Bible Dictionary
Apron
An apron is a garment or half-girdle worn around the waist. The term describes the fig-leaf coverings made by Adam and Eve and workmen’s garments associated with Paul’s ministry.
Definition
An apron is a half-girdle or work garment worn around the waist. The word also describes the coverings made from fig leaves in Genesis.
Biblical Usage
Adam and Eve made aprons from sewn fig leaves. In Acts, aprons were workmen’s garments or half-girdles associated with Paul’s ministry and were carried to the sick.
Historical Background
The English word developed through Latin and French forms. The garment in Acts covered the front of the body and could easily be removed and carried.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Found in the Authorized Version in Gen. 3:7, of the bands of fig-leaves made by our first parents. In Acts 19:12, it denotes the belt or half-girdle worn by artisans and servants round the waist for the purpose of preserving the clothing from injury. In marg. of Authorized Version, Ruth 3:15, correctly rendered instead of “vail.” (R.V., “mantle.”)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a'-prun: Appears only in Ge 3:7 and Ac 19:12 English Versions. English na-prun, North of England nap-peon, from Low Latin, through French nape, nappe, "napkin." The "n" was dropped owing to false division of the article a from the noun; thus "a napron" became "an apron:" In Ge 3:7 it is used to translate a Hebrew word rendered "girdles" in Revised Version margin: "And they sewed fig-leaves together and made themselves aprons." In Ac 19:12 simikinthia, stands for semicinctia, which is really a Latin word meaning "half-girdle," i.e. girdles going only half round the body and covering the front of the person: "Unto the sick were carried away from his (Paul's) body handkerchiefs (soudaria, rendered "napkins" Lu 19:20; Joh 11:44; 20:7) or aprons." The word denotes here, probably, a workman's apron, perhaps those of Paul himself; though it seems more natural to suppose that the people brought their own "handkerchiefs" or "aprons" to Paul to secure the miraculous effect desired. The garments, at any rate, were such as could be easily removed and carried back and forth. (See Rich, Dict. of Roman and Greek Ant, under the word, for illust.; also Pope's Lexicon, under the word).</p><p>George B. Eager</p>