Body-coats, also referred to as tunics or inner garments, are a type of clothing mentioned in the Bible, serving as a fundamental component of ancient Near Eastern attire. These garments were typically worn next to the skin and were often made of linen or wool. The body-coat was an essential piece of clothing for both men and women, providing modesty and protection from the elements.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for body-coat is "kethoneth," which is often translated as "tunic" or "coat." One of the earliest mentions of body-coats is found in Genesis 3:21, where God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife after the Fall: "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them" . This act of providing clothing signifies God's care and provision for humanity, even after sin entered the world.

The body-coat was also a significant garment for the priests in the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. In Exodus 28:39-40, God instructs 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" . These tunics were part of the sacred vestments that set the priests apart for their holy duties.

In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent of the body-coat is "chiton." Jesus Himself references this garment in Matthew 5:40, where He teaches about non-retaliation: "If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well" . This instruction highlights the importance of the body-coat as a basic necessity, yet it also underscores the call to radical generosity and humility in the life of a believer.

The body-coat is also mentioned in the context of Jesus' crucifixion. In John 19:23-24, the soldiers cast lots for Jesus' seamless tunic: "When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided His garments into four parts, one for each soldier, with the tunic remaining. It was seamless, woven from top to bottom as a single piece. So they said to one another, 'Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see who will get it.' This was to fulfill the Scripture: 'They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing'" . This event fulfills the prophecy found in Psalm 22:18 and emphasizes the significance of even the simplest garments in the narrative of redemption.

Throughout Scripture, body-coats symbolize God's provision, the dignity of human beings, and the call to holiness and service. They serve as a reminder of the practical and spiritual aspects of clothing in biblical times, reflecting both the cultural context and the theological themes woven into the fabric of the biblical narrative.Body-coats (4 Occurrences)

Mark 6:9
but be shod with sandals, and put not on two body-coats.
(DBY)

Luke 3:11
And he answering says to them, He that has two body-coats, let him give to him that has none; and he that has food, let him do likewise.
(DBY)

Luke 9:3
And he said to them, Take nothing for the way, neither staff, nor scrip, nor bread, nor money; nor to have two body-coats apiece.
(DBY)

Acts 9:39
And Peter rising up went with them, whom, when arrived, they brought up into the upper chamber; and all the widows stood by him weeping and shewing him the body-coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
(DBY)

Body-coats (4 Occurrences)
Body-coats. Body-coat, Body-coats. Body-cover . Multi-Version
Concordance Body-coats (4 Occurrences). Mark 6:9 but be ...
/b/body-coats.htm - 7k

Body-cover (11 Occurrences)
Body-cover. Body-coats, Body-cover. Body-covers . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Body-coats, Body-cover. Body-covers . Reference Bible.
/b/body-cover.htm - 10k

Nourishment (14 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Matthew 10:10 nor scrip for the way, nor two bodycoats, nor sandals, nor
a staff: for the workman is worthy of his nourishment. (DBY YLT). ...
/n/nourishment.htm - 10k

Body-coat (2 Occurrences)
Body-coat. Body-armour, Body-coat. Body-coats . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY). Body-armour, Body-coat. Body-coats . Reference Bible.
/b/body-coat.htm - 7k

Arrived (129 Occurrences)
... went with them, whom, when arrived, they brought up into the upper chamber; and
all the widows stood by him weeping and shewing him the body-coats and garments ...
/a/arrived.htm - 33k

Sandals (30 Occurrences)
... (WEY DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). Matthew 10:10 nor scrip for the way, nor two bodycoats,
nor sandals, nor a staff: for the workman is worthy of his nourishment. ...
/s/sandals.htm - 16k

Rising (162 Occurrences)
... went with them, whom, when arrived, they brought up into the upper chamber; and
all the widows stood by him weeping and shewing him the body-coats and garments ...
/r/rising.htm - 36k

Answering (202 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Luke 3:11 And he answering says to them, He that has two body-coats,
let him give to him that has none; and he that has food, let him do likewise. ...
/a/answering.htm - 34k

Body (562 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Matthew 10:10 nor scrip for the way, nor two bodycoats, nor sandals, nor
a staff: for the workman is worthy of his nourishment. (DBY). ...
/b/body.htm - 59k

What does the Bible say about stoning? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about body piercings? | GotQuestions.org

How is the church the Body of Christ? | GotQuestions.org

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