Original Word: מַעֲטָפָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: ma`ataphah
Pronunciation: mah-ah-tah-fah
Phonetic Spelling: (mah-at-aw-faw')
KJV: mantle
NASB: outer tunics
Word Origin: [from H5848 (עָטַף - To cover)]

1. a cloak

mantle

From ataph; a cloak -- mantle.

see HEBREW ataph

Word Origin
from ataph
Definition
an overtunic
NASB Translation
outer tunics (1).

[מַעֲטָפָה] noun feminine overtunic (so Arabic , Aramaic , ); — plural absolute מַעֲטָפוֺת Isaiah 3:22.

Designation and Context

Maʿăṭāfāh appears once, in Isaiah 3:22, within the prophet’s catalogue of women’s luxury items destined for judgment. The term denotes a rich outer wrap—more than a simple shawl, yet lighter than a heavy mantle—fashioned for elegance rather than labor.

Canonical Occurrence

Isaiah 3:22: “the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, and the purses.”

Placed between “capes” (perhaps ornate shawls) and “purses” (small sachets), the maʿăṭāfāh is presented as one of a cluster of fashionable articles whose removal signifies divine displeasure.

Cultural and Historical Background

1. Function in Ancient Near-Eastern Dress
• Served as a decorative overlay worn by affluent women.
• Fabric typically woven of fine wool or linen, dyed with costly pigments.
• Ornamented with tassels, beads, or metallic thread—status symbols in eighth-century Judah.

2. Social Signal
• A conspicuous garment indicating leisure and wealth.
• Not associated with agricultural tasks or menial service; it belonged to the sphere of urban affluence.

Symbolism in Prophetic Judgment

1. External Splendor versus Internal Decay

Isaiah contrasts outward glamour with moral poverty, highlighting how superficial coverings cannot conceal spiritual nakedness (cf. Isaiah 1:15-18).

2. Removal as Covenant Sanction

The stripping of such garments mirrors covenant curses wherein prosperity is reversed (Deuteronomy 28:47-48). The loss of the maʿăṭāfāh dramatizes God’s intention to expose pride and restore holiness.

Relationship to Other Biblical Garments

• Compared with the ʾaddēreth (cloak) of Elijah (1 Kings 19:13), the maʿăṭāfāh is lighter and strictly feminine.
• Unlike the ṣĕmēl (veil) in Genesis 24:65, it does not conceal the face but adorns the shoulders.
• Unlike priestly vestments (Exodus 28), it lacks cultic function; its value lies solely in social prestige.

Theological Reflection

Garments in Scripture repeatedly act as metaphors for spiritual states—righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), salvation (Psalm 132:16), or shame (Revelation 3:17). The maʿăṭāfāh underscores the futility of trusting in material finery. True covering is found only in the “garments of salvation” graciously provided by God (Isaiah 61:10), a truth fulfilled in Christ who clothes believers with His righteousness (Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:27).

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Discipleship: Encourage believers to evaluate sources of identity; external markers of success can veil hearts from confronting sin.
2. Stewardship: The prophet’s critique warns against extravagance disconnected from generosity toward the poor (James 2:2-5).
3. Preaching: Use Isaiah 3:16-26 to illustrate how the gospel overturns vanity and calls for humble dependence on God’s provision.
4. Counseling: Address insecurity by pointing to the sufficiency of Christ’s covering, replacing restless comparison with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

Summary

The solitary mention of the maʿăṭāfāh in Isaiah concentrates the prophetic spotlight on luxurious self-adornment. Its impending removal serves as a timeless reminder that outward grandeur cannot hide inner need. True dignity is bestowed by the Lord, who alone provides the imperishable garment of salvation.

וְהַמַּ֣עֲטָפ֔וֹת והמעטפות vehamMaataFot wə·ham·ma·‘ă·ṭā·p̄ō·wṯ wəhamma‘ăṭāp̄ōwṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts