In the biblical tradition, the garments worn by priests hold significant symbolic and functional importance, serving as a representation of their sacred duties and the holiness required in their service to God. Among these garments, the coat or tunic is a foundational piece, integral to the priestly attire as prescribed in the Old Testament.

Description and Purpose

The coat, also referred to as the tunic, is a long, seamless garment worn next to the skin. It is typically made of fine linen, symbolizing purity and righteousness. The tunic serves as the basic layer of the priestly garments, over which other items such as the ephod, robe, and breastplate are worn. The seamless nature of the tunic underscores the unity and perfection expected in the service of the priests.

Biblical References

The instructions for the priestly garments, including the tunic, are detailed in the Book of Exodus. In Exodus 28:39-40 , God commands Moses regarding the making of the tunic: "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 is also mentioned in the context of the consecration of Aaron and his sons, as described in Exodus 29:5 : "Take the garments and clothe Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself, and the breastpiece. Fasten the ephod on him with its woven waistband."

Symbolism and Significance

The tunic's fine linen material is emblematic of the purity and holiness required of those who minister before the Lord. Linen, being a natural and pure fabric, is often associated with righteousness in biblical literature. The tunic's seamless construction may also symbolize the integrity and wholeness expected of the priestly office.

The tunic's role as the innermost garment signifies the foundational nature of purity and righteousness in the life of a priest. It serves as a constant reminder of the inner sanctity that must accompany the outward acts of worship and service.

Priestly Service and Holiness

The tunic, as part of the priestly garments, underscores the theme of holiness that permeates the priestly service. Leviticus 16:4 highlights the importance of the tunic in the Day of Atonement rituals: "He is to put on the sacred linen tunic, with the linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are sacred garments; so he must bathe himself with water before he puts them on."

This passage emphasizes the sanctity of the garments and the necessity for the priest to be ceremonially clean before donning them, reflecting the broader biblical principle that those who approach God must do so with reverence and purity.

Conclusion

The coat or tunic of the priests, as described in the Old Testament, is a garment rich in symbolism and significance. It represents the purity, righteousness, and holiness required of those who serve in the presence of the Almighty. Through its detailed description and prescribed use, the tunic serves as a constant reminder of the sacred responsibilities and the divine calling of the priesthood.Exodus 28:40
And for Aaron's sons you shall make coats, and you shall make for them girdles, and bonnets shall you make for them, for glory and for beauty.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 39:27
And they made coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Christ Crucified and Buried.
... The chief priests wished him to amend the description thus: "He said ... The outer garments
were divided into four parts, one to each, but the coat, rather the ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ crucified and buried.htm

The Crucifixion.
... d and also the coat: now the coat was without seam ... be fulfilled, which saith, They
parted my garments among them ... then in Jerusalem.] 21 The chief priests of the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxiii the crucifixion 2.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... they were only covered with a coat of white ... upon bronze statues of divinities or
priests, fixed into ... required almost as many persons as there were garments. ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... of the Lord's temple (which only the priests are by right ... and say: "I have put off
my coat; how shall ... that having ceased to court attention in garments of gold ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... Hence it is that by way of type Joseph has a coat of many colours. ... For if the armed
host of the Lord was represented by the trumpets of the priests, we may see ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Ehud the Left-handed concealed under his garments a keen dagger ... The armour for all
alike was the coat of scale ... son of Moses, he and his sons were priests to the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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