MANTLE. In general some sort of upper garment worn in Biblical times by both men and women. One’s daily work was performed while usually wearing only an undergarment such as a waist cloth or tunic. In bad weather and for protection by night an upper garment was added.

In the Bible several names are used for the upper garment or mantle. Common in the OT is שִׂמְלָה, H8529, or שַׂלְמָה֒, H8515. It seems to refer to garments in general (Gen 9:23; 35:2; 37:34; 41:14; 44:13; Exod 22:9, 26; Deut 8:4; 10:18), and also more specifically to an article of clothing that was used as a protective covering to be used with some form of under garment (Exod 12:34; 22:26; Deut 22:3). Frequently it is difficult to determine with exactness what type of garment is meant. In the NT the word ἱμάτιον, G2668, is used (Matt 5:40; Luke 8:27).

A type of mantle mentioned several times is the מְעִיל, H5077. It is not known how the מְעִיל, H5077, precisely differed from the שִׂמְלָה, H8529. From its apparent association with men of high social position, or of the priestly order, one may likely infer that it was more ornate and elaborate than the ordinary robe or mantle. This was the garment that was made annually for young Samuel by his mother (1 Sam 2:19) and which he wore on important occasions (15:27; 28:14). It also is mentioned in reference to Saul (24:4, 11), Jonathan (18:4), and David (1 Chron 15:27). Mention is made of robes (me’ilim) and embroidered garments. For further references see Exodus 28:31ff.; 2 Samuel 13:18; Job 29:14; Psalm 109:29; Isaiah 59:17.

A third type of mantle was the אַדֶּ֫רֶת, H168. This was a garment of distinction worn by kings (Jonah 3:6), and esp. by prophets (1 Kings 19:13, 19; 2 Kings 2:8, 13, 14; Zech 13:4). The אַדֶּ֫רֶת, H168, was made of animal hair. This type of robe was one of the objects coveted by Achan (Josh 7:21, 24). The NT term for אַדֶּ֫רֶת, H168, is στολή, G5124. Important people wore it (Mark 12:38; Luke 20:46). Martyrs are described as being given a white robe (Rev 6:11). It is also the garment of the redeemed (7:9, 13).

Bibliography M. G. Houston, Ancient Egyptian and Persian Costume and Decoration, 2nd ed. (1954); ANEP, fig. 1-66, passim; BA, XXIV (1961), 119-128.