Coat
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Coat in the Bible?
In ancient Israelite society, a coat functioned as a primary outer garment distinct from undergarments, serving as a tangible marker of an individual's social standing and economic resources.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the coat as a vital possession clarifies the profound personal loss in narratives like Joseph's betrayal and underscores the radical generosity required in the parable of the Good Samaritan, thereby grounding abstract theological concepts in concrete historical reality.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Coat were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Coat in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Coat clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Coat." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/coat/