or כֻּתֹּנֶת; from an unused root meaning to cover (compare כָּתֵף); a shirt; coat, garment, robe.
Transliteration:kᵉthôneth
Pronunciation:keth-o'-neth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word כְּתֹנֶת (kᵉthôneth, `{{H3801}}`), also appearing as כֻּתֹּנֶת, derives from an unused root meaning "to cover." This etymological root is shared with כָּתֵף (kāthēph, `{{H3802}}`), meaning "shoulder," further emphasizing the concept of something that covers or rests upon the body. Semantically, כְּתֹנֶת refers to a basic, inner garment, akin to a tunic, shirt, or undergarment, worn directly on the skin. Its range extends to describe a "coat," "garment," or "robe," indicating that while it is primarily an inner layer, it can also function as a more visible or significant piece of attire, depending on its material, design, and the social status of the wearer. It is distinct from outer cloaks or mantles, serving as the foundational layer of dress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כְּתֹנֶת appears numerous times in the Hebrew Bible, often carrying significant symbolic weight beyond its literal meaning as clothing:
* **Joseph's "Coat of Many Colors":** Perhaps the most famous instance is the כְּתֹנֶת פַּסִּים (kᵉthôneth passîm) given by Jacob to Joseph ([[Genesis 37:3]]). This special tunic, often translated as a "coat of many colors" or "long robe with sleeves," signified Jacob's exceptional favor towards Joseph. Its distinctiveness provoked jealousy among his brothers ([[Genesis 37:4]]), leading to its removal and defilement with blood ([[Genesis 37:23]], [[Genesis 37:31-33]]), symbolizing betrayal, loss, and the disruption of family harmony.
* **Priestly Garments:** The כְּתֹנֶת plays a crucial role in the description of the high priestly and priestly vestments. The priests were commanded to wear tunics of fine linen ([[Exodus 28:4]], [[Exodus 28:39]], [[Exodus 39:27]]). These white, pure garments symbolized the holiness and purity required for service in the tabernacle, serving as the innermost layer of their sacred attire, worn directly against the body. This highlights the foundational nature of purity in approaching the divine.
* **Samuel's Tunic:** Hannah made a small כְּתֹנֶת for her son Samuel each year, bringing it to him at the sanctuary ([[1 Samuel 2:19]]). This simple act underscores Samuel's dedication to the Lord from an early age and his continuous service under Eli, even as a child. It represents a garment of humble service and devotion.
* **Tamar's Robe:** In the tragic account of Tamar, she wore a כְּתֹנֶת פַּסִּים, described as the type of robe worn by virgin princesses ([[2 Samuel 13:18]]). Its tearing after her defilement ([[2 Samuel 13:19]]) powerfully symbolized the loss of her purity, honor, and royal status, serving as a public declaration of her disgrace.
* **Figurative Usage:** The word also appears metaphorically. In [[Job 30:18]], Job laments that his garment (כְּתֹנֶת) is disfigured by his disease, illustrating his profound suffering. Most profoundly, in [[Isaiah 61:10]], the prophet rejoices, "He has clothed me with garments of salvation; He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness," where "garments" is often understood as a general term for clothing, but the underlying concept of an enveloping garment of divine favor is clear.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of כְּתֹנֶת (kᵉthôneth, `{{H3801}}`) is closely related to other terms for clothing, each with distinct nuances:
* **כָּתֵף (kāthēph, `{{H3802}}`):** While literally meaning "shoulder," its connection to the root of כְּתֹנֶת underscores the idea of something that covers or is worn upon the body.
* **בֶּגֶד (beged, `{{H899}}`):** This is a general term for "garment" or "clothing," encompassing any piece of attire. The כְּתֹנֶת is a specific type of beged.
* **מְעִיל (me'il, `{{H4598}}`):** Often translated as "robe" or "mantle," this typically refers to an outer garment, worn over the כְּתֹנֶת. It often signifies status or office, as seen with Samuel's robe ([[1 Samuel 15:27]]) or the high priest's robe of the ephod ([[Exodus 28:31]]).
* **שִׂמְלָה (simlah, `{{H8071}}`):** This term refers to an outer garment, cloak, or mantle, often used for protection from the elements or even as a blanket for sleeping. It is distinct from the inner, body-hugging כְּתֹנֶת.
* **אֵפוֹד (ephod, `{{H646}}`):** The priestly ephod was a complex garment worn over the כְּתֹנֶת, serving a highly ritualistic purpose.
The concept of "covering" is also linked to ideas of protection, identity, and modesty in biblical thought.
### Theological Significance
The כְּתֹנֶת (kᵉthôneth, `{{H3801}}`) carries profound theological significance, serving as a powerful symbol in various contexts:
* **Divine Favor and Human Jealousy:** Joseph's special tunic highlights the theme of divine election and the human response of jealousy and animosity. It foreshadows the suffering of the chosen one, ultimately leading to salvation for many.
* **Purity and Consecration:** The linen tunics of the priests emphasize the necessity of purity and holiness for those who draw near to God in worship and service. The innermost garment symbolizes the internal state of the worshiper, a foundational requirement for acceptable service. This points to the need for inward righteousness before outward acts of devotion.
* **Identity and Status:** The כְּתֹנֶת can signify social status, as seen with Joseph and Tamar. Its presence or absence, its condition (whole or torn), and its specific design communicate identity, honor, or disgrace. The tearing of Tamar's robe is a visceral representation of the violation and loss of her sacred identity.
* **Service and Dedication:** Samuel's simple tunic represents humble and consistent service to the Lord from childhood, illustrating dedication and a life devoted to God's purposes.
* **Spiritual Transformation and Righteousness:** The metaphorical use in [[Isaiah 61:10]], where God clothes the redeemed with "garments of salvation" and a "robe of righteousness," elevates the physical garment to a spiritual truth. It signifies God's gracious provision of salvation, which covers and transforms the believer, imparting a new, righteous identity. This prefigures New Testament concepts of being clothed in Christ's righteousness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כְּתֹנֶת (kᵉthôneth, `{{H3801}}`) describes a fundamental, inner garment, ranging from a simple tunic to a more elaborate robe. Rooted in the concept of "covering," its biblical occurrences transcend mere description of attire, serving as potent symbols. From Joseph's distinctive coat signifying favor and sparking jealousy, to the pure linen tunics of the priests representing holiness and consecration, and Tamar's torn robe embodying defilement and disgrace, the כְּתֹנֶת consistently communicates identity, status, and spiritual state. Its use in depicting Samuel's humble service and, most profoundly, in Isaiah's prophetic vision of "garments of salvation" and "robes of righteousness," underscores its enduring theological significance as a marker of divine favor, human condition, and the transformative power of God's grace.
TRV