3:16-17). Instead of manifesting a brazen attitude, the people of God are restrained by a sense of shame that is deeply rooted in their character. While many people have lost the ability to blush (Jer. 6:15; 8:12), true disciples shrink back from anything that would be dishonorable, avoid anything that would leave the wrong impression, and shun anything that would cast doubts regarding their judgment, character and integrity. All that they do reflects a spirit of reverence and respectfulness. Proverbs 7: And behold, a woman comes to meet him, Dressed as a harlot and cunning of heart. 11 She is boisterous and rebellious, Her feet do not remain at home; 12 She is now in the streets, now in the squares, And lurks by every corner. 13 So she seizes him and kisses him And with a brazen face she says to him: 14 I was due to offer peace offerings; Today I have paid my vows. 15 Therefore I have come out to meet you, To seek your presence earnestly, and I have found you. 16 I have spread my couch with coverings, With colored linens of Egypt. 17 I have sprinkled my bed With myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning; Let us delight ourselves with caresses. 19 For my husband is not at home, He has gone on a long journey; 20 He has taken a bag of money with him, At the full moon he will come home. 21 With her many persuasions she entices him; With her flattering lips she seduces him. 22 Suddenly he follows her As an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool, 23 Until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hastens to the snare, So he does not know that it will cost him his life. Isaiah 3: Moreover, the Lord said, Because the daughters of Zion are proud And walk with heads held high and seductive eyes, And go along with mincing steps And tinkle the bangles on their feet, 17 Therefore the Lord will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs, And the Lord will make their foreheads bare. Jeremiah 6: Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; they did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be cast down, says the LORD. 5

6 Jeremiah 8: Were they ashamed because of the abomination they had done? They certainly were not ashamed, and they did not know how to blush; therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time of their punishment they shall be brought down, says the LORD. Sophrosune Defined The Greek word sophrosune is translated as discreetly (NASB), moderation (NKJ), seemly (RSV), sobriety (KJV, ASV), and suitable (NRS). BAGD say it means (1) reasonableness, rationality, mental soundness; (2) good judgment, moderation, self-control. BDAG say define it as (1) generally soundness of mind, reasonableness, rationality; (2) practice of prudence, good judgment, moderation, self-control as exercise of care and intelligence appropriate to circumstances. Strong/Thayer say it refers to (1) soundness of mind; (2) selfcontrol, sobriety. Swanson says it refers to (1) sound judgment, think sensibly; (2) moderation, self-discipline. Thomas defines it as soundness of mind, self-control. Trench says this word refers to that habitual inner self-control, with its constant reign on all the passions and desires, that hinders temptations from overcoming the checks and barriers that AIDOS proposes [p. 85]. This word appears three times in the New Testament (Acts 26:25; 1 Tim. 2:9, 15). It dictates a disposition of discreetness, demands a spirit of sobriety, and directs us toward that which is seemly and suitable. Primarily, moderation speaks of soundness of mind or sanity. When Jesus entered the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee, he encountered a demonic who for a long time had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but dwelt in the tombs (Luke 8:26-35). After the Lord cast out the demons that had tormented him, the man is pictured as sitting at Jesus feet, clothed, and in his right mind. This story suggests a modern parallel: When in the presence of one who is immodestly dressed, faithful Christians are sorely tempted to exclaim, Are you out of your mind?! This is especially true when the offender is supposedly a Christian. Acts 26: But Paul said, I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of *sober truth. 1 Timothy 2: Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and *discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 1 Timothy 2: But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with *self-restraint. Luke 8: Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 And when He came out onto the land, He was met by a man from the city who was possessed with demons; and who had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not living in a house, but in the tombs. 28 Seeing Jesus, he cried out and fell before Him, and said in a loud voice, What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me. 29 For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and yet he would break his bonds 6

7 and be driven by the demon into the desert. 30 And Jesus asked him, What is your name? And he said, Legion ; for many demons had entered him. 31 They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss. 32 Now there was a herd of many swine feeding there on the mountain; and the demons implored Him to permit them to enter the swine. And He gave them permission. 33 And the demons came out of the man and entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. 34 When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran away and reported it in the city and out in the country. 35 The people went out to see what had happened; and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting down at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they became frightened. The Holy Spirit used kosmios, aidos, and sophrosune to portray the dress and demeanor of a faithful Christian. We need to instill in the hearts of men who profess to be holy and women who profess to be godly an appreciation for the meaning of these terms. Translating their meaning from Greek into English, scholars use the words decency, discreetly, moderation, modest, modestly, proper, propriety, seemly, sensibly, shamefacedness, shamefastness, sobriety, and suitable. Taken as a whole, these terms portray an unmistakable sense of moderation and modest reserve. Rather than pushing us toward the brink of indecency and excess, they lead us away from all that is inappropriate and unseemly. Cumulatively, these words make it impossible for us to justify the various forms of immodest attire so prevalent in our culture. The ancient Roman world was as decadent and immoral as our own time. However, the gospel of Christ had a dramatic effect upon the morals and mores of society. The ISBE (1915) contains an interesting comment on the changes in character and condition of women wrought by Christianity: They no longer needed the former splendor of outward adornment, because [they were] clothed with the beauty and simplicity of Christ-like character. They exchanged the temples, theaters, and festivals of paganism for the home, labored with their hands, cared for their husbands and children, graciously dispensed Christian hospitality, nourished their spiritual life in the worship, service and sacraments of the church, and in loving ministries to the sick. Their modesty and simplicity were a rebuke to and reaction from the shameless extravagances and immoralities of heathenism. That they were among the most conspicuous examples of the transforming power of Christianity is manifest from the admiration and astonishment of the pagan Libanius who exclaimed, What women these Christians have! [s.v. Woman ]. God is not Always Satisfied with Our Choices Certain eternal and unchanging principles are set forth in the opening chapters of Genesis. In the beginning, God created man as a free-moral agent (Gen. 1:26; 2:16-17). In the beginning, God placed man in a position of dominion over all the creation (Gen. 1:26; 9:1-2). In the beginning, God instituted marriage and ordained the proper relationship between husbands and wives (Gen. 2:20-24). In the beginning, God emphasized the gravity and guilt of sin (Gen. 3, 4 & 6). In the beginning, God accentuated the difference between authorized and unauthorized worship (Gen. 4:1-7). In the beginning, God stood in judgment of man s vice and violence, wickedness and 7

8 corruption (Gen. 6-8). In the beginning, God ordained capital punishment in order to ensure social justice and a respect for human life (Gen. 9:5-6). Christians recognize that the Law of Moses has been superseded by the Gospel of Christ (Eph. 2:14-15; Col. 2:13-14). Nevertheless, the aforementioned principles predate the covenant of blood that was instituted at Sinai. They are founded in the very character of God Himself. Because they express the unchanging will of God, these ethical ideals are eternally valid. Thus, we should not be surprised to discover that they are reflected in the Patriarchal, Mosaic and Christian dispensations. The New Testament repeatedly refers back to the opening chapters of Genesis to emphasize the unchanging nature of certain truths, especially in those passages that relate to marriage, the roles of men and women, and modesty (Matt. 19:3-9; Mark 10:1-12; 1 Cor. 14:34-35; Eph. 5:25-33; 1 Tim. 2:9-15). Ephesians 2: For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, Colossians 2: When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Matthew 19: Some Pharisees came to Jesus, testing Him and asking, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all? 4 And He answered and said, Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, 5 and said, FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. 7 They said to Him, Why then did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY? 8 He said to them, Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. 9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery. Mark 10: Getting up, He went from there to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan; crowds gathered around Him again, and, according to His custom, He once more began to teach them. 2 Some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began to question Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce a wife. 3 And He answered and said to them, What did Moses command you? 4 They said, Moses permitted a man TO WRITE A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY. 5 But Jesus said to them, Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, God MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE. 7 FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, 8 AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. 10 In the house the disciples 8

9 began questioning Him about this again. 11 And He said to them, Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her; 12 and if she herself divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery. 1 Corinthians 14: The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. Ephesians 5: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31 FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband. 1 Timothy 2: Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 11 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint. Let us give special consideration to how the third chapter of Genesis addresses the issue of modesty. In their original ignorant and innocent state, the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed (Gen. 2:25). However, after eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve realized they were naked and were ashamed (Gen. 3:6-7). Please note that nakedness is not something shameful in the private and personal relationship of a husband and wife (Heb. 13:4). Rather, shame and embarrassment occurs when third parties are present. Adam and Eve were ashamed when God came to visit with them in the cool of the evening (Gen. 3:8-10). Genesis 2: And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. Genesis 3: When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its 9

10 fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. Hebrews 13: Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Genesis 3: They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, Where are you? 10 He said, I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself. Man s Choice of Clothing When Adam and Even realized they were naked, they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings (Gen. 3:7). Some Bible versions say aprons (KJV, ASV, RSV), while others say coverings (NKJ), loin coverings (NAS), or loincloths (NRS). Genesis 3: Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. The Hebrew word chagor or chagorah occurs 8x in the Old Testament (Gen. 3:7; 1 Sam. 18:4; 2 Sam. 18:11; 20:8; 1 Kings 2:5; 2 Kings 3:21; Prov. 31:24; Isa. 3:24). According to OT usage, it refers to a girdle, a belt, a sash, a loin-covering, a loin-cloth, or to armor that would cover the midsection of the body. Thomas says it refers to a girdle, loin covering, belt [2290ab]. BDB say it refers to a (1) belt, girdle; (2) a girdle, loin-covering, belt [292a]. Gesenius identifies it as a binding, hence a girdle, a belt; a girdle, an apron [p. 260]. Strong defines it as (1) girdle, belt; (2) girdle, loin-covering, belt, loin-cloth, armour. [2290]. Swanson says it describes a (1) covering, i.e., a garment made of plant leaves (Gen. 3:7), note: the amount of skin covered is not known, but at least the private parts of the body; (2) leather belt, used to hold implements of war; (3) sash, i.e., an ornamental band around the waist, likely made of some precious cloth; (4) chagar chagowrah means to be of fighting age, formally, gird up a belt [2514]. Genesis 3: Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves *loin *coverings. 1 Samuel 18: Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his *belt. 2 Samuel 18: Then Joab said to the man who had told him, Now behold, you saw him! Why then did you not strike him there to the ground? And I would have given you ten pieces of silver and a *belt. 10

11 2 Samuel 20: When they were at the large stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was dressed in his military attire, and over it was a *belt with a sword in its sheath fastened at his waist; and as he went forward, it fell out. 1 Kings 2: Now you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, what he did to the two commanders of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed; he also shed the blood of war in peace. And he put the blood of war on his *belt about his waist, and on his sandals on his feet. 2 Kings 3: Now all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. And all who were able to put on *armor and older were summoned and stood on the border. Proverbs 31: She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies *belts to the tradesmen. Isaiah 3: Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction; Instead of a *belt, a rope; Instead of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp; Instead of fine clothes, a donning of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty. Hebrew CHAGOWR KETHONETH KJV Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. God made coats of skins, and clothed them. NKJ Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. For Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. ASV Adam and Eve sewed fig-leaves together, and made themselves aprons. God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins, and clothed them. NAS Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them. NRS Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. God made garments of skins for the man and for his wife, and clothed them. RSV Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons. God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins, and clothed them. God s Choice of Clothing Yet, their original efforts to correct this problem were wholly inadequate. Adam and Eve still felt ashamed at their naked condition even though they had made loin coverings for themselves (Gen. 3:7, 10). Moreover, the Lord was not satisfied with their feeble efforts. To correct this deficiency, God gave them modest clothing (Gen. 3:21). According to the KJV and the ASV, God made coats of skins for Adam and Eve and clothed them. The RSV, NASB and NRS say that God made garments of skins. The NKJ says that God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. 11

12 Genesis 3: Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. Genesis 3: He said, I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself. Genesis 3: The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them. The Hebrew word kethoneth or kuttoneth occurs 29x in the Old Testament (Gen. 3:21; 37:3, 23, 31, 32, 33; Exod. 28:4, 39, 40; 29:5, 8; 39:27; 40:14; Lev. 8:7; 8:13; 10:5; 16:4; 2 Sam. 13:18; 13:19; 15:32; Ezra 2:69; Neh. 7:70, 72; Job 30:18; Song of Sol. 5:3; Isa. 22:21). When used elsewhere in the OT, this word identifies Joseph s coat of many colors, the priestly garments worn by the Levites, and the typical clothing of both men and women. Thomas says it refers to a tunic [3801]. BDB also define it as a tunic. Moreover, it was the principal ordinary garment of man and woman, worn next the person, having long skirts and sleeves [509a]. Holladay says it identifies a long shirt-like (under-) garment. [p. 167]. Gesenius says the word refers to a tunic, an inner garment next to the skin; also worn by women; generally with sleeves, coming down to the knees, rarely to the ankles) [p. 420]. Strong says it refers to a tunic, an under-garment, a long shirt-like garment usually of linen [3801]. Swanson defines it as (1) tunic, garment, i.e., clothing as a covering more complete than a loincloth, a basic garment reaching the knees and so a common garment for common wear and work; (2) unit: (kutonet pas) special tunic, i.e., long robe with long sleeves, with a special focus that this garment is not work clothing. Note: a good argument can be given that tunic was special because it was a richly ornamented robe [4189]. The TWOT says it refers to a tunic, a long shirt-like garment, usually of linen [1058a]. Genesis 3: The LORD God made *garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them. Genesis 37: Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored *tunic. Genesis 37: So it came about, when Joseph reached his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his *tunic, the varicolored tunic that was on him; Genesis 37: So they took Joseph s *tunic, and slaughtered a male goat and dipped the *tunic in the blood; Genesis 37: and they sent the varicolored *tunic and brought it to their father and said, We found this; please examine it to see whether it is your son s *tunic or not. Genesis 37: Then he examined it and said, It is my son s *tunic. A wild beast has devoured him; Joseph has surely been torn to pieces! Exodus 28: These are the garments which they shall make: a breastpiece and an ephod and a robe and a *tunic of checkered work, a turban and a sash, and they shall 12

13 make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister as priest to Me. Exodus 28: You shall weave the *tunic of checkered work of fine linen, and shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash, the work of a weaver. Exodus 28: For Aaron s sons you shall make *tunics; you shall also make sashes for them, and you shall make caps for them, for glory and for beauty. Exodus 29: You shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the *tunic and the robe of the ephod and the ephod and the breastpiece, and gird him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod; Exodus 29: You shall bring his sons and put *tunics on them. Exodus 39: They made the *tunics of finely woven linen for Aaron and his sons, Exodus 40: You shall bring his sons and put *tunics on them; Leviticus 8: He put the *tunic on him and girded him with the sash, and clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him; and he girded him with the artistic band of the ephod, with which he tied it to him. Leviticus 8: Next Moses had Aaron s sons come near and clothed them with *tunics, and girded them with sashes and bound caps on them, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Leviticus 10: So they came forward and carried them still in their *tunics to the outside of the camp, as Moses had said. Leviticus 16: He shall put on the holy linen *tunic, and the linen undergarments shall be next to his body, and he shall be girded with the linen sash and attired with the linen turban (these are holy garments). Then he shall bathe his body in water and put them on. 2 Samuel 13: Now she had on a long-sleeved *garment; for in this manner the virgin daughters of the king dressed themselves in robes. Then his attendant took her out and locked the door behind her. 2 Samuel 13: Tamar put ashes on her head and tore her long-sleeved *garment which was on her; and she put her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went. 2 Samuel 15: It happened as David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped, that behold, Hushai the Archite met him with his *coat torn and dust on his head. 13

14 Ezra 2: According to their ability they gave to the treasury for the work 61,000 gold drachmas and 5,000 silver minas and 100 priestly *garments. Nehemiah 7: Some from among the heads of fathers households gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 gold drachmas, 50 basins, 530 priests *garments. Nehemiah 7: That which the rest of the people gave was 20,000 gold drachmas and 2,000 silver minas and 67 priests *garments. Job 30: By a great force my garment is distorted; It binds me about as the collar of my *coat. Song of Solomon 5: I have taken off my *dress, How can I put it on again? I have washed my feet, How can I dirty them again? Isaiah 22: And I will clothe him with your *tunic And tie your sash securely about him. I will entrust him with your authority, And he will become a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Israelites typically wore an inner and outer garment (Matt. 5:40; 21:6-8; 24:18; Acts 22:22-23; 2 Tim. 4:13). Both were similarly shaped, except the outer garment was somewhat heavier. According to Revell, the cloak [i.e., the outer garment], was typically a large square of cloth with armholes. It fell to or below the knee. [s.v. Cloak ]. Matthew 5: If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Matthew 21: The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, 7 and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them; and He sat on the coats. 8 Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road. Matthew 24: Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. Acts 22: They listened to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live! 23 And as they were crying out and throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the air, 2 Timothy 4: When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. Contrast Standards How were the God-made garments different from the loincloths of Adam and Eve? First of all, animal skins were more permanent than fig leaves. Secondly, they were more effective in 14

15 covering the body. The concealment afforded by fig leaves was flimsy and faulty, but animal skins provided an opaque, nontransparent covering. Finally, while the fig leaves covered only the generative portions of the body, the tunics that God made covered the body from the shoulders to the knees. In the third chapter of Genesis, God established clothing specifically, modest clothing as a permanent institution among men and women. It is also instructive to note that God prescribed tunics for the Israelite priests (Exod. 28:4, 40). Jesus wore a tunic (John 19:23-24), as did the disciples (Luke 9:3). Dorcas made tunics for the widows (Acts 9:39). Hence, from the beginning to the end of Holy Writ, God approved of tunics as decent apparel. In fact, they continue to be worn in the Middle East even today, and they still cover the body as they did in Bible times. Of course, the significant point here is not to bind a particular style of clothing, but rather to show the consistent manner in which God required the human body to be covered. Exodus 28: These are the garments which they shall make: a breastpiece and an ephod and a robe and a tunic of checkered work, a turban and a sash, and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister as priest to Me. Exodus 28: For Aaron s sons you shall make tunics; you shall also make sashes for them, and you shall make caps for them, for glory and for beauty. John 19: Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. 24 So they said to one another, Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be ; this was to fulfill the Scripture: THEY DIVIDED MY OUTER GARMENTS AMONG THEM, AND FOR MY CLOTHING THEY CAST LOTS. Luke 9: And He said to them, Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. Acts 9: So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. So long as our garments effectively cover the body from the shoulders to the knees, they may vary dramatically in style and texture, composition and color. Yet, a few words of warning are in order. Christians should endeavor to remain properly covered while standing and sitting, when physically active, and while at rest. Let us be mindful of the potential exposure that may occur from different viewing angles. If a woman s top is too loose or too low, she is in danger of exposing cleavage, especially if someone else is situated at a higher angle. If her blouse is too loose, she is in danger of exposing her undergarments, especially if someone else is standing at her side. Also, she may inadvertently expose her thigh if she does not exercise caution when sitting in a cross-legged position. 15

16 It does little good for someone to be covered from the shoulders to the knees, if their clothing is so form-fitting that it simply changes the color of their skin. It does little good for someone to be covered from the shoulders to the knees, if their clothing is sheer or transparent, thus exposing the body. It does little good for a woman to wear a knee-length skirt if a slit extends half-way up the side or the back. It does little good for men to wear jogging shorts that extend to the knees when standing, but expose most of their thigh if they are careless when sitting. Let us consistently apply these principles to men and women, boys and girls, young and old. Modesty is required of both holy men and godly women. The Bible Condemns All Forms of Public Nakedness The Hebrew and Greek words that are translated naked or nakedness can have several distinct meanings: First of all, these words may refer to one who is completely nude and bereft of any clothing (Gen. 2:25; 3:7; Job 1:21; Eccl. 5:15; Mark 14:51-52). Genesis 2: And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. Genesis 3: Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. Job 1: He said, Naked I came from my mother s womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD. Ecclesiastes 5: As he had come naked from his mother s womb, so will he return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand. Mark 14: A young man was following Him, wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they seized him. 52 But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked. Secondly, these words may refer to a state of partial nakedness or inadequate dress. Often these words are used to describe someone who is raggedly, poorly or inadequately clad (Gen. 3:10; Deut. 28:48; Job 22:6; 24:7, 10; Isa. 58:7; Ezek. 18:7, 18; Matt. 25:35-44; Acts 19:16; Rom. 8:35; 1 Cor. 4:11; 2 Cor. 11:27; James 2:15). Genesis 3: He said, I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself. Deuteronomy 28: therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in the lack of all things; and He will put an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you. 16

17 Job 22: For you have taken pledges of your brothers without cause, and stripped men naked. Job 24: They spend the night naked, without clothing, and have no covering against the cold. Job 24: They cause the poor to go about naked without clothing, and they take away the sheaves from the hungry. Isaiah 58: Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked, to cover him; and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Ezekiel 18: if a man does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing, Ezekiel 18: As for his father, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was not good among his people, behold, he will die for his iniquity. Matthew 25: For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You? 40 The King will answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me. 41 Then He will also say to those on His left, Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me. 44 Then they themselves also will answer, Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You? Acts 19: And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. Romans 8: Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 1 Corinthians 4: To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; 17

18 2 Corinthians 11: I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. James 2: If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, Even after Adam and Eve had sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings, he said, I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself (Gen. 3:7-10). They were ashamed because their attempt at covering themselves was inadequate. Genesis 3: Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked [i.e., complete nudity]; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. 8 They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, Where are you? 10 He said, I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked [i.e., partial nudity]; so I hid myself. On other occasions, these words can describe someone who, having taken off his mantle [or outer garment], is clad only in his tunic [or inner garment]. Even though other clothing was worn under the cloak, and the cloak might be taken off when working in the heat, a man without his cloak was spoken of as naked. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared unto his disciples at the Sea of Tiberius. When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher s coat unto him, (for he was naked), and did cast himself into the sea (John 21:7, KJV). The NKJ says Simon put on his outer garment (for he had removed it). The NASB says he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work). Thomas defines the Greek word ependutēs, derived from ependuomai [to have on over], as an outer tunic [1903]. BDAG say it refers to a garment put on over another garment, outer garment, coat. John 21: Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. (KJV) John 21: Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord! Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. (NKJ) John 21: That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his coat about him (for he was naked), and cast himself into the sea. (ASV) John 21: Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord. So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. 18