לָבֵשׁ (la.vash)
la.vash
to clothe
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 83 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb lavash means to dress, wear, or clothe oneself. It describes the simple act of putting on a garment, whether for daily use or for a specific ritual role. In Leviticus, priests are commanded to lavash specific linen garments when entering the Holy Place (Leviticus 16:23-24), marking a shift from ordinary life into sacred service.
Its meaning extends well beyond physical clothing. The word is frequently used figuratively to describe abstract qualities or states. For example, Psalm 104:1 says God lavashes Himself with splendor and majesty, while Job 7:5 describes a body covered in worms as being clothed in them (Job 7:5). This usage suggests that what one wears defines their identity or condition.
The root implies wrapping around the body, creating a visible layer that separates the inner self from the outside world. Translators often render it as "put on" or "array," depending on context. In Isaiah 61:10, the speaker rejoices because God has lavashed him with garments of salvation, showing how the word bridges physical attire and spiritual reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word for clothing often describes more than just fabric. It speaks to identity, protection, and the covering of one’s true state. In Genesis 3:21, God provides garments of skin for Adam and Eve after their fall. This act shows that even in brokenness, God takes the initiative to cover human shame with something durable and sufficient. We do not need to hide our vulnerability; He offers a covering that meets our deepest needs.
This idea extends into spiritual life as well. Isaiah 61:10 describes God clothing the believer with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness. The imagery suggests that our standing before Him is not based on our own performance but on His generous provision. When we feel exposed or inadequate, this word reminds us that we are wrapped in grace. It is a tangible picture of how God’s mercy surrounds us, transforming our condition from one of lack to one of dignity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 83 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he clothed6×
- put on4×
- clothed4×
- and/ you will clothe4×
- and/ he put on4×
- may they be clothed3×
- wear2×
- to/ wear2×
- it clothed2×
- he will wear2×
- he is clothed2×
- and/ she put on2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יַּלְבֵּ֤שׁ3×
- מְלֻבָּשִׁ֤ים2×
- לְבַ֣שׁ2×
- לְב֣וּשׁ2×
- יִלְבְּשׁוּ\־2×
- יִלְבְּשׁ֣וּ2×
- וַ/יִּלְבַּ֥שׁ2×
- וְ/הִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֤2×
- וְ/הִלְבַּשְׁתָּ֖/ם2×
- אַלְבִּ֣ישׁ2×
- תַּלְבִּישֵׁ֑/נִי1×
- תַּלְבִּ֥ישׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 3:21
Yahweh God made garments of animal skins for Adam and for his wife, and clothed them.
This verse marks the first time God actively clothes humanity, shifting the focus from fig leaves to divine provision.
-
Leviticus 16:4
He shall put on the holy linen tunic. He shall have the linen trousers on his body, and shall put on the linen sash, and he shall be clothed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on.
The priest must wear specific linen garments to enter the Holy Place, showing that clothing mediates access to God's presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word for clothing signify in the Old Testament?
How is this word used metaphorically in the Bible?
Why did priests wear specific garments in Leviticus?
Every Occurrence (83 verses across 23 books)
Genesis 6 verses
Yahweh God made garments of animal skins for Adam and for his wife, and clothed them.
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 27:16She put the skins of the young goats on his hands, and on the smooth of his neck.
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 38:19She arose, and went away, and put off her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.
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,…