בֶּ֫גֶד (be.ged)
be.ged
treachery; garment
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 171 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun beged carries two distinct meanings that are often linked by metaphor: a physical garment and abstract treachery. In its primary sense, it refers to clothing or coverings used indiscriminately for various types of attire. This concrete usage appears frequently in the legal texts of Leviticus, Exodus, and Numbers, where regulations regarding fabrics, purity, and proper dress are detailed.
The secondary meaning, treachery or deceit, arises from the metaphorical idea of wearing a mask or hiding one’s true nature under clothes. This figurative sense is rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing notably in Isaiah 24:16 and Jeremiah 12:1 to describe hidden malice or dishonesty. The connection suggests that just as garments conceal the body, deceit conceals the heart.
Translators must carefully distinguish between these senses based on context. In most instances, beged simply denotes material clothing without moral implication. However, when used in poetic or prophetic contexts involving injustice, it points to the hidden corruption behind a respectable exterior. This duality highlights how ancient Hebrew thought often connected physical appearance with inner character.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word beged appears most often in the Bible as a simple term for clothing. It reminds us that God cares about the practical needs of daily life. In Genesis, we see garments given as gifts or used to mark important moments like Jacob’s blessing. These stories show that clothes are not just fabric; they can carry love, protection, and identity.
There is a deeper layer to this word too. When beged is used metaphorically, it points to hiding one’s true self. Just as a coat covers the body, deceit can cover the heart. The prophets use this image to warn against people who look respectable on the outside but hide malice within. This invites us to be honest and transparent in our relationships.
For your faith, beged offers two gentle lessons. First, trust that God provides for your physical needs. Second, examine your own heart. Are you wearing a mask to please others, or are you walking in the light? True integrity means letting your inner character match your outer life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 171 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- garments/ his31×
- [the] garments of19×
- clothes/ his18×
- garments16×
- a covering of7×
- garments of6×
- garment/ his6×
- clothes/ your6×
- the/ garments5×
- clothing/ his5×
- clothes/ their5×
- [the] clothes of5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּגָדָ֔י/ו12×
- בִּגְדֵ֥י11×
- בְּגָדָ֛י/ו10×
- בְּגָדָ֖י/ו8×
- בִּגְדֵ֣י6×
- בֶּ֣גֶד5×
- בִּגְדֵ֤י5×
- בְּגָדָ֗י/ו5×
- בְּגָדָ֑י/ו5×
- בְּגָדָֽי/ו\׃4×
- בִגְדֵי\־4×
- וּ/בְגָדִ֔ים3×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 27:15
Rebekah took the good clothes of Esau, her elder son, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob, her younger son.
This verse shows how garments can be used to deceive, as Rebekah dresses Jacob in Esau’s clothes to secure a blessing.
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Exodus 28:2
You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.
Here the word refers to holy vestments made for Aaron, highlighting that clothing can set apart people for sacred service.
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Genesis 39:12
She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside.
Joseph’s garment is left behind as evidence of his refusal to sin, showing how clothing can witness to moral integrity.
-
Genesis 37:29
Reuben returned to the pit, and saw that Joseph wasn’t in the pit; and he tore his clothes.
Reuben tears his clothes in grief, demonstrating that garments are often the first response to deep emotional pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does beged mean in the Bible?
Why is beged associated with treachery?
How is beged used in the Old Testament law?
Does beged always mean physical clothing?
Every Occurrence (171 verses across 23 books)
Genesis 13 verses
The servant brought out jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave…
Genesis 27:15Rebekah took the good clothes of Esau, her elder son, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob, her…
Genesis 27:27He came near, and kissed him. He smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him, and said, “Behold, the smell of my…
Genesis 28:20Jacob vowed a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to…
Genesis 37:29Reuben returned to the pit, and saw that Joseph wasn’t in the pit; and he tore his clothes.
Genesis 38:14She took off the garments of her widowhood, and covered herself with her veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gate…
Genesis 38:19She arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.
Genesis 39:12She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside.
Genesis 39:13When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and had run outside,
Genesis 39:15When he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.”
Genesis 39:16She laid up his garment by her, until his master came home.
Genesis 39:18and as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.”
Genesis 41:42Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen,…