Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, clothing served not only as a practical necessity but also as a symbol of status, identity, and religious observance. The concept of a "shirt" as understood in modern terms does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, garments akin to shirts were common in ancient Near Eastern attire.
Terminology and DescriptionThe closest biblical equivalent to a shirt would be the "tunic" or "inner garment." The Hebrew word "kethoneth" and the Greek "chiton" refer to a basic garment worn next to the skin. This piece of clothing was typically a long, loose-fitting robe that extended to the knees or ankles, often with sleeves. It was worn by both men and women and served as the foundational layer of clothing, over which other garments like cloaks or mantles were worn.
Biblical ReferencesThe tunic is mentioned in several biblical passages, highlighting its importance in daily life and religious practices. In
Genesis 37:3, Joseph's "robe of many colors" is a notable example of a tunic, symbolizing his father's favoritism and setting the stage for his brothers' jealousy. The Berean Standard Bible states, "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors."
In the New Testament, Jesus refers to the tunic in His teachings. In
Matthew 5:40, He instructs, "If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." This teaching emphasizes the principle of non-retaliation and generosity, even in the face of personal loss.
Cultural and Religious SignificanceThe tunic was not merely a practical garment but also held cultural and religious significance. Priests wore special tunics as part of their sacred vestments. In
Exodus 28:39-40, God commands Moses regarding the priestly garments: "You are to weave the tunic of fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion the sash with embroidery. Make tunics, sashes, and headbands for Aaron’s sons, to give them glory and splendor."
The tunic also played a role in the crucifixion narrative. In
John 19:23-24, the soldiers cast lots for Jesus' seamless tunic, fulfilling the prophecy from
Psalm 22:18: "They divided My garments among them and cast lots for My clothing."
Symbolism and LessonsThe tunic, as a basic and essential garment, symbolizes humility and servitude. In the account of the Prodigal Son (
Luke 15:22), the father orders his servants to bring out the best robe for his returning son, signifying restoration and forgiveness. The tunic, in this context, represents the son's reinstatement into the family and the father's unconditional love.
In a broader sense, the tunic can be seen as a metaphor for righteousness and purity. Believers are encouraged to "put on" virtues and Christ-like qualities, much like donning a garment.
Colossians 3:12-14 exhorts, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity."
ConclusionWhile the specific term "shirt" is not found in the Bible, the concept of a tunic or inner garment is deeply woven into the fabric of biblical narratives and teachings. It serves as a reminder of the cultural, religious, and moral lessons that clothing can convey in the biblical context.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A loose under-garment for the upper part of the body, made of cotton, linen, or other material; -- formerly used of the under-garment of either sex, now commonly restricted to that worn by men and boys.
2. (v. t. & i.) To cover or clothe with a shirt, or as with a shirt.
Greek
5509. chiton -- a tunic... Word Origin of Semitic origin, cf. kethoneth Definition a tunic NASB Word Usage
clothes (1), coats (1), garment (1),
shirt (2), tunic (2), tunics (4).
...Strong's Hebrew
3801. kethoneth -- a tunic... coat, garment, robe. Or kuttoneth {koot-to'-neth}; from an unused root meaning to
cover (compare katheph); a
shirt -- coat, garment, robe. see HEBREW katheph.
...5466. sadin -- linen garment
... fine linen, sheet. From an unused root meaning to envelop; a wrapper, ieShirt --
fine linen, sheet. 5465, 5466. sadin. 5467 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
The Happy Man
... the world, telling them to travel far and wide until they found a man who was happy
beyond all others, and when they found him, to take off hisshirt and bring...
Four Sad Years
... He also provided himself with a hairshirt, into which he fixed a number
of sharp nails. Having scourged himself till the blood...
Blessing and Trial.
... nothing of it until some of her schoolmates gathered round her at recess and said,
"O girls, Bessie has a new dress like her father'sshirt." Another said...
"I'll Never Steal Again --If Father Kills Me for It"
... but look here!" He turned himself on his face and through the rags of his jacket
andshirt my friend saw the boy's flesh was bruised and the skin broken....
How Wrong it is Considered for any one to Say that Anything...
... secure with his own seal, as we are well aware that they are in all respects stripped
so bare that they have nothing whatever except theirshirt, cloak, shoes...
When Lord Morley Said that the House of Lords must be Either...
... But the soul and function of the two things are utterly opposite. There is only
one way of washing ashirt; that is, there is only one right way....
The Holy Spirit Convicting the World of Sin, of Righteousness and...
... A large diamond was blazing from hisshirt front. He was sitting beside one of
the deacons.... A diamond flashed also from this man'sshirt front....
The Life of S. Hilarion.
... With no other covering for his limbs but ashirt of sackcloth, and a cloak of skins
which the blessed Antony had given him when he set out, and a blanket of...
Man and Machinery.
... great elements around us. See how magnificent nature has humbled itself,
and works inshirt-sleeves. Without food, without sweat...
Virtues of the Mantle. It Pleads in Its Own Defence.
... If anyshirt is worn beneath it, the torment of a girdle is superfluous: if anything
in the way of shoeing is worn, it is a most cleanly work; [67] or else the...
Thesaurus
Shirt (3 Occurrences)... boys. 2. (vt & i.) To cover or clothe with a
shirt, or as with a
shirt.
Multi-Version Concordance
Shirt (3 Occurrences). Matthew
...Dress (38 Occurrences)
... was worn by both sexes. It was a closely-fitting garment, resembling in
use and form ourshirt (John 19:23). It was kept close to...
Linen (111 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Underclothing, esp. theshirt, as being, in former times, chiefly
made of linen. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LINEN....
Girdle (44 Occurrences)
... whom Jesus loved say to Peter, "It is the Master." Simon Peter therefore, when he
heard the words, "It is the Master," drew on his fisherman'sshirt--for he...
Gird (44 Occurrences)
... whom Jesus loved say to Peter, "It is the Master." Simon Peter therefore, when he
heard the words, "It is the Master," drew on his fisherman'sshirt--for he...
Wearing (43 Occurrences)
... whom Jesus loved say to Peter, "It is the Master." Simon Peter therefore, when he
heard the words, "It is the Master," drew on his fisherman'sshirt--for he...
Frock
... 1. (n.) A loose outer garment; especially, a gown forming a part of European modern
costume for women and children; also, a coarseshirt like garment worn by...
Fisherman's (1 Occurrence)
... whom Jesus loved say to Peter, "It is the Master." Simon Peter therefore, when he
heard the words, "It is the Master," drew on his fisherman'sshirt--for he...
Bosom (47 Occurrences)
... n.) The part of the dress worn upon the breast; an article, or a portion of an article,
of dress to be worn upon the breast; as, the bosom of ashirt; a linen...
Coat (54 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Coat. The tunic worn like theshirt next the
skin (Leviticus 16:4; Cant. 5:3; 2 Samuel 15:32; Exodus 28...
Resources
How can I learn to distinguish right from wrong? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to pursue righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is biblical stewardship? | GotQuestions.orgShirt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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