Cloak

/KLOHK/

Summary

The outer garment worn over the tunic, serving also as a covering at night, which by law could not be kept overnight as a pledge.

☩Description

The cloak (Hebrew meil, Greek himation) was the outer garment worn over the tunic or coat. It was typically a large piece of woolen cloth, nearly square, wrapped around the body or fastened at the shoulders. It served as both daily attire and nighttime covering.

Key verses:Isaiah 59:17Matthew 5:402 Timothy 4:13

☩Legal Protection

Mosaic law protected the poor by forbidding creditors from keeping a cloak as pledge overnight, since the poor used it as bedding. Jesus used this imagery teaching generosity: if someone takes your coat, give him your cloak also.

Key verses:Exodus 22:26-27Deuteronomy 24:13Matthew 5:40Luke 6:29

☩Figurative Usage

Scripture uses 'cloak' figuratively for covering or pretense. Jesus condemned those who used religion as a cloak for sin. Peter warned against using liberty as a cloak for wickedness.

Key verses:John 15:221 Peter 2:16

Related Verses2 mentions

2 Timothy· 1 verse

4:13

1 Peter· 1 verse

2:16

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Cloak," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
2.James Orr (ed.), "Cloak," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).