אֶ֫דֶר (e.der)
e.der
robe
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Word Overview
The Hebrew word eder refers to a large outer garment, specifically a robe or mantle that is notably wide and flowing. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within prophetic literature where it describes garments of high status or divine splendor.
Its core meaning connects physical clothing with abstract glory. The sources indicate that the width of the mantle symbolizes magnificence and honor. This dual sense is visible in Zechariah 3:4, where Joshua the high priest has filthy garments removed and is clothed in clean ones, signifying restored dignity before God.
Similarly, Micah 1:8 uses the term to describe the prophet’s mourning attire, linking the wide robe to a display of profound sorrow. In both cases, the eder serves as a visual marker of either exalted position or deep lamentation, grounding abstract concepts of glory and grief in tangible fabric.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eder describes a wide, flowing outer garment that served as a visible marker of status or deep emotion in ancient Israel. It was not merely clothing but a symbol of dignity and honor, often associated with high office or divine presence. When someone wore such a robe, it announced their place within the community and before God.
In Micah 2:8, the prophet laments how people strip this robe from others, showing how easily honor can be violated by greed or hostility. Yet in Zechariah 3:4, we see a beautiful reversal where clean garments are given to restore dignity. This reminds us that God values our worth and seeks to clothe us with righteousness when we fall short.
For your faith life, this word offers comfort. Your identity is not defined by what others take from you but by how God chooses to dress you in grace. He sees your heart and restores your standing before Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a mantle1×
- [the] magnificence of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶ֣דֶר1×
- אֶ֖דֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Micah 2:8
But lately my people have risen up as an enemy. You strip the robe and clothing from those who pass by without a care, returning from battle.
This verse uses eder to highlight the injustice of stripping someone of their honor, showing how deeply tied the garment was to personal dignity.