Embroider

Easton's Bible Dictionary

The art of embroidery was known to the Jews (Exod 26:36; 35:35; 38:23; Judg 5:30; Ps 45:14). The skill of the women in this art was seen in the preparation of the sacerdotal robes of the high priest (Exod 28). It seems that the art became hereditary in certain families (1 Chr 4:21). The Assyrians were also noted for their embroidered robes (Ezek 27:24).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Embroidery

em-broid'-er-i (riqrnah; the King James Version Needlework):

Riqmah was applied to any kind of cloth which showed designs in variegated colors. The method of manufacture is unknown. The designs may have been woven into cloth or drawn in by a needle or hook (Judg 5:30; Ps 45:14; Ezek 16:10; Ezek 16:13; Ezek 16:18; Ezek 26:16; Ezek 27:7; Ezek 27:16; Ezek 27:24).

Ma`aseh raqam is translated "the work of the embroiderer" in the Revised Version (British and American) instead of "needlework" (Exod 26:36; Exod 27:16; Exod 28:39; Exod 36:37; Exod 38:18; Exod 39:29; Judg 5:30; Ps 45:14).

Raqam, "embroiderer," occurs in Exod 35:35; Exod 38:23. The fact that this word is used instead of `aragh, "weaver," would lead us to suppose that the embroiderers' work was either different from that of the weaver or that a "raqam" was especially skilled in fine weaving. Another word, choshebh, is used to describe a skillful weaver. "Cunning work" in the King James Version of Exod 26:1; Exod 26:31; Exod 28:6; Exod 28:15; Exod 35:33; Exod 35:15; Exod 36:8; Exod 36:35; Exod 39:3; Exod 39:1 is rendered in the American Standard Revised Version "work of the skillful workmen." The passage has been freely rendered "designers."

In the Revised Version (British and American) of Exod 28:39 shabhats is translated "weave."

In Exod 28:4 occurs the word tashbets, which is translated "broidered" in the King James Version and "checker work" in the Revised Version (British and American). If this kind of work is what it is supposed to be, it is more truly "needlework" than the embroidery. This work is still done in some of the Syrian cities and towns, especially in Damascus. Small caps for men to wear under their ordinary headdress and loose outer garments or dressing-gowns are the forms in which it is commonly seen. The checker-work effect is obtained by sewing in a cotton string between two pieces of cloth, so as to form designs. The patterns Usually run to straight lines such as zigzags or squares. The effect is striking, and we can well imagine would have made an impressive priest's robe, especially if costly materials were used.