In the Bible, “fringe” often refers to the tassels or cords that were commanded to be worn on the corners of garments (Numbers 15:38-39) as a reminder of God’s commandments. These fringes symbolize holiness and adherence to the covenant between God and His people.
Scripture
37 The Lord said to Moses,
38 “Speak to the people of Israel, and tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a cord of blue on the tassel of each corner.
39 And it shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, to do them, not to follow after your own heart and your own eyes, which you are inclined to whore after.
40 so you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God.
41 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am the Lord your God.”
Biblical Significance of “Fringe”
The concept of “fringe” in the Bible, particularly as referenced in Numbers 15:38-39, carries deeper spiritual implications beyond the literal interpretation of the tassels worn on garments. These fringes serve as tangible reminders for the Israelites to adhere to God’s laws and live righteously. By observing the fringes, the people were constantly reminded of their identity as God’s chosen people and the moral and ethical responsibilities that came with this status. The act of touching or looking at the fringes symbolically linked them to the divine commandments they were expected to follow, fostering a sense of accountability and connection to God.
In the New Testament, the significance of the fringes is echoed in the story of the woman who touched the fringe of Jesus’ garment (Mark 5:25-34). Her act of faith reveals that the fringes not only represented adherence to the law but also a means of accessing divine grace and healing. This transition from Old Testament symbolism to New Testament fulfillment shows how the fringes embody the broader principle of seeking God’s presence and promises, highlighting both the continuity of God’s covenant and the transformative power of faith. Ultimately, the fringes call believers in every age to remember their commitment to God while also embracing the grace that brings healing and restoration.
Beyond the literal usage of “fringe,” the concept resonates throughout the broader scriptural narrative, emphasizing themes of remembrance and divine connection. In various passages, the adornment of garments, which can include fringe-like embellishments, serves to mark a distinction between the people of God and those outside the covenant community. For instance, in the context of priestly garments, the inclusion of particular elements signifies holiness and a set-apart status. These aspects highlight the relationship between God and His people, illustrating how tangible symbols can underscore a deeper spiritual reality: the call to live lives that reflect God’s character and commands.
Moreover, the metaphor of the “fringe” can also be seen in the broader landscape of biblical imagery, where it often signifies a boundary or a limit, such as in the prophetic literature. Prophets, who often wore garments marked with distinctive features, serve as living reminders to the people of Israel about God’s standards. The fringes can symbolize the border between the sacred and the secular, urging believers to stay within the confines of God’s statutes while exploring their identity in Him. In this way, the “fringe” becomes more than just a physical trait; it represents the ongoing journey of faith, where believers are called to remember their origins and divine calling while stretching out towards the transformative grace offered through Christ.
Symbol of Holiness and Obedience
In biblical texts, the fringe often represents a tangible reminder of God’s commandments and the call to holiness. The fringes on garments served as a physical manifestation of the covenant between God and His people, encouraging them to remember and adhere to His laws. This symbolism emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects divine principles and the commitment to spiritual integrity.
Connection to Healing and Faith
The fringe can also symbolize the connection between faith and healing. In various narratives, touching the fringe of a garment is associated with miraculous healing and restoration. This highlights the belief that faith, even in its simplest forms, can lead to profound spiritual and physical transformation. The act of reaching out to touch the fringe signifies a deep yearning for divine intervention and the power of belief in God’s ability to heal.
Representation of Identity and Community
Fringes on garments can also signify identity and belonging within a community. In ancient Israel, wearing fringes was a way to identify oneself as part of God’s chosen people. This practice fostered a sense of unity and collective identity among the Israelites, reinforcing their shared heritage and commitment to God’s covenant. The fringe thus serves as a reminder of the communal aspect of faith and the importance of maintaining one’s identity in relation to the broader community of believers.
How to Strengthen Your Faith Through Obedience and Identity
Strengthening your faith through obedience and understanding your identity in Christ is a transformative journey that can deeply enrich your spiritual life. When you choose to obey God’s commandments, you are not just following rules; you are actively expressing your love for Him, as Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.” This obedience fosters a deeper relationship with God, allowing you to experience His presence and guidance more profoundly. Simultaneously, embracing your identity as a beloved child of God—rooted in scriptures like 1 John 3:1—reminds you of your worth and purpose. When you see yourself through God’s eyes, it empowers you to live out your faith boldly and authentically. So, take small steps each day to align your actions with His will, and let the truth of who you are in Christ shape your decisions and interactions. In doing so, you will find that your faith not only grows but also becomes a source of joy and strength in your life.
Bible References to the Meaning of “Fringe”:
Deuteronomy 22:12: 12 “You shall make yourself tassels on the four corners of the garment with which you cover yourself.
Matthew 9:20-22: 20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment,
21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.”
22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.
Matthew 14:34-36: 34 And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.
35 And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick.
36 and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Mark 5:25-34: 25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years,
26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse.
27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment.
28 for she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”
29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.
30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?”
31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’”
32 And he looked around to see who had done it.
33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth.
34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
Mark 6:56: 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Luke 8:43-48: 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone.
44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased.
45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!”
46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”
47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed.
48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
Luke 13:10-13: 10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.
11 And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.
12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.”
13 And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.