APRON (חֲגוֹרָה, H2514, girdle, belt, σιμικίνθιον, G4980, apron). Where occurring in the Eng. VSS, it means a brief covering material for the lower front of the body which ties around the waist. Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together and made aprons for themselves (Gen 3:7). The other five times the same Heb. word is used in the OT, it clearly signifies a form of girdle. Handkerchiefs or aprons were conveyed from Paul’s body to heal the sick (Acts 19:12). The term used once in the Gr. NT is borrowed from the Lat. in which it meant a half girdle. A large variety of workmen would wear such aprons to protect their clothes and perhaps to wipe their hands. Paul would wear an apron while working on tents (cf. Acts 18:3). Because of the number of aprons suggested, it is probable that people brought their own handkerchiefs and aprons for contact with Paul and then took them away, rather than that the apostle was prepared to furnish as many as might be wanted.

See Dress.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

George B. Eager

See also