Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, accessories refer to items of adornment or utility that are mentioned throughout the Scriptures. These items often carry cultural, symbolic, or practical significance and are sometimes used to convey deeper spiritual truths. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, accessories in the Bible can be seen as reflections of God's provision, human creativity, and the cultural practices of ancient times.
Biblical References and Cultural Context1.
Jewelry and Adornments: Jewelry is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing wealth, beauty, or status. In
Genesis 24:22, Abraham's servant gives Rebekah a gold nose ring and bracelets as a sign of betrothal: "And when the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold ring weighing a half shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold." Jewelry is also used metaphorically, as in
Ezekiel 16:11-12, where God describes adorning Jerusalem with jewelry to symbolize His blessings and covenant.
2.
Clothing and Garments: Clothing in the Bible often signifies identity, status, or spiritual condition. In
Genesis 37:3, Joseph's "robe of many colors" given by his father Jacob signifies favoritism and becomes a source of envy among his brothers. Garments are also used in parables and teachings, such as the wedding garment in
Matthew 22:11-12, symbolizing righteousness and readiness for the Kingdom of Heaven.
3.
Head Coverings and Veils: Head coverings and veils are mentioned in various contexts, often related to modesty, respect, or cultural customs. In
1 Corinthians 11:5-6, Paul discusses the practice of women covering their heads during prayer or prophecy as a sign of authority and respect: "But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved."
4.
Footwear: Sandals and shoes are mentioned as practical items but also carry symbolic meaning. In
Exodus 3:5, God commands Moses to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground, signifying reverence and humility. In
Ephesians 6:15, Paul describes the "readiness of the gospel of peace" as being like shoes, part of the full armor of God.
5.
Bags and Pouches: Bags and pouches are used for carrying money, provisions, or other items. In
Matthew 10:9-10, Jesus instructs His disciples not to take a money bag for their journey, emphasizing reliance on God's provision: "Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts. Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions."
Symbolism and Spiritual LessonsAccessories in the Bible often carry deeper spiritual meanings. They can symbolize God's blessings, human vanity, or the readiness and preparation required for spiritual endeavors. For instance, the adornment of the bride in
Revelation 21:2 symbolizes the Church's purity and readiness for Christ: "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."
From a conservative Christian perspective, the use of accessories should reflect modesty, humility, and a focus on inner beauty rather than outward adornment. As
1 Peter 3:3-4 advises, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight."
In summary, accessories in the Bible serve as practical items and symbols that convey cultural practices, spiritual truths, and moral lessons. They remind believers of the importance of focusing on inner virtues and the eternal values of God's Kingdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Accessory.
Strong's Hebrew
7585. sheol -- underworld (place to which people descend at death)... Or shol {sheh-ole'}; from sha'al; Hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean
retreat), including its
accessories and inmates -- grave, hell, pit.
... Library
Introduction. Modesty to be Observed not Only in Its Essence, but ...
... Book II. Chapter I."Introduction. Modesty to Be Observed Not Only in Its
Essence, But in Its Accessories. Handmaids of the living ...
The Preface.
... He charges me (page 32,) with arguing only against the accessories of atheism, and
leaving the essential hypothesis in its full force; nay, with confirming and ...
Preface
... thought the bearings of the Egyptian discovery, I have enlarged these two articles
into an argument against the view that Luke sinks, in the accessories of his ...
On the Study of the Evidences of Christianity.
... be borne in mind, that, unlike the essential doctrines of Christianity, the same
yesterday, to-day, and for ever,' these external accessories constitute a ...
The Draw-Net.
... The central figure of the parable, round which the other features congregate only
as fore or back ground accessories"the central figure is, A group of ...
If, Again, it is Certain that we are the Most Wicked of Men...
... robbers. Against traitors and public foes every man is a soldier; search
is made even for their confederates and accessories. The ...
The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
... 13, the council issued out a proclamation offering a reward of five thousand merks
to any that would discover the actor, and pardon to accessories; but nothing ...
In the Garden
... The Evangelists simply tell us how He suffered. Let us begin with the
accessories of the scene, and gradually approach the center. ...
The Arrest
... predominant, majestic remonstrance and panic flight. From the central events
no accessories can distract him. There cometh, he tells us ...
The World-Winning Climb.
... us, when we find we can't reach the top with our loads, let the top go, and pitch
our tents in the plain, and settle down with our small plans and accessories. ...
Thesaurus
Accessories (8 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Accessories (8 Occurrences). Exodus 25:39 It shall be
made of a talent of pure gold, with all these
accessories. (WEB NIV).
...Access (9 Occurrences)
Lampstand (38 Occurrences)
... of pure gold. (See NIV). Exodus 25:39 It shall be made of a talent of pure
gold, with all these accessories. (See NIV). Exodus 26:35 ...
Naked (56 Occurrences)
... defenseless. 3. (a.) Unprovided with needful or desirable accessories,
means of sustenance, etc.; destitute; unaided; bare. 4. (a ...
Immovable (5 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) Lands and things adherent thereto by nature, as trees; by the hand of man,
as buildings and their accessories; by their destination, as seeds, plants ...
Finery (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Elaborate or ornamental clothing and accessories.
2. (n.) Ornament; decoration; especially, excecially ...
Talent (16 Occurrences)
... severe. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT). Exodus 25:39 It shall be made
of a talent of pure gold, with all these accessories. (WEB ...
Micah (54 Occurrences)
... Ephraim, was the founder and owner of a small private sanctuary with accessories
for worship (17:1-5), for which he hired as priest a Judean Levite (17:7-13). ...
Accho (1 Occurrence)
Articles (78 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Exodus 30:27 the table and all its articles, the lampstand
and its accessories, the altar of incense, (WEB NIV). Exodus ...
Resources
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