Did women in Bible times always cover their upper bodies in public?
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A few years back there was an interesting topic on StackExchange related to the question of "Does the Bible command women to cover their breasts ?"
In studying Genesis 3:21, where God made aprons for Adam & Eve, I can't find any definitive answer to the question of whether aprons, being translated from כתנת (*kĕthoneth*), refers to also the top of the body or just to a covering around the waist. Considering the warm climate of Eden where fig trees could grow, the former translation of it referring to the covering of the top part of the body seems rather awkward.
A possible connection between the ancient Israelites and the Minoans, who lived in very close proximity, are discussed here .
A PG-13 video of Minoan attire can be found here . As the video. points out, it is difficult to reconstruct the meaning without taking into account and reflecting upon an observer's own social bias (14:23 minutes in). In other words, some people will only interpret the art as myth expressed in art work. While others will depict the attire as exclusively worn by those involved in goddess worship. Still others will interpret it as reflecting both religious and standard everyday fashionable attire, just like modern clergy attire reflects the cultural attire of ancient Rome. The latter seems to be the most natural interpretation, in my opinion.
If this latter interpretation is true, than what is rather shocking about Minoan fashion attire is how out of place it seems in our culture. (Well, at least in most traditional settings.) For example, I would feel uncomfortable showing that video for a Bible class with men present. It might cause them to stumble with lust being stirred up.
Also, if the latter interpretation is true, is there any Biblical, or extra Biblical Jewish tradition, that would indicate the ancient Israelites dressed differently than their neighbors - i.e. the ancient Minoans?
Asked by Jess
(3702 rep)
Nov 12, 2021, 10:34 PM
Last activity: Nov 15, 2021, 01:03 AM
Last activity: Nov 15, 2021, 01:03 AM