The meaning of Embroidery in the Bible
(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
em-broid'-er-i (riqrnah; the King James Version Needlework):
Riqmah was applied to any kind of cloth which showed designs in variegated colors. The method of manufacture is unknown. The designs may have been woven into cloth or drawn in by a needle or hook (Judges 5:30; Psalms 45:14; Ezekiel 16:10, Ezekiel 16:13, Ezekiel 16:18; Ezekiel 26:16; Ezekiel 27:7, Ezekiel 27:16, Ezekiel 27:24).
Ma'aseh raqam is translated "the work of the embroiderer" in the Revised Version (British and American) instead of "needlework" (Exodus 26:36; Exodus 27:16; Exodus 28:39; Exodus 36:37; Exodus 38:18; Exodus 39:29; Judges 5:30; Psalms 45:14).
Raqam, "embroiderer," occurs in Exodus 35:35; Exodus 38:23. The fact that this word is used instead of 'aragh, "weaver," would lead us to suppose that the embroiderers' work was either different from that of the weaver or that a "raqam" was especially skilled in fine weaving. Another word, choshebh, is used to describe a skillful weaver. "Cunning work" in the King James Version of Exodus 26:1, Exodus 26:31; Exodus 28:6, Exodus 28:15; Exodus 35:33, Exodus 35:15; Exodus 36:8, Exodus 36:35; Exodus 39:3, Exodus 39:1 is rendered in the American Standard Revised Version "work of the skillful workmen." The passage has been freely rendered "designers."
In the Revised Version (British and American) of Exodus 28:39 shabhats is translated "weave."
In Exodus 28:4 occurs the word tashbets, which is translated "broidered" in the King James Version and "checker work" in the Revised Version (British and American). If this kind of work is what it is supposed to be, it is more truly "needlework" than the embroidery. This work is still done in some of the Syrian cities and towns, especially in Damascus. Small caps for men to wear under their ordinary headdress and loose outer garments or dressing-gowns are the forms in which it is commonly seen. The checker-work effect is obtained by sewing in a cotton string between two pieces of cloth, so as to form designs. The patterns Usually run to straight lines such as zigzags or squares. The effect is striking, and we can well imagine would have made an impressive priest's robe, especially if costly materials were used.
See also CRAFTS.
James A. Patch
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