### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kᵉthôneth**, represented by `{{H3801}}`, refers to a **shirt**, **coat**, **garment**, or **robe**. Derived from an unused root meaning to cover, it appears **29 times** across **26 unique verses**. While a general term for a tunic, the **kᵉthôneth** often signifies a specific and significant garment that denotes office, status, divine provision, or favor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3801}}` is used in several pivotal contexts. Its first appearance is in Genesis, where the LORD `{{H3068}}` God `{{H430}}` makes **coats** of skins `{{H5785}}` for Adam `{{H120}}` and his wife `{{H802}}` to clothe them [[Genesis 3:21]], establishing it as a garment of divine provision. The word is central to the story of Joseph `{{H3130}}`, whose father Israel `{{H3478}}` made him a **coat** of many colours `{{H6446}}` as a sign of his love `{{H157}}` and favor [[Genesis 37:3]]. This same garment is later stripped from him and used to deceive his father ([[Genesis 37:23]], 31). The **kᵉthôneth** also functions as a key part of the holy `{{H6944}}` priestly garments `{{H899}}` for Aaron `{{H175}}` and his sons `{{H1121}}`, specifying their sacred role [[Exodus 28:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of garments and their significance:
* `{{H899}}` **beged** (garment): This is a more general term for clothing and is used in Exodus to describe the entire set of holy **garments** of which the **kᵉthôneth** is a specific part [[Exodus 28:4]].
* `{{H4598}}` **mᵉʻîyl** (robe): Often listed alongside the **kᵉthôneth**, this refers to an upper or outer garment, such as the **robe** of the ephod worn by the high priest [[Exodus 29:5]] or the type of **robes** worn by a king's `{{H4428}}` virgin `{{H1330}}` daughters `{{H1323}}` like Tamar [[2 Samuel 13:18]].
* `{{H6446}}` **paç** ((divers) colours): This descriptive term, meaning a long and sleeved tunic, is directly associated with the special **coat** given to Joseph `{{H3130}}` [[Genesis 37:3]] and the **garment** worn by Tamar [[2 Samuel 13:19]], indicating high status or special favor.
* `{{H5785}}` **ʻôwr** (skin): This word specifies the material of the first **coats** ever made, those which God `{{H430}}` provided for Adam `{{H120}}` and his wife `{{H802}}` [[Genesis 3:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and symbolic weight of `{{H3801}}` is significant, representing key concepts of relationship and identity.
* **Divine Provision and Covering:** The first mention establishes God as the one who covers human nakedness. The LORD `{{H3068}}` makes **coats** of skins for Adam and his wife, a direct act of grace [[Genesis 3:21]].
* **Priesthood and Sanctity:** As a primary priestly garment, the **coat** of fine linen `{{H8336}}` represents the purity and consecration required to minister before God `{{H430}}` ([[Exodus 28:39]], [[Leviticus 16:4]]). Offerings for the temple work included hundreds of priests' **garments** [[Ezra 2:69]].
* **Status and Authority:** A special **kᵉthôneth** often marks an individual's unique position. It signals Joseph's standing as the favored son [[Genesis 37:3]] and Tamar's as a royal daughter [[2 Samuel 13:18]]. In Isaiah, being clothed with a **robe** `{{H3801}}` is symbolic of receiving government `{{H4475}}` and authority [[Isaiah 22:21]].
* **Mourning and Loss:** The rending or soiling of a **kᵉthôneth** signifies tragedy. Hushai `{{H2365}}` arrives with his **coat** rent `{{H7167}}` to show his distress [[2 Samuel 15:32]], and Tamar `{{H8559}}` tears her **garment** after being shamed [[2 Samuel 13:19]]. Joseph's bloody **coat** is presented as proof of his death [[Genesis 37:33]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3801}}` is far more than a simple word for a tunic. It is a potent symbol woven throughout Scripture. From the first **coat** of skins provided by God in an act of mercy, to the priestly **garments** signifying holiness, to the special **coat** that marked Joseph for both favor and betrayal, the **kᵉthôneth** serves as a tangible representation of a person's identity, status, and relationship with both God and man.
TRV