Fine linen
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Gen. 41:42; Exod. 25:4; Luke 16:19; Rev. 19:8) — the name for a very fine, white, costly fabric, prepared with great skill from flax, or from cotton. The first mention of fine linen fabric occurs in the Book of Genesis, in connection with the story of Joseph. Pharaoh, having made Joseph ruler over Egypt, clothed him in garments of fine linen (Gen. 41:42). Fine linen is frequently mentioned in Holy Scripture as material for the making of various sacred garments of the tabernacle, of the high priest, and of the priests (Exod. 26:1; 28:6–8; 39:27, 28).
Among the Jews who worked in the manufacture of fine linen, the house of Ashbea was especially renowned (1 Chron. 4:21, 22); and it is possible that the manufacture of fine linen already existed in ancient times, during the sojourn of the Hebrews in Egypt. Fine linen serves in Holy Scripture as an emblem of righteousness and moral purity (Rev. 19:8). This fabric, so precious in antiquity, is still sometimes found on Egyptian mummies, since they were customarily wrapped in linen and fine-linen fabrics.