📖 Biblical Definition
A robe is a long, full-length outer garment of honor — and in Scripture it carries weight. The priest wore the blue robe with bells and pomegranates (Exodus 28:31-35). Joseph’s coat of many colors marked his father’s favoritism and provoked his brothers’ hatred (Genesis 37:3-4). The prodigal’s father called for "the best robe" to restore him to sonship (Luke 15:22). The high priest tore his robe at Christ’s confession — a forbidden act (Matthew 26:65). Christ was clothed in a scarlet (Matthew) or purple (Mark, John) robe in mockery before the crucifixion (Matthew 27:28; Mark 15:17; John 19:2). The redeemed in Revelation 7:9 wear white robes "washed in the blood of the Lamb".
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
ROBE, n.
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1. A kind of gown or long loose garment worn over other dress; particularly, a dress of state or ceremonial dignity. 2. A splendid female garment.
📖 Key Scripture
Luke 15:22 — "The father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him."
Isaiah 61:10 — "He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness."
Revelation 7:14 — "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
Genesis 37:3 — "Israel loved Joseph more than all his children... and he made him a coat of many colours."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
The prodigal expected a hired-servant tunic; the father called for the best robe.
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Luke 15 is the most-loved chapter on the gospel of the Father's welcome. The prodigal had rehearsed a careful speech: make me as one of thy hired servants. The father interrupts the speech mid-sentence and calls for three things: the best robe, a ring, and shoes. The robe is not a hired-servant tunic; it is full-son dignity. The Father restores not just the bare relation but the full status, in front of every servant and every neighbor.
Isaiah 61:10 names what the robe is: the robe of righteousness. Christ Himself is the robe; the believer is wrapped in His perfect record before God. Revelation 7 carries the robe forward: white robes washed in the blood of the Lamb worn forever by the great multitude. Wear the robe. Stop dressing for the hired-servant role. The Father handed you the best robe at the door.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew meil (H4598); Greek stole (G4749).
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H4598 — meil — robe, mantle
G4749 — stole — robe; long flowing garment
H3801 — kethoneth — tunic, coat
Usage
"The prodigal expected a hired-servant tunic; the father called for the best robe."
"Christ Himself is the robe of righteousness; stop dressing for the hired-servant role."
"Wear the robe. The Father handed it to you at the door."