χιτών

a tunic, garment, undergarment

Definition

The Greek word χιτών (chitōn) refers to a basic, close-fitting garment worn next to the skin, essentially a tunic or undergarment. It was a standard piece of clothing for both men and women in the ancient world, often worn under a cloak (ἱμάτιον, himation). In the New Testament, it is used literally for this common garment, as when John 19:23 describes the soldiers dividing Jesus's χιτών, which was seamless. Figuratively, in passages like Matthew 5:40 and Luke 6:29, it represents personal property that one might be compelled to surrender, highlighting a principle of non-retaliation and generosity.

Biblical Usage

The word is used in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) and John, primarily in teachings of Jesus about discipleship and material possessions. In Matthew 5:40 and Luke 6:29, it appears in the context of legal disputes and non-violent resistance. In the commissioning of the disciples (Matthew 10:10, Mark 6:9, Luke 9:3), Jesus instructs them not to take an extra tunic, emphasizing dependence on God. Its most dramatic use is in John 19:23, describing the garment of Jesus at the crucifixion.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek χιτών, it is a common term for a tunic. It is a Semitic loanword, related to the Hebrew כֻּתֹּנֶת (kuttōnet, Strong's H3801), seen in the Old Testament for a similar garment (e.g., Genesis 3:21, Joseph's coat). The word passed into Greek and Latin, maintaining its core meaning as a basic undergarment.

Semantic Range

The χιτών carries theological weight in teachings on discipleship and Christ's passion. Jesus's instructions to forgo an extra tunic (Matthew 10:10) underscore the values of simplicity, trust, and freedom from material anxiety for those proclaiming the kingdom. At the crucifixion (John 19:23-24), the seamless tunic, not torn but gambled for, fulfills Psalm 22:18 and can symbolize the unity of Christ's person and work, or the integrity of his life given as a sacrifice.

In the 1st-century Greco-Roman and Jewish world, the χιτών was a fundamental, often sleeved, knee-length garment made of wool or linen, worn by all social classes. It could be the only garment for the poor or an undergarment for the wealthy. Its value was practical but modest. Understanding this clarifies Jesus's commands—surrendering one's cloak (ἱμάτιον) was a greater sacrifice than the tunic, as the cloak was a more valuable outer garment used also as a blanket.

ἱμάτιον (himation, G2440) — an outer garment, cloak, or robe, often worn over the chitōn. στολή (stolē, G4749) — a long, formal robe, often indicating honor, rank, or celebration.

Word Details

Scripture References