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 Description

The 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 References

The 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 Significance

The 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 Lessons

The 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."

Conclusion

While 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.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.

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). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5509.htm - 7k3801. 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. ...
/hebrew/3801.htm - 6k

5466. sadin -- linen garment
... fine linen, sheet. From an unused root meaning to envelop; a wrapper, ie Shirt --
fine linen, sheet. 5465, 5466. sadin. 5467 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5466.htm - 6k

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 his shirt and bring ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/the happy man.htm

Four Sad Years
... He also provided himself with a hair shirt, into which he fixed a number
of sharp nails. Having scourged himself till the blood ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter xl four sad years.htm

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's shirt." Another said ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter xiii blessing and trial.htm

"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
and shirt my friend saw the boy's flesh was bruised and the skin broken. ...
/.../ill never steal againif father.htm

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 their shirt, cloak, shoes ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xiii how wrong it.htm

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 a shirt; that is, there is only one right way. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 43 when lord morley.htm

The Holy Spirit Convicting the World of Sin, of Righteousness and ...
... A large diamond was blazing from his shirt front. He was sitting beside one of
the deacons. ... A diamond flashed also from this man's shirt front. ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter vii the holy spirit.htm

The Life of S. Hilarion.
... With no other covering for his limbs but a shirt of sackcloth, and a cloak of skins
which the blessed Antony had given him when he set out, and a blanket of ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the life of s hilarion.htm

Man and Machinery.
... great elements around us. See how magnificent nature has humbled itself,
and works in shirt-sleeves. Without food, without sweat ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse ii man and machinery.htm

Virtues of the Mantle. It Pleads in Its Own Defence.
... If any shirt 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 ...
/.../tertullian/on the pallium/chapter v virtues of the mantle.htm

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 ...
/s/shirt.htm - 7k

Dress (38 Occurrences)
... was worn by both sexes. It was a closely-fitting garment, resembling in
use and form our shirt (John 19:23). It was kept close to ...
/d/dress.htm - 53k

Linen (111 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Underclothing, esp. the shirt, as being, in former times, chiefly
made of linen. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LINEN. ...
/l/linen.htm - 50k

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's shirt--for he ...
/g/girdle.htm - 24k

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's shirt--for he ...
/g/gird.htm - 20k

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's shirt--for he ...
/w/wearing.htm - 18k

Frock
... 1. (n.) A loose outer garment; especially, a gown forming a part of European modern
costume for women and children; also, a coarse shirt like garment worn by ...
/f/frock.htm - 7k

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's shirt--for he ...
/f/fisherman's.htm - 6k

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 a shirt; a linen ...
/b/bosom.htm - 26k

Coat (54 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Coat. The tunic worn like the shirt next the
skin (Leviticus 16:4; Cant. 5:3; 2 Samuel 15:32; Exodus 28 ...
/c/coat.htm - 25k

How can I learn to distinguish right from wrong? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to pursue righteousness? | GotQuestions.org

What is biblical stewardship? | GotQuestions.org

Shirt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus