embroider Summary and Overview

The art of embroidery was known to the Jews (Ex. 26:36; 35:35; 38:23; Judg. 5:30; Ps. 45:14). The skill of the women in this art was seen in the preparation of the sacerdotal robes of the high priest (Ex. 28). It seems that the art became hereditary in certain families (1 Chr. 4:21). The Assyrians were also noted for their embroidered robes (Ezek. 27:24).

EMBROID'ER, EMBROID'ERER, EMBROID'ERY These words occur in A.V. in Ex 28:39; Ex 35:35; Ex 38:23, but it is doubtful if they are used correctly. It seems probable that the production called "cunning work," Ex 26:1, was more like embroidery than the needlework which the embroiderer is said to have made. But neither kind answers exactly to the notion of modern embroidery.

shaabats (Exodus 28:39). Rather "weave in diaper work," the tissue of threads of one color being diapered in checkers (tesselated cavities) or small figures; but "the girdle of needlework" ("work of the embroiderer".) The embroiderer worked with a needle his design in stitches of colored thread, or in colored pieces of cloth sewn upon the groundwork. In Exodus 26:1, "the tabernacle curtains with cherubims of cunning work," rather "of the work of the skilled weaver"; chosheeb, one who thinks and counts. The figures of cherubim were to be worked in the loom as in tapestry work, but the hangings or entrance curtains for the tent were to be embroidered with the needle (Exodus 26:36), "wrought with needlework"; roqem, "the needleworker," "the work of the embroiderer" (Exodus 35:35; Exodus 38:23). Smith's Bible Dictionary makes the riqmah woven texture without gold thread, and therefore without figures; chosheb that with gold thread, which was employed to delineate figures as the cherubim; chosheb involving the idea of designing patterns (Exodus 27:16; Exodus 36:8; Exodus 36:35; Exodus 36:37; Exodus 38:18; Exodus 39:2; Exodus 39:5; Exodus 39:8; Exodus 39:29). He makes needlework embroidery a later invention of Phrygia (so Pliny, 8:48). But Septuagint favor KJV Pliny's authority weighs nothing against many proofs that, embroidery was known in Egypt and there learned by many Israelites (Exodus 35:30-35; 1 Chronicles 4:21). Babylon was early famed for garments of varied color attracting the eye, such as Achan coveted (Joshua 7:21). In Egypt the very sails were so ornamented (Wilkinson, 3:210; Ezekiel 27:7; Ezekiel 27:23-24). Assyria too was famed for such embroidery.