CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Kerchief</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/k/kerchief.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/1-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/k/kerchief.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Kerchief</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/k/keras.htm" title="Keras">◄</a> Kerchief <a href="/topical/k/kerchiefs.htm" title="Kerchiefs">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>A kerchief, in biblical terms, refers to a type of head covering or cloth, often associated with women. The term is mentioned in the context of ancient Israelite customs and practices, particularly in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The Hebrew word often translated as "kerchief" is "מִסְפָּחוֹת" (mispachot), which appears in the book of Ezekiel.<br><br><b>Biblical Reference:</b><br><br>The primary biblical reference to kerchiefs is found in <a href="/ezekiel/13-18.htm">Ezekiel 13:18-21</a>. In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel delivers a message from God condemning certain women in Israel who were using kerchiefs as part of deceptive practices:<br><br><i>"This is what the Lord GOD says: 'Woe to the women who sew magic bands on all their wrists and make veils of every size for their heads in order to ensnare people. Will you ensnare the lives of My people but preserve your own? You have profaned Me among My people for a few handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people, who listen to lies, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not live.'"</i> (<a href="/ezekiel/13-18.htm">Ezekiel 13:18-19</a>)<br><br>In this context, the kerchiefs, or veils, are associated with false prophecy and sorcery. The women mentioned were using these items as tools to deceive and manipulate the people of Israel, leading them away from the truth of God. The passage highlights the seriousness of false teachings and the consequences of leading others astray.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Context:</b><br><br>In ancient Near Eastern cultures, head coverings were common for women and served various purposes, including modesty, protection from the elements, and as a symbol of marital status. The use of kerchiefs in Ezekiel's time, however, took on a more sinister role as described in the prophetic rebuke.<br><br>The practice of using objects like kerchiefs in magical or superstitious rituals was not uncommon in the ancient world. Such practices were often condemned by the prophets of Israel, who called the people back to the worship of Yahweh and adherence to His commandments.<br><br><b>Theological Implications:</b><br><br>The mention of kerchiefs in Ezekiel serves as a warning against the dangers of false prophecy and the misuse of religious symbols. It underscores the importance of discernment and faithfulness to God's word. The passage also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's opposition to idolatry and syncretism, where elements of pagan practices were mixed with the worship of the true God.<br><br>In a broader theological sense, the passage calls believers to be vigilant against false teachings and to uphold the truth of Scripture. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face and the need to rely on God's truth rather than human inventions or deceptions.<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>Mentioned only <a href="/ezekiel/13-18.htm">Ezek. 13:18</a>, 21, as an article of apparel or ornament applied to the head of the idolatrous women of Israel. The precise meaning of the word is uncertain. It appears to have been a long loose shawl, such as Oriental women wrap themselves in (<a href="/ruth/3-15.htm">Ruth 3:15</a>; <a href="/isaiah/3-22.htm">Isaiah 3:22</a>). Some think that it was a long veil or head-dress, denoting by its form the position of those who wore it. <a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>n.</I>) A square scarf worn on the head or used a handkerchief; a square of fine linen worn by women as a covering for the head; hence, anything similar in form or material, worn for ornament on other parts of the person; -- mostly used in compounds; as, neckerchief; breastkerchief; and later, handkerchief.<p>2. (<I>n.</I>) A lady who wears a kerchief.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">KERCHIEF</span><p>ker'-chif (micpachoth; epibolaia): Occurs only in <a href="/ezekiel/13-18.htm">Ezekiel 13:18, 21</a>, in a passage which refers to some species of divination. Their exact shape or use is unknown. They were apparently long veils or coverings put over the heads of those consulting the false prophetesses and reaching down to the feet, for they were for "persons of every stature."<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/4555.htm"><span class="l">4555. mispachah -- a long veil</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2). <b>kerchief</b>. From caphach; a veil (as spread out) -- <b>kerchief</b>. see HEBREW<br> caphach. 4554, 4555. mispachah. 4556 . Strong's Numbers. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/4555.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/miller/the_yoke/chapter_xxxviii_the_traitors.htm"><span class="l">The Traitors</span></a> <br><b>...</b> His head was covered with a wide <b>kerchief</b>, which was bound with a cord, and hid<br> the forehead. <b>...</b> The Hebrew put back his <b>kerchief</b> and stood uncovered. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxviii the traitors.htm</font><p><a href="/library/anonymous/children_of_the_old_testament/a_little_jewish_maid.htm"><span class="l">A Little Jewish Maid.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> eyebrows. When she went out, this little maid went also, in a little dress<br> of scarlet, with a white <b>kerchief</b> on her dark head. She <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/a little jewish maid.htm</font><p><a href="/library/anonymous/children_of_the_old_testament/the_shunammites_boy.htm"><span class="l">The Shunammite's Boy.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Coming up the stone stair, she stood at the door of the little chamber, hiding her<br> face, her dark hair covered by a white <b>kerchief</b> that fell over a tunic of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the shunammites boy.htm</font><p><a href="/library/miller/the_city_of_delight/chapter_ii_on_the_road.htm"><span class="l">On the Road to Jerusalem</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Blinded, with scarf and <b>kerchief</b> wrapped over mouth and nostril, the fleeing<br> party swept down upon the very heart of that stifling mystery. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter ii on the road.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingston/the_seven_champions_of_christendom/chapter_six_the_adventures_of.htm"><span class="l">The Adventures of Saint James of Spain.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> his helmet, for well he knew that one thrust from its deadly point would pierce<br> through steel and skull as easily as a lady's bodkin through her <b>kerchief</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter six the adventures of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bacheller/vergilius/chapter_13_in_travel-worn_garb.htm"><span class="l">In Travel-Worn Garb Vergilius Went Early to See the King. ...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> "Most earnestly, my beloved king.". "Traitors!" said Herod, and as he spoke<br> his powerful hands were tearing his <b>kerchief</b> into rags. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 13 in travel-worn garb.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bede/bedes_ecclesiastical_history_of_england/chap_ix_how_miracles_of.htm"><span class="l">How Miracles of Healing have Been Frequently Wrought in the Place <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Upon which she called for water, washed her face, arranged her hair, put a <b>kerchief</b><br> on her head, and returned home on foot, in good health, with those who had <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap ix how miracles of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/theodoret/the_ecclesiastical_history_of_theodoret/chapter_vii_of_theodorus_the_confessor.htm"><span class="l">Of Theodorus the Confessor.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> indeed he had felt some little pain, but that then had appeared to him one who<br> continually wiped the sweat from his face with a cool and soft <b>kerchief</b> and bade <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter vii of theodorus the confessor.htm</font><p><a href="/library/miller/the_yoke/chapter_iv_the_procession_of.htm"><span class="l">The Procession of Amen</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The sleeves were wide and showed the wristbands of a white under-garment. The<br> head-dress was a brown <b>kerchief</b> bound about the brow with a cord, also yellow. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iv the procession of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/anonymous/children_of_the_old_testament/joseph_the_dreamer.htm"><span class="l">Joseph the Dreamer.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He was dressed in his favourite coat of many colours, protected by his long cloak,<br> while a bright <b>kerchief</b> covered his head, and a spear and club hung at his <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/joseph the dreamer.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/k/kerchief.htm"><span class="l"><b>Kerchief</b></span></a><br><b>...</b> and later, handkerchief. 2. (n.) A lady who wears a <b>kerchief</b>. Int. Standard<br> Bible Encyclopedia. <b>KERCHIEF</b>. ker'-chif (micpachoth <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kerchief.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/keras.htm"><span class="l">Keras</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/keras.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/kerchiefs.htm"><span class="l">Kerchiefs (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of <b>Kerchief</b>. Multi-Version Concordance<br> Kerchiefs (2 Occurrences). Ezekiel 13:18 and say, Thus <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kerchiefs.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/mantle.htm"><span class="l">Mantle (35 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Found in plural once (Isaiah 3:22), where it (ma`ataphoth) is an upper wide tunic<br> with sleeves (kethoneth). See DRESS; <b>KERCHIEF</b>. Multi-Version Concordance <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/mantle.htm - 21k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/scab.htm"><span class="l">Scab (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> A cognate word in Ezekiel 13:18 is the name of a large Tallith or prayer veil used<br> by the false prophetesses in Israel (translated "<b>kerchief</b>"). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/scab.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/scabbed.htm"><span class="l">Scabbed (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> A cognate word in Ezekiel 13:18 is the name of a large Tallith or prayer veil used<br> by the false prophetesses in Israel (translated "<b>kerchief</b>"). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/scabbed.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/hat.htm"><span class="l">Hat</span></a><br><b>...</b> On the top of these is wound a long piece of cotton cloth with red stripes<br> and fringes, a flowered <b>kerchief</b>, or a striped keffiyeh. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/hat.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/dress.htm"><span class="l">Dress (38 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> a cloth for wiping off perspiration, sudor) which is probably the "napkin" of John<br> 11:44; John 20:7, although there it appears as a <b>kerchief</b>, or covering, for <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/dress.htm - 53k</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://clyx.com/term/kerchief.htm">Kerchief: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/k/kerchief.htm">Kerchief</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pads.htm">Pads (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kerchief.htm">Kerchief</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/keren.htm">Keren (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/joints.htm">Joints (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lengths.htm">Lengths (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/ensnare.htm">Ensnare (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/elbows.htm">Elbows (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pillows.htm">Pillows (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cushions.htm">Cushions (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/charms.htm">Charms (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/armholes.htm">Armholes (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/arm-holes.htm">Arm-holes (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sew.htm">Sew (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sowing.htm">Sowing (28 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stature.htm">Stature (22 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/various.htm">Various (52 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/preserve.htm">Preserve (61 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hunted.htm">Hunted (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/belonging.htm">Belonging (90 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wo.htm">Wo (92 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hunt.htm">Hunt (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/magic.htm">Magic (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/torn.htm">Torn (100 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tear.htm">Tear (97 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/prey.htm">Prey (105 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dress.htm">Dress (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/arm.htm">Arm (110 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/k/keras.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Keras"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Keras" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/k/kerchiefs.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Kerchiefs"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Kerchiefs" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>