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Fringe

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The tassels Israelites were commanded to wear on the corners of their garments as a visible reminder to remember and obey the Lord’s commandments.

At a Glance

A commanded garment tassel in the Mosaic law that symbolized remembrance, obedience, and covenant faithfulness.

Key Points

Description

In Scripture, fringe commonly refers to the tassels or cords attached to the corners of garments, especially as commanded in the Mosaic law. Numbers 15:37–41 and Deuteronomy 22:12 present this feature as a visible reminder for Israel to remember the Lord’s commandments, resist unfaithfulness, and live in covenant holiness. In the Gospels, related language refers to the edge or tassel of a garment, including scenes in which people touched the fringe of Jesus’ cloak in faith. The object has genuine biblical significance, but it is best understood as a covenant reminder and cultural-religious practice rather than as a central theological doctrine.

Biblical Context

The command for tassels appears in the wilderness context after Israel’s repeated failures. The fringe functioned as a reminder that God’s people belonged to him and were to keep his words before their eyes and hearts.

Historical Context

Garment tassels were a recognizable feature in the ancient Near East, but Scripture gives them a specific covenant purpose for Israel. In later Jewish practice, tassels remained associated with remembrance of the Law.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In Second Temple and later Jewish life, tassels continued to symbolize obedience and identity as a covenant people. The New Testament references assume this background when speaking of the fringe of a garment.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

Hebrew tzitzit refers to the tassels in Numbers 15:38 and Deuteronomy 22:12; the Gospel garment-edge language is related to Greek kraspedon, often understood as fringe or tassel.

Theological Significance

Fringe illustrates that God often uses visible signs to train memory and obedience. The tassels pointed Israel back to the authority of God’s word and the call to live as a holy covenant people.

Philosophical Explanation

The object is not meaningful by itself as a physical token; its significance lies in its appointed function as a sign that directs attention beyond the object to the divine command it represents.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not treat the fringe as a talisman or magical object. The command belongs to Israel under the Mosaic covenant, so it should not be turned into a universal legal requirement for the church. The enduring principle is remembrance of God’s word and faithful obedience.

Major Views

Readers generally agree that the fringe in the Law was a reminder symbol, though traditions differ on later Jewish practice and on how directly New Testament believers should relate to the command.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry does not teach that clothing has spiritual power. It does not establish a binding New Testament ordinance for Gentile believers, though the moral principle of remembering God’s commandments remains valid.

Practical Significance

The passage encourages believers to use wise reminders that help them remember Scripture, resist sin, and live with intentional obedience before God.

Related Entries

See Also

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