Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, garments held significant cultural and symbolic meaning, with the tunic or coat being a fundamental piece of clothing. The tunic, often referred to as a "coat" in some translations, was a basic garment worn by both men and women in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. It was typically a long piece of cloth, sewn together with openings for the head and arms, and it reached down to the knees or ankles.Old Testament Context The tunic is first mentioned in the context of Adam and Eve. After the fall, God made garments of skin for them: "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them" (Genesis 3:21). This act of God clothing Adam and Eve signifies His care and provision, even after their disobedience. Joseph's "coat of many colors" is another notable mention. This special tunic, given by Jacob to his son Joseph, symbolized Jacob's favoritism and sparked jealousy among Joseph's brothers: "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age, and he made him a robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3). The tunic also played a role in the priestly garments. The high priest wore a tunic as part of his sacred attire, as described in Exodus 28:39-40. These garments were made with specific instructions, symbolizing purity and holiness. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the tunic continues to be a common garment. Jesus mentions the tunic in His teachings, emphasizing the importance of generosity and non-retaliation: "If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well" (Matthew 5:40). This teaching highlights the call to go beyond what is required, demonstrating love and selflessness. The crucifixion of Jesus also involves a tunic. The soldiers cast lots for His seamless tunic, fulfilling the prophecy found in Psalm 22:18: "They divided My garments among them and cast lots for My clothing" (John 19:23-24). This event underscores the fulfillment of Scripture and the humiliation Christ endured. Symbolism and Significance The tunic, as a basic garment, often symbolizes provision, identity, and status. In biblical narratives, it can represent favor, as seen in Joseph's account, or humility and service, as demonstrated by Jesus. The seamless tunic of Christ, gambled over by soldiers, serves as a poignant reminder of His sacrificial love and the fulfillment of prophecy. In a broader theological context, garments, including tunics, can symbolize righteousness. Isaiah speaks of being clothed with "garments of salvation" and a "robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10), pointing to the spiritual covering provided by God. Throughout Scripture, the tunic or coat is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol woven into the fabric of biblical history, reflecting themes of provision, identity, and divine purpose. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 19:23Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 21:7 Greek 2440. himation -- an outer garment, a cloak, robe ... arms, and worn loosely the 5509 ("the under-tunic").]. ... cloaks (1), clothes (1), clothing (2), coat (4), coats ... 8), dresses (1), garment (8), garments (18), outer ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2440.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 3801. kethoneth -- a tunic... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a tunic NASB Word Usage coat (2), dress (1), garment (2), garments (4), tunic (14), tunics (6). coat, garment, robe. ... /hebrew/3801.htm - 6k Library The Crucifixion. Joseph the Dreamer. Christ Crucified and Buried. A Successful Man of Affairs. Of the Testimony of John to Jesus in Matthew's Gospel, Chapter xxxvii Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. The Third Book Chaldaean Civilization Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Resources Who was Sisera in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does diadem mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of a scarlet thread? | GotQuestions.org Garments: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Garments of Israel Preserved for Forty Years Garments of the Poor used As a Covering by Night Garments of the Poor: Not to be Retained in Pledge Garments of the Poor: Provided Specially by God Garments of the Rich of the Finest Materials Garments of the Rich: Embroidered Garments of the Rich: Gorgeous Garments of the Rich: Multiplied and Heaped Up Garments of the Rich: Often Moth-Eaten Garments of the Rich: Perfumed Garments of the Sexes, not to be Interchanged Garments of Those Slain With a Sword not Used Garments were often Fringed and Bordered Garments: (Rolled in Blood) Victory Garments: (Washed in Wine) Abundance Garments: (White) Righteousness Garments: Cleansed by Water from Ceremonial Uncleanness Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Blue Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Different Colours Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Purple Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Scarlet Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: White Garments: Girt up During Employment Garments: Given As a Token of Covenants Garments: Grew Old and Wore Out Garments: Hyke or Upper Garment Garments: Liable to Plague and Leprosy Garments: Materials Used for Camel's Hair Garments: Materials Used for Linen Garments: Materials Used for Sackcloth Garments: Materials Used for Silk Garments: Materials Used for Skins Garments: Materials Used for Wool Garments: Not to be Made of Mixed Materials Garments: Often Rent in Affliction Garments: Scribes and Pharisees Condemned for Making Broad the Borders Garments: Worn Long and Flowing Related Terms |
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