### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
χιτών (chitṓn, `{{G5509}}`) refers to the basic undergarment worn next to the skin, typically a tunic or shirt. It was a common piece of clothing for both men and women in the ancient world, often reaching the knees or ankles, with or without sleeves. Its etymology traces to the Hebrew כְּתֹנֶת (kethoneth, `{{H3801}}`), famously used for Joseph's "coat of many colors" ([[Genesis 37:3]]) and the priestly garments ([[Exodus 28:4]]). This connection highlights its ancient and widespread use in the Near East. While primarily denoting a "tunic" or "shirt," its semantic range can extend to "garment" or "coat" in a more general sense, especially when distinguishing it from outer cloaks (like ἱμάτιον - `{{G2440}}`). It signifies an essential, inner layer of clothing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
χιτών appears several times in the New Testament, often in contexts related to daily life, poverty, or symbolic actions.
* **Synoptic Gospels:**
* In [[Matthew 5:40]] and [[Luke 6:29]], Jesus instructs disciples not to resist one who takes their χιτών (tunic) and to offer their ἱμάτιον (cloak) as well. This emphasizes radical non-retaliation and generosity, highlighting the χιτών as a basic necessity.
* When sending out His disciples, Jesus commands them not to take two χιτῶνας (tunics) ([[Matthew 10:10]], [[Mark 6:9]], [[Luke 9:3]]). This instruction underscores dependence on God's provision and detachment from material possessions, signifying a life of simplicity and urgency in ministry.
* [[Mark 14:63]] records the high priest tearing his χιτών (tunic) in a dramatic gesture of feigned outrage at Jesus's supposed blasphemy. This demonstrates the χιτών as a garment worn by figures of authority and used in expressions of strong emotion.
* At the crucifixion, [[John 19:23]] recounts Roman soldiers dividing Jesus's outer garments but casting lots for His χιτών (tunic), which was "seamless, woven from top to bottom." This detail fulfills [[Psalm 22:18]] and signifies the uniqueness and integrity of Jesus's person. The seamless nature might also allude to priestly garments ([[Exodus 28:32]], [[Exodus 39:22-23]]), subtly linking Jesus to His high priestly role.
* **Acts:**
* [[Acts 9:39]] mentions Dorcas (Tabitha) being known for making χιτῶνας (tunics) and ἱμάτια (cloaks) for the poor, demonstrating practical Christian charity.
* **Jude:**
* In [[Jude 1:23]], believers are urged to "hate even the χιτῶνα (tunic) stained by the flesh." This refers to clothing defiled by immoral acts, symbolizing the pervasive corrupting influence of sin, even on what is closest to the body.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{H3801}}` (kethoneth): The Hebrew equivalent from which χιτών is derived, significant in the Old Testament for priestly garments and Joseph's coat.
* `{{G2440}}` (himátion): The outer garment or cloak, often worn over the χιτών. The distinction between χιτών and ἱμάτιον is crucial in passages like [[Matthew 5:40]] and [[Luke 6:29]], highlighting different layers of clothing and their respective value.
* `{{G2066}}` (esthēs): A more general term for clothing or apparel.
* `{{G2439}}` (himatismos): Also a general term for clothing or raiment.
* Poverty and Simplicity: The contexts in which χιτών appears often relate to material possessions, the call to simplicity in ministry, and the vulnerability of the poor.
* Identity and Status: While a basic garment, its quality (e.g., seamless) or its absence could convey information about a person's status or circumstances.
### Theological Significance
The χιτών carries several layers of theological significance:
* **Radical Discipleship and Detachment:** Jesus's instructions regarding the χιτών ([[Matthew 10:10]], [[Luke 9:3]]) emphasize a radical call to trust in God's provision, detachment from material wealth, and a focus on the urgent mission of the kingdom. It signifies a willingness to live simply, without excess.
* **Generosity and Non-Retaliation:** The command to give up one's χιτών and ἱμάτιον ([[Matthew 5:40]]) illustrates a profound commitment to non-retaliation and a super-abundant generosity that goes beyond legal requirements, reflecting the character of God's love.
* **Jesus's Humanity and Divine Identity:** The χιτών of Jesus at the crucifixion ([[John 19:23]]) is particularly poignant. Its seamless nature is often interpreted as a symbol of His perfect, undivided humanity and divine integrity. It also echoes the priestly garments of the Old Testament, subtly pointing to Jesus as the true High Priest who offers the ultimate sacrifice. The casting of lots fulfills prophecy, underscoring divine sovereignty even in the midst of human cruelty.
* **Spiritual Purity and Defilement:** In [[Jude 1:23]], the "tunic stained by the flesh" serves as a powerful metaphor for the insidious nature of sin and the need for believers to maintain spiritual purity, avoiding even the slightest taint of worldly defilement. It highlights the close association between one's inner state and outward conduct.
* **Practical Charity:** The example of Dorcas ([[Acts 9:39]]) shows that the production and distribution of χιτῶνας were tangible expressions of Christian love and care for the needy within the early church, embodying the practical outworking of faith.
### Summary
The Greek word χιτών (chitṓn, `{{G5509}}`) refers primarily to a tunic or inner garment, derived from the Hebrew `{{H3801}}`. In the New Testament, its usage illuminates several key theological themes. It symbolizes radical discipleship, emphasizing detachment from material possessions and trust in divine provision ([[Matthew 10:10]]). It underscores the call to profound generosity and non-retaliation, even to the point of surrendering basic necessities ([[Matthew 5:40]]). Most significantly, Jesus's seamless χιτών at the crucifixion ([[John 19:23]]) carries rich theological weight, signifying His unique, undivided person and fulfilling Old Testament prophecy, potentially alluding to His high priestly role. Furthermore, the χιτών serves as a metaphor for spiritual purity and the danger of defilement by sin ([[Jude 1:23]]), while also appearing in contexts of practical Christian charity ([[Acts 9:39]]). Thus, the humble χιτών serves as a potent symbol throughout the New Testament, speaking to themes of discipleship, identity, and moral purity.
TRV