Frequently Asked Questions About Hebrew Roots

Hebrew Roots FAQ's and Myths

Under the Law

3c

Myth. The "613" commandments (rabbinical count) were given to Moses and are all considered part of the Torah.

A. When God gave the commandments to Moses, He did not designate a specific count other than the 10 commandments inscribed on two tablets of stone.

Exodus 34:28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

Deuteronomy 31:24 And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,
25 That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying, 26 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.

According to rabbinic Jewish tradition, there are 613 commandments referred to in the Torah (first five books or books of Moses or Law of Moses)  which are elaborated upon by the rabbinic sages. Called the 613 Mitzvot or Taryag Miztvot, the 613 are viewed as part of the commandments of Torah itself, and contain principles of law, ethics, and various doctrines all bound in the Torah also referred to as the Five Books of Moses. In other words, the writings of the sages concerning the Law of Moses (Mosaic Law; the Law) are viewed as being part of the Law of Moses, and of equal and in many views, holding more authority than the Biblical texts themselves. Judaism considers the 613 as the "heart of halakhah".

Although many rejected the notion of limiting the number of commandments to 613, some suggesting there were far more, or if one went by category, much less, it has become accepted to refer to all the commandments as the 613 regardless if one agrees with the count. Different groups adhere to different lists of the 613 breakdown, with the most popular in use being Maimonides'. Although Ashkenazic Jews prefer other listings of them.

The 613 commandments are either "positive commandments" or "negative commandments" Accordingly, there are 248 positive and 365 negative commandments. The numbers signify that "divine service" is expressed through bones and organs of the body (248) during a solar year of 365 days.

Deuteronomy 7:11-12 Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them. 12. Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers:

Deuteronomy 11:26-28 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; 27. A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: 28. And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.

Deuteronomy 27:26 Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Deuteronomy 28:1-2 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2. And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

Galatians 3:10-12 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Galatians 3:13-14 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

-Taryag: "Origin" of 613 Commandments (Ohr Somayach   //ohr.edu/yhiy/article.php/973

-The 613 Mitzvot, According to Sefer Hamitzvot of Rambam (Jewish Virtual Library) jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/613_mitzvot.html

Myth. Jesus wore a tallit with the fringe knots representing the 613 commandments. And Myth. Jesus wore a prayer shawl (tallit) and so should we

Did Jesus wear a tallit? According to John Hagee, Benny Hinn, and many of the Hebrew roots and Messianic “teachers”, they have stated publicly that He did, without supplying any Biblical proof for their assertions. The modern day conception of what is known today as a tallit or "prayer shawl," came about from a rabbinic interpretation of a passage from the book of Numbers, of a statute given to the children of Israel by God to put fringes on the borders of their garments and to “use blue thread.” The command was given to Israel so that they would remember the statutes in the future, after a man broke the Sabbath by doing work when he gathered sticks to build a fire, and was then stoned to death because of his transgression of the fourth commandment.

Numbers 15:37  And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, 38  Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:

39.And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:

Let’s review the details about the fringes, or tsitsit. The fringes were to be attached to the corners of their garments. This was a garment already being worn, and was clothes that they were already in possession of. The passage does not state that it was to be a separate special piece of Holy clothing. Researching the Hebrew text and the meaning of kanaph (H3671) and tsitsit (H6734), one will find that the fringe or tassel is attached to the wing or edge of the garment. It has also been debated by some whether tsitsit indicates the fringe around the edges of a garment, or a tassel at each corner. 

The mention in the English Bibles of "blue" (techelet H8504) is more accurately defined as violet or purple. The people of the land of Canaan were historically known for wearing garments purple in color. This same "blue" was the color of the cloth that was used repeatedly to cover almost all Holy items found in the Tabernacle of God. Purple or scarlet was also recognized as the color of royalty, and with a purple robe they clothed Jesus before His crucifixion as the Roman guards mockingly hailed Him as “King of the Jews”.

Historically it is believed that the violet color was made from a cerulean mussel (Heb. Chilazon). These produced a purple like dye used to make blue, scarlet, and various other shades of purple.  This species of mussel eventually became scarce and increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain, so the Rabbis changed the Scriptural requirement given by God that the fringe, or tsitsit, be dyed with the purple color. The Mishnah (talmud) permitted the use of tsitsit with all white threads. Today it is mostly the custom to have undyed fringes. Below is how the Brown Driver Briggs Hebrew Lexicon defines techelet.

The word tallith (Biblical Hebrew) does not appear anywhere in the Hebrew scriptures. The Greek equivalent of tallith does not appear in the New Testament writings, nor does a transliterated version of Hebrew word tallith appear there. Words like Mashiyach are transliterated as Messias in the Greek, but no transliterated equivalent for tallith can be found in the New Testament.

The Jewish prayer shawl used today, came about by a rabbinical decision at some point in the latter Middle Ages. The construction of this garment was related to a misinterpretation of the Biblical command found in the book of Numbers, and even more likely from the man made teachings/traditions found in the Talmud (Mishnah 3rd Century ce). The color, and the two blue lines, representing a modern prayer shawl that is found on the flag of the state of Israel, and most modern four cornered tallits, is very likely the wrong color according to historical sources.

Today there are Messianics, many of whom are former Christians that have come to the movement from the church, who are now unknowingly following the traditions established by Talmudic Judaism as they use the prayer shawls during services and to cover their heads while praying. Many believe by adopting these practices that they are more spiritual or close to God. Some 'leaders' are presenting videos and instructions to these followers of how to put on a tallit according to kabbalists, and what prayers one must say while doing so. They are not aware that the fringes are tied numerically by using gematria (kabbalah)in order to form the knots. There are four threads which go through the corner and are doubled back. 4 x 2 = 8. There are five knots on each tassel. 8+5=13. When you add in the numerical equivalent of the word (tsitsit) which is 600. 600+13 = 613.

The 613 is a rabbinic interpretation of the ten commandments. (603 interpretations +10 commandments = 613) A Jewish person cannot be buried with a tallit, unless the fringes are first cut off, which symbolizes that the deceased is no longer under the rabbinic interpretation of the Law. Conversely it stands to reason then, that by wearing one, it symbolizes that one is under the rabbinic interpretation of the law (613). Since the 613 is a late rabbinic interpretation, it would also stand to reason that the fringes that were originally commanded by God to be worn in Numbers, would be the Ten Commandments, and not the 613. If one studies what is written in the Torah, you will find the the tablets with the Ten Commandments inscribed on them were to be kept inside of the Ark of the Covenant, while the five books of Moses, or the Torah were commanded to be kept outside. Since the man was stoned for breaking the fourth of the Ten Commandments in the passage found in the book of Numbers, it would be logical that this is what they were to admonished by God to remember.

Matthew 23:4-5 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

Note that Jesus addressed the borders of their robes. Not their tallits. 

**phylacteries

G5440

2) a preservative or safeguard , an amulet. The Jews used this word to describe small strips of parchment on which were written the following passages of the law of Moses, Exo_13:1-10, Exo_13:11-16; Deu_6:4-9; and Deu_11:13-21

The Greek word used for borders in this passage is kraspedon. The equivalent Hebrew word(s) according to a comparison of the Hebrew that was translated into the Greek in the Septuagint (LXX) is kanaph and tsitsit.

Why would Jesus call out the Pharisees publicly for doing this, and then wear a tallit Himself which is 70 inches long, and up to 28 inches wide? I think that would be slightly hypocritical. Some Hebrew roots teachers have made the statement that no one can prove that Jesus did *not* wear a tallit. You can not prove that He didn’t wear a Roman soldiers helmet either, although it is highly unlikely. The difference being, that the Roman soldiers helmet existed in first century Judea because it has been proven historically. There is no historical or Biblical evidence of a tallit, especially one that has white tsitsit that is tied to represent the 613, which is a rabbinic interpretation of the Law that came about centuries later. That is just more Hebrew roots conjectural “scholarship”.

The above passage says that they laid them. In this position they could easily touch the tsitsit at the bottom of the robe as Jesus walked by, but in order for them to touch a tallit, it would have to be 12 ft long, or else He would have to bend over. Here is where the Scriptures get extremely definitive:

Matthew 9:20-22 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: 21. For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. 22. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, :44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

Luke 8:45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

If she came up behind Him, Jesus would have to be wearing the tallit backwards In order for her to be able to access the tsitsit. It is evident that she was behind Him, as He did not know who had touched Him, and He had to turn to see her. It is clearly evident from Scriptural sources that it is not a tallit like those worn today that Jesus was wearing, but tsitsit on the bottom of His robe as commanded in Scripture. 

Messianics also like to interpret the woman touching the hem of His garment, to being Jesus wearing a tallit (prayer shawl) with tzizit (tassels) on it and it was the tassels she didn't just touch, but grabbed onto. They ignore that prayer shawls were a rabbinic garment which was conceived hundreds of years later.

Messianics believe the woman grabbed the tzitzit because He was Torah made flesh, and therefore she was healed. In other words she was healed through the 'power' of the tzitzit. Messianics refer to Torah as being the Law. Therefore they take John 1:1 and 1:14, to mean Jesus=Torah. Due to that, they can interpret it as a fulfillment of Numbers 15 which instructs the wearing of the tzitzit to remember the commandments.

What they omit, as in much of their doctrine, are the actual facts. The Word in John 1:1,14 in the Greek is logos - when the "law" is being referred to in the Greek, it is usually with the word, nomos.

Messianics of varied beliefs also source the ISR: Scriptures for much of their theology. It was based on the writings of CJ Koster and his book, Come Out of Her My People. From the ISR is the teaching concerning the Numbers 15 reference to having the string or tassel or fringes. The belief is that doing so was to see them and hence remember the commandments and do them. The woman with the blood issue and others with illnesses, according to this teaching, saw the healing powers that were represented in the 'fringes' of Jesus' clothing.

Malachi 4:2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Their conclusion is that because they remembered the significance of the tassels this was a fulfillment of Malachi 4:2 with reference to "with healing in His wings". They believe that by keeping the commandments one would be healed from all sickness. Which of course ignores the commandments concerning illness and how to deal with it and all those throughout Judaism who appeared meticulous at keeping them, and still got sick.. They also believe that the passages have been changed and corrupted on these things, which has caused Jews and Christians to forget to keep the commandments, which keeping them has not been eliminated by the death of "Yahshua", which they view as a form of replacement theology. 1

In other words, it is not Christ that heals but the power in the tassels/fringes and keeping the Mosaic Law.

Revelation 19:13-14 "And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean."

vesture G2440
ἱμάτιον
himation
Thayer Definition:
1) a garment (of any sort)
1a) garments, i.e. the cloak or mantle and the tunic
2) the upper garment, the cloak or mantle
Part of Speech: noun neuter
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from a presumed derivative of ennumi (to put on)

*'himation' is used as garment, garments, clothes, raiment, cloak, robe, vesture, apparel in the NT.

Some more definitive proof from the Scriptures, from the Interlinear Hebrew OT:

Psalms 22:18 They part <2505> my garments <899> among them, and cast <5307>lots <1486> upon my vesture <3830> [formatting issues prevented the Right to Left presentation]

Here is the BDB meaning of the Hebrew word <H3830> vesture used above for the outer garment and is used in other passages as: vesture, raiment, covering

Notice also that neither the Hebrew words tsitsit nor kanaph are used in the passage in Psalms, that is quoted in John 19:24.

John 19:24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

(John 19:24) ειπον ^{2036(5627)[THEY SAID]} ουν ^{3767[THEREFORE]} προς ^4314[TO] αλληλους ²⁴⁰ μη ^{3361[ONE ANOTHER,]} σχισωμεν ^{4977(5661)[LET US NOT REND]} αυτον ^846[IT,] αλλα ^235[BUT] λαχωμεν ^{2975(5632)[LET US CAST LOTS]} περι ^4012[FOR] αυτου ^846[IT] τινος ^5101[WHOSE] εσται ^{2071(5704)[IT SHALL BE;]} ινα ^2443[THAT] η ^3588[THE] γραφη ^{1124[SCRIPTURE]} πληρωθη ^{4137(5686)[MIGHT BE FULFILLED]} η ^3588[WHICH] λεγουσα ^{3004(5723)[SAYS,]} διεμερισαντο ^1266(5668) τα ^{3588[THEY DIVIDED]} ιματια ²⁴⁴⁰ μου ^{3450[MY GARMENTS]} εαυτοις ^{1438[AMONG THEM,]} και ^2532[AND] επι ¹⁹⁰⁹ τον ^3588[FOR] ιματισμον ^{2441 [MY VESTURE]} μου ³⁴⁵⁰ εβαλον ^{906(5627)[THEY CAST]} κληρον ^{2819[A LOT.]} οι ³⁵⁸⁸ μεν ^3303[THE] ουν ^{3767[THEREFORE]} στρατιωται ^{4757[SOLDIERS]} ταυτα ^{5023[THESE THINGS]} εποιησαν ^{4160(5656)[DID.]}

In the Septuagint (LXX) we find that the Jewish translators who chose a Greek equivalent for the Hebrew words found in the Old Testament, chose the same Greek word that we find in John 19:24, which is himatismos:

 (LXX 21:19) διεμερισαντο ^{1266[V-AMI-3P]} τα ^3588[T-APN] ιματια ^2440[N-APN] μου ^1473[P-GS] εαυτοις ^1438[D-DPM] και ^2532[CONJ] επι ^1909[PREP] τον ^3588[T-ASM] ιματισμον ^2441[N-ASM] μου ^1473[P-GS] εβαλον ^{906[V-AAI-3P]} κληρον ^2819[N-ASM]

 G2441

ἱματισμός

himatismos

Thayer Definition:

1) clothing, apparel

Part of Speech: noun masculine

A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G2439

In no way is this word related to the Hebrew kanaph or tsitsit.

It is unclear sure what use a Roman soldier would have for a Jewish “Holy Garment”, if this was in fact, a tallit as Hebrew roots teachers have stated. He certainly would not have worn it, and any Jewish person would consider it unclean after it had been in Roman possession making it impossible for a Roman soldier to resell. 

Still there has been much speculation by some that Jesus and the first century Jews wore a modern style prayer shawl (tallit), but in the Scriptures God only commanded that the people wear tassels (tsitsit) or fringes on the four corners of an existing garment, and not a prayer shawl which is rabbinical in design. Some have said that it would have to be a rectangular garment such as a tallit, in order to have four corners. Let’s compare two passages to gain some understanding of what this expression means:

Deuteronomy 22:12 You shall make for yourself tassels on the four corners [al ‘arba`kanpowt] of your cloak with which you cover.

Isaiah 11:12 And He shall lift up a banner for the nations, and shall gather the outcasts of Israel, and gather those dispersed from Judah, from the four corners [me arba` kanpowt) of the earth.

It is obvious that the world is not square or rectangular in shape, so then four corners is an expression that is used to define four points of an area. Just like four points on the semi circular bottom of a garment or robe.

Deu 22:12 Thou shalt make thee fringesH1434 upon the four of thy vesture,H3682 wherewithH834 thou coverestH3680 thyself.

fringes H1434
גּדל
gedil
BDB Definition:
1) twisted threads, tassels, festoons
1a) tassels (on clothes)
1b) festoons (on capitals of columns)
Part of Speech: noun masculine
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: from H1431 (in the sense of twisting)

vesture > H3682
כּסוּת
kesûth
BDB Definition:
1) covering, clothing
1a) covering, clothing
1b) covering (for concealment)
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: from H3680

thou coverestH3680
כּסה
kâsâh
BDB Definition:
1) to cover, conceal, hide
...1d1) to be covered
1d2) to be clothed
1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: a primitive root

Some Hebrew roots teachers have tried to point out that the Scriptures speak of burial garments, priestly robes, and mantles that point to the fact that many first century Jews, as well as others in the region, wore shawls which could have possibly been a tallit. One article by a Hebrew roots teacher stated that Jesus had a tallit wrapped around His head when He was prepared for burial, and that was why it was neatly folded when it was found in the tomb by His followers after He had risen. Let’s review these claims:

 John 20:7 And<2532> the napkin<4676>, that<3739> was<2258>about<1909> his<846> head<2776>, not<3756> lying<2749>with<3326> the linen clothes<3608>, but<235> wrapped together<1794>in<1519> a place<5117> by itself<1520> 5565.

 G4676
σουδάριον
soudarion
Thayer Definition:
1) a handkerchief
2) a cloth for wiping perspiration from the face and for cleaning the nose and also used in swathing the head of a corpse
Part of Speech: noun neuter
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: of Latin origin

As we can see, the word used is of Latin origin. There is no possibility that a Jewish person would use a tallit to clean the nose and wipe the face of the deceased.

Here is the Greek word for robe:

G4749
στολή
stolē
Thayer Definition:
1) an equipment
2) an equipment in clothes, clothing
2a) spec. a loose outer garment for men extending to the feet, worn by kings, priests, and persons of rank
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G4724

Here are some of the definitions of mantle:

In reference to Elijah:

H155

אדּרת

'addereth

BDB Definition:

1) glory, cloak

1a) glory, splendour, magnificence (of a vine, shepherds)

1b) mantle, cloak made of fur or fine material

1b1) prophet’s garment

Other references to mantle:

H8063

שׂמיכה

śemîykâh

BDB Definition:

1) rug, coverlet, thick coverlet

Part of Speech: noun feminine

A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: from H5564

H4598

מעיל

me‛îyl

BDB Definition:

1) robe

1a) a garment worn over a tunic by men of rank

1b) a long garment worn by David’s daughters

1c) a garment of the high priest

If we use their eisegetical method of finding a text and then forcing a meaning, then according to their logic, the “rag” described in the passage below could then be a tallit also, as well as any carpet or piece of cloth spoken of in the Scriptures:

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean<2931> thing , and all our righteousnesses<6666>are as filthy<5708> rags<899>; and we all do fade<5034-1101>as a leaf<5929>; and our iniquities<5771>, like the wind<7307>, have taken us away<5375>.

H899
בּגד
beged
BDB Definition:
1) treachery, deceit
2) (CLBL) garment, clothing (used indiscriminately)
Part of Speech: noun masculine
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: from H898

This quote from a popular Hebrew roots author needs addressing, which is referring to talmudic and kabbalah practices:

“This garment the Tallit of the Talmud and modern Judaism, was spread as a sign of reverence over the head of a Jewish man when he prayed over a body in the grave. The purpose was that the person might “appear white before God”  as similar understanding of purity, white garments, and reverence may be seen throughout both Testaments.”

The Scriptures tell us that only the shed blood of Jesus Christ is what makes us appear sinless and white before God, and not any “Holy garment” as designated by men. To state differently is a false teaching that not only goes against Scripture, but mocks the finished work of Christ.

Revelation 7:13-15 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14. And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

1.The Fringe on the Borders of a Garment http://www.tyndalearchive.com/Scriptures/www.innvista.com/scriptures/compare/fringe.htm

For more on the ISR, please see: Myth. The ISR Scriptures, Hebrew Roots Version (HRV), Restoration Scriptures, etc. are translated with the correct names while also removing declared pagan elements.  http://www.SeekGod.ca/hr/hrfaqs9a1.htm

Myth. Jesus wore a kippah or yarmulke, sometimes called skullcaps, and so should we

A. Jesus, nor the apostles, nor any of the Jews of that time wore a kippah.

The kippah, plural kippot, or yarmulke (Yiddish) are rabbinic traditions which for many in Judaism, has become a symbol of Jewish identity. Beginning as regional Jewish customs, the kippah did not become ingrained as Talmudic law, until long after Christ and the apostles walked the earth.  The practice of covering one's head for prayer and study was introduced by Spanish and French rabbis in the Middle Ages. It became codified by the mid 16th century, and over the next years went from not walking any distance without head covering, to being that a man should not sit in his house without his head covered to even being covered while sleeping.  Some women wear them today to show equality with men. However, all 'legal' sources for it's use comes from the Talmud or the Zohar which is kabbalah. It does in fact suggest that a man is not to walk four cubits without his head covered.

There is much debate about whether it is or should be Jewish law or simply custom because of not having a Biblical foundation for it. Due to the lack of Biblical origins, many concepts and variations of fabric and style have dictated their appearance and use. However, because the custom became so pervasive, those Jews who don't wear a kippah are viewed as being irreverent. .

The Catholic church adopted skullcaps also called a zuchetto, in the Middle ages as well. According to the Catholic encyclopedia, the pope's is white, cardinal's wear red, bishop's violet. It is believed they were not worn before the thirteenth century. Similar hats are found in Islam, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and other.

From a Biblical standpoint, only the priests serving in the Temple were required to cover their heads as seen in the following verses concerning the priesthood and the Law of Moses:

Exodus 39:27 And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

Exo 39:28 And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined linen,

Mitre is also found in :Exo_28:4, Exo_28:37 , Exo_28:39, Exo_29:6 , Exo_39:31, Lev_8:9 , Lev_16:4

The other word used is mitre which means:

Mitre H4701

מצנפת

Messianic Jews and Hebrew Roots proponents have adopted the rabbinic practice of wearing a kippah as though it were Biblical and view the wearing of them in much the same way as those within Judaism. In fact many take it to mean because of being called the royal priesthood because of Christ, they have the God given right to wear one as the 'new priesthood.'

1Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Those in Hebrews Roots also make the claim to be today's Jews, thereby able to utilize all customs and traditions, because of the errant doctrine of their Two House or Lost Tribes beliefs which are merely variations of British Israelism.

For those who belong to Jesus Christ, concerning the covering of a man's head, and according to what is documented in the Scriptures, the apostle Paul admonished,

1 Corinthians 11:2-4 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 3. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 4. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

1 Corinthians 11:5-7 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 7. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

Please notice, the issue of covering one's head was referring to when a man (or woman) prayed or prophesied. It had nothing to do with wearing or not wearing a hat or covering to protect one from the elements or as a custom of attire, with no spiritual significance attached.

1. Kippot in Jewish Custom By Jonathan L. Friedmann  from the Passover 2008 Edition of the Jewish Magazine 

http://www.jewishmag.com/122mag/kippa%5Ckippa.htm 

2. Lids for Yids: Reason & History of Yarmulkes http://www.lidsforyids.com/yarmulke_history.htm

3. Kippah>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kippah

4. zuchetto >http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15765b.htm

Note: "Strong's" for Hebrew and Greek Word definitions from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance by James Strong

"Thayers" >  Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament

"BDB" >Brown-Driver-Brigg's Hebrew Definitions

02/25/2011

All Scripture King James Version unless otherwise stated

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