Coat

The coat in biblical antiquity referred to the inner garment or tunic (kethoneth in Hebrew; chitōn in Greek) worn next to the skin and extending from the shoulders to the knees or ankles. It was the basic garment of daily wear for both men and women. The coat of fine linen formed part of the priestly vestments (Exodus 28:4; Leviticus 16:4), and the distinctive coat of many colors — or a coat with long sleeves — given by Jacob to Joseph became a symbol of paternal favor that provoked his brothers' jealousy (Genesis 37:3).

The Shulamite in Song of Solomon 5:3 speaks of having put off her coat as a reason to hesitate opening the door. Absalom wore a long coat that caught in the oak during his flight (2 Samuel 18:9). In the New Testament, soldiers divided Jesus's garments and cast lots for his seamless coat (John 19:23–24), fulfilling the Psalmic prophecy. Jesus instructs his disciples that one who takes their coat should be given the cloak as well (Luke 6:29), reversing the normal order of expected generosity.