Robes

A formal style of clothing, often indicating priesthood, royalty or elevated social status.

Priestly robes

Aaron's priestly robes

Exodus 28:4 See also Exodus 28:31–34, Exodus 29:5, Exodus 39:22–26; Leviticus 8:7; Psalm 133:2

These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests.

Other wearers of priestly robes

1 Samuel 2:19; 1 Chronicles 15:27

Royal robes

The majestic robes of God

Psalm 93:1; Isaiah 6:1, Isaiah 63:1

Robes for kings and queens

Esther 5:1 See also 1 Kings 22:10 parallel 2 Chronicles 18:9; 1 Kings 22:30 parallel 2 Chronicles 18:29; Esther 8:15; Jonah 3:6; Acts 12:21

On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance.

Jesus Christ robed as a king and mocked

Mark 15:17 parallel Matthew 27:28 See also John 19:2, John 19:5

They dressed Him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and set it on His head.

Robes indicating office, favour or wealth

Genesis 41:42 See also Genesis 37:3; Joshua 7:21; 1 Samuel 18:4; 2 Samuel 13:18; 1 Kings 10:25; Esther 6:7–11; Isaiah 3:18–23, Isaiah 22:21; Micah 2:8; Mark 12:38; Luke 20:46, Luke 15:22

Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.

Robes associated with righteousness and purity

Isaiah 61:10 See also Revelation 6:11, Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13–14, Revelation 22:14

I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Tearing of robes to show mourning or repentance

Job 2:12 See also 2 Chronicles 34:27

When they lifted up their eyes from afar, they could barely recognize Job. They began to weep aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust in the air over his head.