מִטְפַּ֫חַת (mit.pa.chat)
mit.pa.chat
cloak
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 mitpaḥat refers to a cloak or outer garment, serving as a primary layer of clothing in the ancient Near East. With only two occurrences in the Bible, its usage is sparse but significant. In Ruth 3:9, Boaz invites Naomi’s daughter-in-law to spread her mitpaḥat over him, an act that symbolizes his acceptance of responsibility and protection for her.
In Isaiah 50:3, the word appears in a poetic description of God’s power, where He clothes the heavens with blackness as a sign of judgment or mourning. This rare verb-noun pairing highlights the garment’s role not just as daily wear, but as a symbol of identity, covenant, and divine action. The mitpaḥat was more than fabric; it represented honor, security, and social standing.
Though simple in meaning, this word carries deep cultural weight. It reminds readers that clothing in Scripture often functions as a metaphor for spiritual realities — covering, protection, and relationship. Its brevity in the text underscores how even small details in the biblical narrative can carry profound theological significance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the ancient world, a cloak was more than just clothing; it was your shelter and your security. When you stepped outside at night, that outer garment wrapped around you against the cold and danger. It represented who you were and how you were protected by your community or family.
Scripture uses this tangible item to speak about deeper spiritual truths. In Ruth, a cloak becomes a sign of care and responsibility between people. In Isaiah, it illustrates God’s majestic power over creation. These moments remind us that our faith is not abstract. It is grounded in real relationships and the reliable care of God.
When you face uncertainty or coldness in your life, remember that God provides covering and protection. You are held by a love that is as real and substantial as the fabric worn in those ancient times. Rest in the knowledge that you are seen and secured by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ shawl1×
- and/ the/ cloaks1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הַ/מִּטְפָּח֖וֹת1×
- הַ/מִּטְפַּ֧חַת1×
Key Verses
-
Ruth 3:15
He said, “Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it.” She held it; and he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her; then he went into the city.
This verse shows the cloak used practically to carry barley, highlighting its role as a secure container for provision and care.
-
Isaiah 3:22
the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses,
Here the word lists outer garments among luxury items, showing its status as a significant piece of personal attire in ancient Israel.