Cloak

A protective outer garment, often treated as a symbol of authority.

The cloak used as a garment

Acts 12:8 See also Genesis 39:12, Genesis 39:18; 1 Kings 19:13; Song of Solomon 5:7; Matthew 5:40 parallel Luke 6:29; Matthew 9:20–21 parallels Mark 5:27–28, Luke 8:44 A woman's bleeding is stopped; Matthew 14:36 parallel Mark 6:56; Matthew 24:18 parallel Mark 13:16; Acts 22:22–24; 2 Timothy 4:13

“Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”

The cloak used as a covering or blanket

Exodus 22:26–27 See also Deuteronomy 24:13, Deuteronomy 24:17

If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

Symbolic use of the cloak

Royal symbolism

2 Kings 9:13 This constituted an act of royal homage. See also Matthew 21:7–8 parallels Mark 11:7–8, Luke 19:35–36

Quickly, each man took his garment and put it under Jehu on the bare steps. Then they blew the ram’s horn and proclaimed, “Jehu is king!”

Prophetic symbolism

1 Kings 19:19 See also 1 Kings 11:30; 2 Kings 2:8, 2 Kings 2:13–14

So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him.

The cloak torn as a symbol of mourning

Ezra 9:3 See also Ezra 9:5

When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled out some hair from my head and beard, and sat down in horror.

Figurative use of cloaks

Psalm 109:29 See also Psalm 109:18–19; Proverbs 30:4; Isaiah 59:17

May my accusers be clothed with disgrace; may they wear their shame like a robe.