Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "mantle" in the Bible refers to a type of outer garment or cloak that holds significant symbolic and practical importance throughout the Scriptures. It is often associated with authority, prophetic office, and divine calling.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the mantle is frequently mentioned in connection with prophets and leaders. One of the most notable references is the mantle of Elijah. In 1 Kings 19:19, Elijah casts his mantle upon Elisha, symbolizing the transfer of prophetic authority and the calling of Elisha to succeed him. The Berean Standard Bible states, "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him." The mantle also appears in the account of Elijah's ascension to heaven. In 2 Kings 2:13-14 , after Elijah is taken up by a whirlwind, Elisha picks up Elijah's mantle that had fallen from him. This act signifies the continuation of Elijah's prophetic ministry through Elisha: "Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters, saying, 'Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?' And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over." The mantle is not only a symbol of prophetic authority but also a practical garment for protection against the elements. In the ancient Near East, a mantle would have been a valuable piece of clothing, providing warmth and serving as a blanket at night. Symbolism and Significance The mantle's symbolic significance extends beyond its physical use. It represents the calling and empowerment of God upon an individual. The act of passing a mantle, as seen with Elijah and Elisha, is a powerful image of the transfer of spiritual authority and responsibility. It signifies God's choice and anointing of a person for a specific purpose or mission. In the broader biblical narrative, the mantle can also symbolize righteousness and divine protection. Isaiah 61:10 uses the imagery of a garment to describe salvation and righteousness: "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." New Testament Context While the specific term "mantle" is not as prevalent in the New Testament, the concept of clothing as a metaphor for spiritual truths continues. Believers are encouraged to "put on" virtues and the character of Christ, akin to wearing a garment. Colossians 3:12 exhorts, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Conclusion The mantle in biblical literature serves as a multifaceted symbol of authority, divine calling, and spiritual empowerment. Its presence in key narratives underscores the importance of God's anointing and the continuity of His work through chosen individuals. Easton's Bible Dictionary (1.) Hebrews `addereth, a large over-garment. This word is used of Elijah's mantle (1 Kings 19:13, 19; 2 Kings 2:8, 13, etc.), which was probably a sheepskin. It appears to have been his only garment, a strip of skin or leather binding it to his loins. 'Addereth twice occurs with the epithet "hairy" (Genesis 25:25; Zechariah 13:4, R.V.). It is the word denoting the "goodly Babylonish garment" which Achan coveted (Joshua 7:21). (2.) Hebrews me'il, frequently applied to the "robe of the ephod" (Exodus 28:4, 31; Leviticus 8:7), which was a splendid under tunic wholly of blue, reaching to below the knees. It was woven without seam, and was put on by being drawn over the head. It was worn not only by priests but by kings (1 Samuel 24:4), prophets (15:27), and rich men (Job 1:20; 2:12). This was the "little coat" which Samuel's mother brought to him from year to year to Shiloh (1 Samuel 2:19), a miniature of the official priestly robe. (3.) Semikah, "a rug," the garment which Jael threw as a covering over Sisera (Judges 4:18). The Hebrew word occurs nowhere else in Scripture. (4.) Maataphoth, plural, only in Isaiah 3:22, denoting a large exterior tunic worn by females. (see DRESS.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A loose garment to be worn over other garments; an enveloping robe; a cloak. Hence, figuratively, a covering or concealing envelope.2. (n.) Same as Mantling. 3. (n.) The external fold, or folds, of the soft, exterior membrane of the body of a mollusk. It usually forms a cavity inclosing the gills. See 4. (n.) Any free, outer membrane. 5. (n.) The back of a bird together with the folded wings. 6. (n.) A mantel. See Mantel. 7. (n.) The outer wall and casing of a blast furnace, above the hearth. 8. (n.) A penstock for a water wheel. 9. (v. t.) To cover or envelop, as with a mantle; to cloak; to hide; to disguise. 10. (v. i.) To unfold and spread out the wings, like a mantle; -- said of hawks. Also used figuratively. 11. (v. i.) To spread out; -- said of wings. 12. (v. i.) To spread over the surface as a covering; to overspread; as, the scum mantled on the pool. 13. (v. i.) To gather, assume, or take on, a covering, as froth, scum, etc. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BABYLONISH MANTLEman'-tl (the King James Version Babylonish Garment): One of the articles taken by Achan from the spoil of Jericho (Joshua 7:21). In the Hebrew "a mantle of Shinar." Entirely gratuitous is the suggested correction of Shinar to se`ar, making "a hairy mantle." The Greek has psilen poikilen, which Josephus apparently understood to mean "a royal garment all woven out of gold" (Ant., V, i, 10). The Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) calls it a "scarlet pallium," and some of the rabbinical traditions make it a purple robe. Such classical writers as Pliny and Martial speak of the weaving of embroidered stuffs as a famous industry of Babylonia. Many tablets that have been deciphered indicate that the industry was indeed widely extended, that its costly products were of great variety and that some of them were exported to distant markets; in fine, that the account in Joshua is characterized by great verisimilitude. MANTLE man'-t'-l: Used 5 times of Elijah's mantle ('addereth, 1 Kings 19:18, 19 2 Kings 2:8, 13, 14), which was probably of hair. Found in plural once (Isaiah 3:22), where it (ma`ataphoth) is an upper wide tunic with sleeves (kethoneth). Greek 4018. peribolaion -- that which is thrown around, a covering ... a covering. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: peribolaion Phonetic Spelling: (per-ib-ol'-ah-yon) Short Definition: a wrapper, mantle, veil Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4018.htm - 6k 5341. phelones -- cloak. Strong's Hebrew 4594. maateh -- a wrap, mantle... 4593, 4594. maateh. 4595 . a wrap, mantle. Transliteration: maateh Phonetic Spelling: (mah-at-eh') Short Definition: mantle. Word ... /hebrew/4594.htm - 6k 8071. simlah -- a wrapper, mantle 145. eder -- glory, magnificence, a mantle, cloak 8008. salmah -- a wrapper, mantle 5622. sarbal -- probably a mantle 155. addereth -- glory, a cloak 4598. meil -- a robe 4595. maataphah -- an overtunic 8063. semikah -- perhaps rug, thick coverlet 4254. machalatsah -- robe of state Library Elijah's Mantle. 2Ki 51:11-14 The Mantle of Elijah Virtues of the Mantle. It Pleads in Its Own Defence. The Seventh Chapter: Grace must be Hidden under the Mantle of ... Gentleness Succeeding Strength Further Distinctions, and Crowning Glory, of the Pallium. Time Changes Nations' Dresses --And Fortunes. Elijah and the Widow's Son. The Story of St. Ursula Change not Always Improvement. Thesaurus Mantle (35 Occurrences)... This word is used of Elijah's mantle (1 Kings 19:13, 19; 2 Kings 2:8, 13, etc.), which was probably a sheepskin. ... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BABYLONISH MANTLE. ... /m/mantle.htm - 21k Veil (67 Occurrences) Babylonish (1 Occurrence) Cloak (73 Occurrences) Rent (76 Occurrences) Vail (44 Occurrences) Eli'sha (52 Occurrences) Pearl (5 Occurrences) Breeches (6 Occurrences) Cloke (7 Occurrences) Resources What is a mantle in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is grave sucking / grave soaking / mantle grabbing? | GotQuestions.org Who is the Lady of Guadalupe? Were the apparitions of Mary at Guadalupe real? | GotQuestions.org Mantle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mantle (35 Occurrences)Matthew 24:18 Mark 10:50 Mark 13:16 Luke 6:29 Luke 22:36 Acts 12:8 Hebrews 1:12 Genesis 25:25 Exodus 22:27 Joshua 7:21 Joshua 7:24 Judges 4:18 Ruth 3:15 1 Samuel 15:27 1 Samuel 28:14 1 Kings 19:13 1 Kings 19:19 2 Kings 2:8 2 Kings 2:13 2 Kings 2:14 Ezra 9:3 Ezra 9:5 Esther 8:15 Job 1:20 Job 2:12 Job 29:14 Psalms 89:45 Psalms 109:29 Song of Songs 5:7 Isaiah 3:6 Isaiah 3:7 Isaiah 59:17 Isaiah 61:3 Micah 2:8 Zechariah 13:4 Subtopics Mantle: Ripped As a Token of Grief Related Terms |
    |