Understanding the Sacred Symbolism of Temple Clothing

by Kim Gibbs

Every item of sacred clothing we wear in the temple, from the robe to the apron to the veil, can be traced back to the clothing worn in the ancient temple of Jerusalem. In this inspiring booklet, popular speaker Kim Gibbs explains the rich symbolism associated with our temple clothes, why we wear them, and how they center on the Atonement of Jesus Christ.Sister Gibbs says, “Not only can our temple clothing change the way we feel about ourselves, but each item also teaches us something about our relationship with God.” As we come to understand the meaning of these sacred items of clothing, we can greatly enhance our temple worship and draw closer to our Savior.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Spirituality

Paperback

Published January 2, 2019

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I listened to it while driving with my family today as my husband and I were going to go spend some time in the temple.

It was a quick read/listen and was a great way to spend the time preparing for going inside the House of the Lord.

This is one I can see myself returning to. Very simple and straightforward but a gem in helping individuals to think about the symbolism behind the temple clothing.

Happy Reading!!!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was written in 2019 so it’s a little outdated especially with all the changes they’ve made in the last 5 years! I wished I would’ve had this book when I went through the temple. I didn’t learn any of this in my temple prep class or before I went. Simple and to the point.

[LMoody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this presentation by Kim Gibbs. I am so grateful I can wear temple garments which help me feel wrapped in Christ's Atonement. Kim Gibbs explains that garments originated with Adam and Eve and when they were ashamed of their nakedness, they made themselves aprons of fig leaves. Then Christ clothed them with a coat of skins. (Gen. 3) We wear the garments under all our other clothing against our skin both day and night which can be a symbol of our close personal relationship to God. Since the coats were made of animal skins, an animal (sheep) had to be sacrificed--pointing to Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice. One of the meanings of the word Atonement is "to cover" just as garments cover our skin, the Atonement of Jesus Christ covers our sins when we repent.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

As we prepare to be sealed to our kids this summer, we listened with our three teens to this short book (on Deseret Book Bookshelf) during a short Sunday roadtrip. It was insightful for me (having attended the temple 20 years) as well as for them. My husband and I stopped it several times to discuss with the kids.

The book discusses the historical significance of each piece of the temple clothing as well as possible symbolic meanings.

I HIGHLY recommend this book as teens prepare for their own endowment.

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an incredibly quick read, but it gets right to the point in a great way. The information is presented as possibilities, which is great for getting new ideas to explore during temple worship. It is not authoritative in any way, but it was not meant to be, and based on the lack of citations in this book, authoritative sources probably do not exist. This was helpful to me and made me want to explore the subject further in a more complete text, if one exists.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the whole thing! It was to the point and relevant. I think my favorite part was the end about shoes. This got me studying the topic from a Jewish angle. A great paper on this is "The Symbolism of the Show with Special Reference to Jewish Sources" by Jacob Nacht in the Jewish Quarterly Review, Vol. 6, No. 1 (July 1915), p. 1-22.

Anyone interested in this topic would be wise to listen to Kim Gibbs' material.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This provided wonderful insight into the meaning of each article of temple clothing. Knowing the symbolism and history made some of the items not seem so weird anymore. I highly recommend this for anyone preparing to go through the temple, anyone wanting to understand more about the Latter-Day Saints’ use of temple clothing, or any seasoned temple goer wanting to learn more.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was informative, but I do have a preference for Alonzo Gaskill's book "The Lost language of Symbolism" for studying symbols in the temple. This came across as more of a personal reflection, whereas Gaskill's book was founded in scriptural, historical and scholarly evidence which I appreciated. This book was well witten, cohesive and informative.

[Amber Orvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply love everything about this book, because it explains so much more about being in the LDS Temple my happy place and the order and in-depth of each temple ordinance and each piece of clothing that you wear I just love doing Temple work for those that have died and are ready for their work to be completed.

[Daryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good. It did exactly what the title says. It was very clear and easy to understand and gave background details and sources for the information given. I enjoyed getting my eyes opened a bit more.

[Paul Manuele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short book. Maybe a pamphlet. There were some great thoughts on temple ceremonial clothing. I wanted it to go deeper though (such as why their are 9-fig leaves on the apron). It was a quick read.

[Bruce Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful understanding

This short book helped see things about Temple clothing I had not thought of before. Due to recent changes in the Temple Endowment some of it is out of date. Overall it is a good book to read.

[Monsop Collado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightened Perspectives

Loved the book's unique take on sacred topics, but wished for more Prophetic references to bolster the author's points. It's a fascinating read that could be enriched with deeper scriptural connections.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the insights here. I attend the temple regularly but most of this information was new to me. I really feel that it will enrich my temple experience.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really thoughtful and helpful read. It was simple and straight forward. Made me want to read Nibley's Temple and the Cosmos. I think this type of discussion and preparation is important!

[Sansku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned so much from this. Understanding the temple is like peeling an onion: one layer at a time it makes more and more sense to you.

[Kole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great. It wasn't overloaded with customs or symbols. It was quick and to the point, yet still gave enough information to help me understand the sacred symbolism of temple clothing.

[Jamille Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew that a lot of the things in the temple had a significant sand a purpose, but I have come away wondering why some of the things are there. This is a great resource to answer those questions.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this TWICE today. The second time taking 4 pages of notes! This is one GREAT talk on temple clothing!

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great to listen to.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

no longer completely correct due to recent adjustments, but still interesting

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting info. A few things now outdated.

[Jodee Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh so helpful and enlightening.

[Michelle Smart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short, but I appreciated that she got straight to the point.

[Cyndee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction

I was asked to read this by a church leader
Glad I did. It was informative as I do self preparation

[Boone Bolinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and to the point. Great ideas to consider.

[Rashelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great for temple prep or anyone who just wants a reminder of the beautiful symbolism that can be found in the temple.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet

[Nicole Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! This was straight forward and clear. It was a refreshing little read.

[Chappyfamily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned some new things but is more for new temple goers