סוּת
covering, i.e. clothing
Definition
The Hebrew noun סוּת (çûwth) refers to a covering, specifically clothing or garments. It denotes a protective outer layer worn by people. In its sole biblical occurrence in Genesis 49:11, it is used poetically in Jacob's blessing of Judah, describing the washing of garments in wine. The word emphasizes the garment as a functional covering rather than a specific type of attire.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 49:11. It appears in a poetic, prophetic context within Jacob's final blessings on his sons. The usage is metaphorical, linking the washing of clothing with the abundance of wine in the tribe of Judah's future territory. There are no other occurrences to establish broader usage patterns.
Etymology
The noun סוּת likely derives from the root סוה (s-w-h), meaning 'to cover' or 'to veil.' It is probably related to the word מַסְוֶה (masveh, H4533), which means 'veil' or 'covering,' as seen in Exodus 34:33-35. This root connection places the word within a semantic field of covering and concealment.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word contributes to the rich imagery in Genesis 49:11, a key messianic prophecy about the tribe of Judah. The vivid picture of washing garments in wine symbolizes extraordinary prosperity and blessing, ultimately pointing to the abundance found in the reign of Judah's royal descendant, Jesus Christ. Understanding this Hebrew term highlights the concrete, physical imagery used to convey spiritual blessing.
In the ancient Near East, clothing was a valuable possession and a clear indicator of status and identity. Washing garments was a regular chore, but washing them in wine—a valuable commodity—would be an image of extreme luxury and abundance, far beyond normal practice. This metaphor would have powerfully communicated divine favor and prosperity to the original audience.
בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a more common, general term for garment or clothing. לְבוּשׁ (lᵉbûsh, H3830) — apparel or attire, often implying a full set of garments. שִׂמְלָה (simlâh, H8071) — a wrapper or mantle, a large outer garment.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →