χιτών (chitōn)
chitōn
tunic
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun chitōn refers to the tunic, the primary undergarment worn next to the skin in the ancient world. This inner layer sat beneath a heavier outer cloak or mantle. In the Gospels, it appears frequently in sayings of Jesus and descriptions of his passion, grounding abstract teachings in the tangible reality of daily clothing.
A key distinction lies in its relationship to the outer garment. When Jesus instructs followers not to withhold their tunic if sued for their cloak (Matthew 5:40), or when he gives his tunic to another (Luke 6:29), the word highlights a radical generosity that goes beyond basic necessity. The tunic was essential warmth and modesty; surrendering it meant accepting significant vulnerability.
The term also carries weight in the narrative of the crucifixion. John notes that Jesus’ tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom (John 19:23). This detail distinguishes it from a patchwork garment and underscores the precision of its craftsmanship, a feature significant enough for soldiers to cast lots rather than tear it apart.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chitōn refers to the tunic, the essential undergarment worn next to the skin in the ancient world. It provided warmth and modesty, sitting beneath a heavier outer cloak. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this common item of clothing to teach about radical generosity and non-retaliation. When He instructs followers to offer their tunic even when sued for their cloak, He is pointing to a heart that trusts God’s provision more than material security.
This tangible reality grounds abstract faith in daily life. Surrendering the tunic meant accepting significant vulnerability, yet it also demonstrated a freedom from fear. The seamless nature of Jesus’ own tunic at the cross further highlights the wholeness and integrity of His mission. Christians are invited to reflect on what they hold tightly versus what they can freely give away.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- tunics3×
- tunic3×
- tunics.1×
- tunic.1×
- garments1×
- clothing.1×
- [the] tunics1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χιτῶνας5×
- χιτῶνά1×
- χιτῶνας.1×
- χιτῶνα.¶1×
- χιτῶνα.1×
- χιτῶνα1×
- χιτὼν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:40
If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.
Jesus uses the tunic to illustrate a standard of generosity that exceeds legal requirements, challenging followers to prioritize peace over possession.
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Luke 6:29
To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don’t withhold your coat also.
This occurrence pairs the surrender of the inner garment with non-retaliation, showing how material vulnerability can accompany spiritual resilience.
-
John 19:23
Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top throughout.
The detail that Jesus’ tunic was seamless and woven in one piece underscores the precision of His life and the unity of His sacrifice.