In the never-ending debates over what constitutes modest
vs. immodest clothing, attempts have been made to find an exact standard of
measurement in scripture to settle the disputes. But if we are not careful, we
might allow our preconceptions to either speak where God has not spoken or
distort what God has prescribed.
The Standard of Priestly Underwear?
The
directives in Exodus 28 concern “holy garments” for descendants of Aaron in
their service as priests in the Jewish tabernacle [and later temple], including
a breastplate, ephod, robe, tunic, turban, and sash (vv. 1-4). These were to be
made and worn according to very strict guidelines (vv. 5-43), including “linen trousers
to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs” (v. 42,
NKJV).
Nothing
is said here about a dress code for men in general, for women, for Jewish priests
outside temple service, or for Christians under Christ’s new covenant. The stated
purpose of the linen trousers was “to cover their nakedness” (cf. Ex. 20:26).
While
the term “nakedness” in scripture sometimes describes one completely without
clothes (Job
1:21; Eccl. 5:15) and involves the exposure of one’s genitals (cf. Gen.
9:22-23; Lev. 20:17), it is mostly used in the following senses: (a) implying
sexual activity (Lev. 18:6-19; 20:11, 18-21; Ezek. 16:36-37; 23:18); (b)
signifying shame (Ex. 32:25; 1 Sam. 20:30; Is. 20:4; 47:3; Lam. 1:8; Mic. 1:11;
Nah. 3:5; Rev. 3:18; cf. Ezek. 16:8, 37; 23:29); and (c) descriptive of one
inadequately dressed (Deut. 28:48; 2 Chron. 28:15; Job 22:6; Matt. 25:36-44;
John 21:7; Rom. 8:35; 1 Cor. 4:11; 2 Cor. 11:27; Jas. 2:15).
The priestly garment was to “reach from the waist to the thighs,” but nothing more
specific is enjoined. Was it to reach down to the upper thighs, mid-thighs, or
lower-thighs, and how high was the waist? Was the intended purpose to cover the so-called private parts, or
everything above the knees? The biblical text does not say. Moreover,
this was an undergarment beneath an exterior tunic and robe.
The Standard of Adam and Eve’s Clothes?
The
fig-leaf coverings Adam and Eve made for themselves, presumably concealing
their reproductive organs, were apparently insufficient to hide their “nakedness,” so God
made them “tunics” [Heb. kethoneth] to wear (Gen. 3:7, 21). Nevertheless, precise measurements
are not given. Were these garments above or below the knees, and how many
centimeters above or below? Did they have sleeves or not; how much of
the arms were exposed? How wide and low were the neck openings? No specifics
are given.
Principle or Measuring Tape?
The Bible affirms the basic principle of modest
dress but does not provide specific and universal measurements and guidelines. Even
though society certainly does not dictate what is right and wrong, society can
help determine what might be considered inappropriate in any given culture. For
example, it was considered shameful if a woman appeared in public without the
customary headdress in mid-1st-century Corinth (1 Cor. 11:4-13), or immodest if
she wore expensive clothes and jewelry and elaborate hairstyles in mid-1st-century
Ephesus (1 Tim. 2:9) or if she exposed her ankles in 19th-century Europe, or if
she exposes her hair and face in 21st-century Saudi Arabia. Christians living
in any culture must be mindful of what is communicated by their dress and
behavior.
The primary NT text that addresses “modest apparel”
(1 Tim. 2:9-10) is actually talking about over-dressing, i.e., adorning oneself
in such a way that draws undue attention to oneself. A person does not have to
expose a lot of skin to be immodestly dressed (cf. Mark 12:38; Luke 20:46). The modern-day application
of this biblical principle would be to avoid dressing in such a way that would
unnecessarily direct the focus of onlookers to one’s outward appearance as
opposed to one’s inward character. Immodesty in today’s westernized world would
include skimpy outfits, excessive makeup and jewelry, outlandish hairstyles,
countercultural attire and body art, etc.
Conclusion
What does one’s standard of dress reflect about
one’s character and priorities?
Being clothed with Christ (Gal. 3:26), with holiness and honor
(1 Thess. 4:4-7), with godliness and good works (1 Tim. 2:10), and with a
gentle and quiet spirit (1 Pet. 3:4), are reflected in one’s outward
appearance. As a result, God is glorified rather than drawing the attention to
oneself.
I have my (somewhat conservative) convictions about
what I consider modest and immodest, and I try to teach, encourage, and advise
accordingly. The problem is, not everyone shares my convictions – some less
restrictive and some more restrictive. At the end of the day, we must
understand what the Bible actually says (in context) as well as what it does
not say, and avoid both extremes. We should be neither more lax nor more prohibitive than
the word of God allows, with humble and selfless consideration of how our fashion choices affect and influence those around us.
--Kevin L. Moore
Addendum: In the book To the Ends of the World, co-authored with her husband Chad Garrett, Amanda Garrett quotes Ryan and Sarah Davis: “Culture should never change the basic principle of modesty in that the Christian woman should always seek to draw more attention to God than to her own beauty and body. Christian women and men on every continent should be mindful of how their speech, actions, and dress can potentially affect others” (92). Terry Thacker posted this on Facebook (6 July 2018): “The body is the shell of the soul, and dress the husk of that shell; but the husk often tells what the kernel is.”
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