Hebrew women did not veil the face in daily life, the Jewish Encyclopedia notes they “wore veils only on certain occasions,” above all the bride on her wedding day, as when Rebekah covered herself before meeting Isaac (Gen 24:65). Women’s dress otherwise matched men’s in kind, tunic and outer garment, but cut longer, wider, and sleeved, and Deut 22:5 kept the wardrobes distinct. Finery could run far beyond that: Isaiah’s catalogue of the daughters of Zion counts rings, headdresses, fine linen, and veils (Isa 3:16–23).
Daily life in Bible times
Veils & women’s dress
Clothing & dress
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Every cited verse, in full. Tap any reference to open it in the reader.
- Genesis 24:65bsb
and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “It is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.
- Deuteronomy 22:5bsb
A woman must not wear men’s clothing, and a man must not wear women’s clothing, for whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD your God.
- Isaiah 3:16bsb
The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty — walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles —
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