Sackcloth

Sackcloth - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

Cloth made of black goats' hair, coarse, rough, and thick, used for sacks, and also worn by mourners (Gen. 37:34; 42:25; 2 Sam. 3:31; Esther 4:1, 2; Ps. 30:11, etc.), and as a sign of repentance (Matt. 11:21). It was put upon animals by the people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:8).

Sackcloth - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

SACK'CLOTH, n. [sack and cloth.] Cloth of which sacks are made; coarse cloth. This word is chiefly used in Scripture to denote a cloth or garment worn in mourning, distress or mortification.

Gird you with sackcloth and mourn before Abner. 2 Sam 3.

Est 4. Job 46.

sak'-kloth.

See BURIAL.

Definition

Sackcloth was a coarse, scratchy type of cloth that was made from goat hair or camel hair.

• A person who wore clothing made from it would be uncomfortable. Sackcloth was worn to show mourning, grief, or humble repentance.
• The phrase “sackcloth and ashes” was a common term referring to a traditional expression of grief and repentance.

Translation Suggestions

• This term could also be translated as “coarse cloth from animal hair” or “clothes made of goat hair” or “rough, scratchy clothing.”
• Another way to translate this term could be “rough, scratchy mourning clothes.”
• The phrase “sit in sackcloth and ashes” could be translated as “show mourning and humility by wearing scratchy cloth and sitting in ashes.”

(See also: How to Translate Unknowns)

(See also: ash, camel, goat, humble, mourn, repent, sign)

Bible References

• 2 Samuel 3:31
• Genesis 37:34
• Joel 1:8-10
• Jonah 3:5
• Luke 10:13
• Matthew 11:21

Word Data

• Strong’s: H8242, G45260