📖 Biblical Definition
In Scripture, garments are far more than physical clothing — they symbolize spiritual reality. After the Fall, God made garments of skin to cover Adam and Eve, requiring the death of an animal — the first blood sacrifice pointing to Christ (Genesis 3:21). The high priest wore specific garments that represented his mediatorial role. Isaiah declared, "He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10). In the New Testament, believers are told to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:14) — clothing themselves in His righteousness. The wedding garment in Christ's parable represents the righteousness required to enter the kingdom (Matthew 22:11-12).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Any article of clothing, as a coat, a gown, a shirt, etc.
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GAR'MENT, n. Any article of clothing, as a coat, a gown, etc. Note: Webster defined garment in its plain material sense. The spiritual dimensions — covering, identity, righteousness — are revealed through Scripture's consistent use of clothing as theological metaphor.
📖 Key Scripture
• Genesis 3:21 — "The LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them."
• Isaiah 61:10 — "He has clothed me with the garments of salvation."
• Galatians 3:27 — "As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
• Revelation 19:8 — "It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
The garment as spiritual symbol has been lost, and modesty has been abandoned as oppressive.
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Modern culture views clothing as self-expression detached from moral meaning. The biblical concept of garments as covering, dignity, and spiritual identity has been replaced by fashion as personal branding. Modesty is dismissed as patriarchal oppression. Meanwhile, the theological depth of garment symbolism — that we need to be clothed in righteousness not our own, that our filthy rags must be exchanged for Christ's robes — is completely lost on a generation that sees clothing as a consumer choice rather than a reflection of spiritual reality.
Usage
• "The first garments in Scripture required the death of an animal — God was teaching that sin can only be covered by blood."
• "To 'put on Christ' is to be clothed in His righteousness — your own garments are filthy rags before a holy God."