מַעֲטָפָה (ma.a.ta.phah)
ma.a.ta.phah
overtunic
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun ma‘atafah refers to an overtunic, a specific type of outer garment worn in ancient Israel. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 3:22. In this context, it is listed among the luxurious items and adornments that will be removed from the daughters of Zion as part of a divine judgment.
The term likely denotes a loose-fitting robe or cloak worn over other clothing, serving both as a layer of warmth and a visible sign of status. Its singular occurrence highlights the specificity of Isaiah’s prophecy, where detailed descriptions of fashion illustrate the sudden loss of social prestige and material comfort for the elite.
Translators typically render this word simply as "overtunic" or "cloak," preserving its distinction from more general terms for clothing. The rarity of the word underscores the precise nature of the prophetic inventory, focusing on tangible symbols of wealth that are stripped away to reveal the humility imposed by God’s intervention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ma‘atafah describes an overtunic, a specific outer garment worn in ancient Israel. It appears only once in Scripture, in Isaiah 3:22. Here it is listed among the luxurious items that will be removed from the daughters of Zion as part of divine judgment. This rare term likely denotes a loose-fitting robe or cloak worn over other clothing, serving both as warmth and a visible sign of status.
Its singular occurrence highlights the specificity of Isaiah’s prophecy. Detailed descriptions of fashion illustrate the sudden loss of social prestige and material comfort for the elite. Translators typically render this word simply as "overtunic" or "cloak," preserving its distinction from more general terms for clothing. The rarity underscores the precise nature of the prophetic inventory.
When we read this passage, it reminds us that our security does not rest in fine garments or social standing. God can strip away even the most cherished symbols of wealth to reveal the humility imposed by His intervention. This ancient warning invites us to examine what we hold dear and to trust in Him alone, regardless of our outward circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ the/ over-tunics1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הַ/מַּ֣עֲטָפ֔וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 3:22
the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses,
This verse lists the overtunic among other luxurious items that will be removed from the daughters of Zion as part of divine judgment.