פַּס

פַּס

a long and sleeved tunic (perhaps simply a wide one; from the original sense of the root, i.e. of many breadths)

Definition

The Hebrew word פַּס (paç) refers to a distinctive, high-quality garment, specifically a long, sleeved tunic or robe. It is best known as the 'coat of many colours' (KJV) or 'ornamental robe' (NIV) that Jacob gave to his son Joseph in Genesis 37:3, 23, 32, marking him for a special, favored status. The same term describes the garment worn by Tamar, a king's daughter, in 2 Samuel 13:18-19, indicating it was a robe of distinction, likely ornate and possibly of variegated colors or fine fabric. The core meaning is a long, formal tunic that signified honor, authority, or unique identity.

Biblical Usage

This noun is used only five times in the Old Testament, exclusively in narrative contexts. It appears three times in the story of Joseph (Genesis 37:3, 23, 32) to describe the special robe from his father that fueled his brothers' jealousy. The other two occurrences are in the tragic story of Tamar (2 Samuel 13:18, 19), where she wears a distinctive robe as a virgin princess of the king. In both stories, the garment is a key plot element symbolizing special status and is violently taken away, representing a loss of that status.

Etymology

Derived from the root פָּסַס (pāsas, H6461), which relates to being spread out or flat, like the palm of a hand or sole of a foot. This root sense of breadth or expanse likely evolved to describe a garment of 'many breadths' or wide dimensions. It is cognate with פַּס (pas, H6447), meaning 'palm' or 'sole,' reinforcing the connection to something broad and flat. The development moved from a physical concept of breadth to a specific type of expansive, ornate tunic.

Semantic Range

The פַּס is theologically significant as a symbol of divine election and covenantal favor. In Joseph's story, the robe visually represents God's chosen vessel for salvation (Genesis 45:5-7) and becomes a catalyst for the fulfillment of God's plan. Its violent removal prefigures suffering preceding exaltation. In Tamar's story, the robe signifies royal dignity and purity, and its tearing parallels the violation of justice and covenant within David's house. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting how physical objects in biblical narrative can carry profound theological weight regarding identity, destiny, and God's sovereign purposes. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such a distinctive, long-sleeved, and likely colorful tunic was not typical work attire. It was a garment of honor, often indicating rank, parental favor, or royal status. For Joseph, it marked him as the designated heir in a pastoral family, exempt from manual labor. For Tamar, it identified her as a virgin princess. The modern concept of a simple 'coloured coat' undersells its cultural significance as a potent status symbol, the removal of which was a public act of humiliation and dispossession. כְּתֹנֶת (kᵉthōneth, H3801) — a general term for a tunic or undergarment; the פַּס was a specific, ornate type of כְּתֹנֶת. בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a general word for garment or clothing. שִׂמְלָה (śimlâ, H8071) — a general term for a wrapper or cloak.

Word Details