מַחֲלָצָה (ma.cha.la.tsah)
ma.cha.la.tsah
robe
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun machlazah refers specifically to a "robe of state," a garment worn for formal occasions rather than daily labor. As Brown-Driver-Briggs notes, it is the kind of robe taken off in ordinary life, marking it as distinct from common clothing. This distinction highlights its function as a symbol of dignity and official capacity.
With only two occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, the word carries significant visual weight in its limited context. It appears in Isaiah 52:1 and Zechariah 3:4, where removing or putting on this robe signifies a shift from defilement to purity or from captivity to honor. The term underscores that true status is not merely about wearing fine clothes, but about the ceremonial removal of shame.
Translators often render machlazah as "robe" or "garment," but these English words can feel too generic. The Hebrew source specifies a garment of high rank, used in liturgical or royal settings. Its rarity suggests that when the biblical authors chose this word, they intended to evoke the solemnity of divine presence and restored honor.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word machlazah points to a robe of state, a garment worn for formal occasions rather than daily labor. It marks a shift from ordinary life into a space of dignity and official capacity. When this robe is mentioned in Scripture, it carries visual weight, signaling that true status comes not from fine clothes but from restored honor.
In Zechariah 3:4, the prophet sees a scene where filthy garments are removed and rich clothing is given. This act shows how God deals with shame. He does not just cover our faults; He replaces them with purity. The change is complete, moving from defilement to a state of grace that reflects His favor.
This image invites us to see our own lives through the lens of divine restoration. When we feel weighed down by past mistakes or public shame, we can trust that God offers a fresh start. He removes what stains and clothes us in something new, reminding us that our worth is found in His acceptance, not our performance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ robes1×
- robes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַחֲלָצֽוֹת\׃1×
- הַ/מַּֽחֲלָצוֹת֙1×
Key Verses
-
Zechariah 3:4
He answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, “Take the filthy garments off him.” To him he said, “Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing.”
This verse captures the core meaning by showing the removal of filthy garments and the gift of rich clothing, symbolizing the transition from iniquity to purity.