"a tunic, vest, the inner garment which fitted close to the body, having armholes, and sometimes sleeves, and reaching below the knees, worn by both sexes, Mt. 5:40; 10:10; pl. χιτῶνες, clothes, garments in general, Mk. 14:63"
Definition and meaning
a tunic, vest, the inner garment which fitted close to the body, having armholes, and sometimes sleeves, and reaching below the knees, worn by both sexes, Mt. 5:40; 10:10; pl. χιτῶνες, clothes, garments in general, Mk. 14:63
In the original Greek the word is written: χιτών
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of chiton (G5509) across the King James Bible.
And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.
And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
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Common questions
Strong's G5509 (chiton) is a Greek word that means: a tunic, vest, the inner garment which fitted close to the body, having armholes, and sometimes sleeves, and reaching below the knees, worn by both sexes, Mt. 5:40; 10:10; pl. χιτῶνες, clothes, garmen... It appears 10 times in the King James Bible.
The word chiton (G5509) appears 10 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5509 is chiton, a Greek word defined as: a tunic, vest, the inner garment which fitted close to the body, having armholes, and sometimes sleeves, and reaching below the knees, worn by both se. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
chiton is a Greek word found in the New Testament.