לְבֵשׁ (le.vash)

le.vash

to clothe

H3848 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

A:V

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: A:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb levas means to put on clothing or to be dressed in it. In the Old Testament, it appears only three times, with two instances found in the book of Daniel. This extreme rarity makes its usage in those specific contexts particularly significant for understanding the narrative’s emphasis on royal authority and divine judgment.

The word functions in two main ways: as a simple action of wearing garments (Qal) or as causing someone else to wear them (Hiphil). In Daniel 4:30, King Nebuchadnezzar boasts about Babylon, saying he has built it by his own power. Here, the imagery of clothing is tied to pride and self-sufficiency. Conversely, in Daniel 5:29, Belshazzar orders that Daniel be clothed in purple and a gold chain, using the Hiphil form to show royal favor bestowed upon another.

Its limited occurrence highlights how physical attire in Scripture often symbolizes status, identity, or divine assignment. When used for kings, it underscores their earthly power; when used for prophets or servants, it marks their appointed role. The word grounds abstract concepts of honor and judgment in the tangible reality of fabric and color.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

When we see someone dressed in royal purple and gold, it signals a shift in status and honor. The verb for "to clothe" appears rarely in Scripture, making its appearance in Daniel particularly striking. It reminds us that our identity is not defined by what we wear, but by who wears us—God Himself. In the ancient world, garments were more than fabric; they were visible signs of authority, favor, and divine assignment.

Consider how Belshazzar clothed Daniel with purple and gold. This was not merely a reward for wisdom, but a public acknowledgment that Daniel’s insight came from the Most High. Even in a foreign court, God elevates those who trust Him. We too are invited to let our lives reflect His glory, not through pride, but through humble service and faithfulness.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

you will be clothed1×
he will be clothed1×
and/ they clothed1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

תִלְבַּ֗שׁ1×
יִלְבַּ֗שׁ1×
וְ/הַלְבִּ֤ישׁוּ1×

Key Verses

Daniel 5:7
The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and shows me its interpretation shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”

This verse establishes the promise of royal honor—being clothed in purple—as a reward for interpreting the mysterious writing.
Daniel 5:16
But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold around your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”

Belshazzar reiterates the offer, showing that the act of clothing Daniel is tied directly to recognizing divine wisdom over human magic.
Daniel 5:29
Then Belshazzar commanded, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

The fulfillment occurs here, where Daniel is actually clothed in purple and gold, marking his temporary elevation despite the kingdom’s impending fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word levas mean?

Levas means "to clothe" or "to put on garments." It appears only three times in the Old Testament, primarily in Daniel, where it describes both wearing clothes and bestowing them as honors.

Why is this word significant in Daniel 5?

In Daniel 5, levas highlights the contrast between earthly pride and divine wisdom. Belshazzar uses clothing to honor Daniel, acknowledging that true insight comes from God, not human power.

How is levas different from other words for clothing?

While other Hebrew words describe general attire, levas often carries a sense of formal or royal dressing. In Daniel, it specifically marks honor and divine favor through the act of being clothed in purple and gold.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Daniel 3 verses

Daniel 5:7

The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the…

Daniel 5:16

But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and…

Daniel 5:29

Then Belshazzar commanded, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made…