In biblical times, clothing served not only as a practical necessity but also as a symbol of identity, status, and religious observance. The term "shirt" as understood in contemporary language does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, garments akin to shirts were common in ancient Near Eastern attire. These garments were typically simple tunics or inner garments worn by both men and women.

Biblical References and Context

1. Tunics and Inner Garments: The closest biblical equivalent to a shirt is the tunic, a basic garment worn next to the skin. In Genesis 3:21, after the fall of man, God made "tunics of skin" for Adam and Eve, indicating the provision of clothing as a basic human need. The tunic was a fundamental piece of clothing, often made of linen or wool, and was worn under outer garments.

2. Priestly Garments: In the context of priestly attire, the tunic played a significant role. Exodus 28:39 describes the making of a "checkered tunic of fine linen" for Aaron and his sons, signifying purity and holiness. The priestly tunic was part of a larger ensemble that included a robe, ephod, and breastplate, each with specific symbolic meanings.

3. Cultural Significance: In the ancient world, clothing often indicated one's social status or role. For instance, Joseph's "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3) was a distinctive garment that set him apart from his brothers, leading to jealousy and strife. While not a shirt in the modern sense, this robe functioned similarly as a significant piece of clothing.

4. Modesty and Humility: Clothing in biblical times also reflected values of modesty and humility. In 1 Timothy 2:9, Paul advises women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety. Although this passage does not mention shirts specifically, it underscores the broader biblical principle of modesty in attire.

5. Symbolism of Clothing: Clothing in the Bible often carries symbolic meaning. In Isaiah 61:10, the prophet speaks of being clothed with "garments of salvation" and "a robe of righteousness," using clothing as a metaphor for divine grace and redemption. Similarly, in the New Testament, believers are encouraged to "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:24), symbolizing a transformation in Christ.

Historical and Cultural Insights

The construction and style of ancient garments akin to shirts varied based on region, climate, and available materials. Linen was a common fabric in Egypt and Israel due to its breathability and comfort in hot climates. Wool was also used, particularly in cooler regions or seasons. The process of making garments was labor-intensive, often involving spinning, weaving, and sewing by hand.

In terms of design, tunics were typically simple, rectangular pieces of cloth with openings for the head and arms. They could be belted at the waist and varied in length, with longer tunics often indicating higher status or wealth.

Theological Implications

The provision of clothing by God in Genesis signifies His care and provision for humanity's needs. Clothing also serves as a metaphor for spiritual truths throughout Scripture, illustrating concepts such as righteousness, salvation, and identity in Christ. The emphasis on modesty and propriety in dress reflects a broader biblical ethic that values inner character over outward appearance.

In summary, while the Bible does not specifically mention "shirts" as we understand them today, the principles and symbolism associated with clothing in Scripture provide rich insights into the cultural, social, and theological dimensions of attire in biblical times.

But if Men Either Knew Themselves Thoroughly, or had the Slightest ...
... think themselves something great because they have made for themselves gridirons,
basins, and bowls, [3531] because they have made under-shirts, outer-shirts ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/19 but if men either.htm

When Lord Morley Said that the House of Lords must be Either ...
... There is no taste and fancy in tattered shirts. ... He wants his sausages fried to
rags, yet he does not insist on his shirts being boiled to rags. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 43 when lord morley.htm

The Children of the Poor.
... She took care of the children herself; she was only thirteen; she sewed on check
shirts, and made a living for them." He went to see her. ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse vii the children of.htm

The Twenty-First Article they Absolutely Condemn, Because we do ...
... God, yet they have passed these by, and preached the most insignificant matters
concerning the saints, concerning their hard beds their hair shirts, etc., which ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 26 the twenty-first article.htm

Christ's Curate in Decapolis
... Christ to come that way. Perhaps some of you would not like him to see you
pay those poor women for making shirts. I am afraid, if ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/christs curate in decapolis.htm

Brother Hugh
... water, and festivals mitigated by fish. Goodbye to pillows and bolsters
and linen shirts. Welcome horse-hair vests, sacking sheets ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter ii brother hugh.htm

Emancipation --Black and White.
... illogical delusion; emancipation may convert the slave from a well fed animal into
a pauperised man; mankind may even have to do without cotton shirts; but all ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/ii emancipationblack and white.htm

Blessing and Trial.
... trial. Her mother had made her a school-dress. Though neat and pretty, it
was of a material commonly used for men's shirts. Bessie ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter xiii blessing and trial.htm

Chapter ii.
... for some were disguised in the skins of wild beasts, and worried to death by dogs;
some were crucified; and others were wrapped in pitched shirts, [5] and set ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ii.htm

Of the Union of Our Will to the Divine Good-Pleasure in Spiritual ...
... The love of the cross makes us undertake voluntary afflictions, as for example,
fasting, watching, hair-shirts and other macerations of the flesh, and makes us ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iii of the union.htm

Shirts (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shirts (2 Occurrences). Judges 14:12 And Samson
saith to them, 'Let me, I pray you, put forth to you a ...
/s/shirts.htm - 7k

Shirtai (1 Occurrence)

/s/shirtai.htm - 6k

Shisha (1 Occurrence)

/s/shisha.htm - 6k

Banquet (58 Occurrences)
... riddle; if ye certainly declare it to me 'in' the seven days of the banquet, and
have found 'it' out, then I have given to you thirty linen shirts, and thirty ...
/b/banquet.htm - 36k

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