A fabric woven from flax yarn. Biblical tradition documents the cultivation of flax and the production of linen cloth (Josh 2:6; Judg 15:14; Prov 31:13; Isa 15:9). The coolness, luster, and strength of linen made it a luxury item (Isa 3:23), graphically illustrated by Samson’s wager of thirty linen garments (Judg 14:12-13). Pharaoh dressed Joseph in garments of “fine linen” (Gen 41:42); Ezekiel describes the sail of a ship of Tyre as made “of fine embroidered linen from Egypt” (Ezek 27:7); Lazarus wore “fine linen” and royal purple in glory (Luke 16:19); and the harlot possessed “colored spreads of Egyptian linen” as bed coverings (Prov 7:16). Fine Egyptian linen was also to be used for the construction of the tabernacle (Exod 26:1; Exod 26:31; Exod 26:36; Exod 27:9) and the priestly garments (Exod 28:6; Exod 28:8; Exod 28:15; Exod 28:39; Exod 28:42). Garments made of linen and wool (“two different materials”) were prohibited (Lev 19:19; Deut 22:11; Ezek 44:17-18). The body of Jesus was wrapped in a “linen shroud” (Matt 27:59; Mark 15:46; Luke 23:53; John 19:39).
