The Hebrew noun malbush (from the root labash, to wear/clothe) refers to clothing, garments, or attire. It encompasses any form of outer clothing and is used both literally for physical garments and metaphorically for righteousness, shame, or honor. Clothing in biblical culture was a powerful marker of identity, status, and spiritual condition.
The theology of clothing in Scripture runs from Eden to Revelation. After the Fall, God replaced Adam and Eve's fig-leaf coverings with garments of skin — an act of divine provision and sacrifice. Joseph's coat, the high priest's garments, the returning prodigal's robe — each tells a story of identity restored or bestowed. Most profoundly, Isaiah declares that God has clothed him with "garments of salvation" and wrapped him in "a robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10). Malbush thus points to the great exchange: Christ's righteousness becomes our covering.