Meaning
A loose outer garment or covering worn over other clothing; more broadly, a covering or cloak.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses mantle for an outer garment or cloak worn over other clothing. Mantles appear in accounts involving prophets, leaders, and ordinary clothing.
The term is especially associated with Elijah and Elisha. Elijah casts his mantle upon Elisha when calling him, and Elisha later takes up Elijah’s mantle after Elijah is taken up. Scripture also uses mantle in other passages for an outer covering or garment.
Key References
- 1 Samuel 15:27 — Samuel’s mantle is seized and torn by Saul.
- 1 Samuel 28:14 — Saul identifies Samuel by his mantle in the account concerning the woman of Endor.
- 1 Kings 19:13 — Elijah covers his face with his mantle.
- 1 Kings 19:19 — Elijah casts his mantle upon Elisha.
- 2 Kings 2:8 — Elijah uses his mantle in connection with the Jordan.
- 2 Kings 2:13 — Elisha takes up Elijah’s mantle.
- 2 Kings 2:14 — Elisha uses the mantle at the Jordan.
- Job 1:20 — Job tears his mantle as an expression of grief.
- Zechariah 13:4 — A prophet’s mantle is mentioned in connection with false prophecy.
Related Terms
- Garment
- Robe
- Girdle
- Cloak
- Clothing