(See LINEN.) The "fine linen" of Joseph (Genesis 41:42) accords with existing specimens of Egyptian weaving equal to the finest cambric. The Israelites learned from the Egyptians the art, and so could weave the tabernacle curtains (Exodus 35:35). In Isaiah 19:9 Gesenius translated choral (from chur, "white") "they that weave white cloth," for "networks" (Esther 1:6; Esther 8:15). The Tyrians got from Egypt their "fine linen with embroidered work" for sails (Ezekiel 27:7). Men wove anciently (1 Chronicles 4:21); latterly females (1 Samuel 2:19; Proverbs 31:13; Proverbs 31:19; Proverbs 31:24). The Egyptian loom was upright, and the weaver stood. Jesus' seamless coat was woven "from the top" (John 19:23). In Leviticus 13:48 the "warp" and "woof" are not parts of woven cloth, but yarn prepared for warp and yarn prepared for woof.

The speed of the shuttle, the decisive cutting of the web from the thrum when the web is complete, symbolize the rapid passing away of life and its being cut off at a stroke (Job 7:6; Isaiah 38:12); each day, like the weaver's shuttle, leaves a thread behind. Textures with gold thread interwoven (Psalm 45:13) were most valuable. The Babylonians wove men and animals on robes; Achan appropriated such a "goodly Babylonish garment" (Joshua 7:21). Sacerdotal garments were woven without seam (Josephus, Ant. 3:7, section 4); so Jesus' "coat without seam" (John 19:23)was appropriately sacerdotal, as He was at once the Priest and the sacrifice.