כְּסוּת (ke.sut)
ke.sut
covering
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun kesut refers to a covering or garment, often with an emphasis on its function as a shield against the elements or a means of concealment. In the Hebrew Bible, it is not merely fashion but protection, appearing in contexts ranging from practical clothing to symbolic veils that hide identity or shame.
Its usage carries a distinct nuance of wrapping or enveloping rather than just wearing. This is evident in Genesis 3:21, where God makes garments of skin for Adam and Eve, providing the first covering for their nakedness after the Fall. The word suggests something that encloses completely, offering both physical warmth and social dignity.
Translators often render kesut as "garment," "clothing," or "covering" depending on context. In Job 29:14, righteousness is described as a garment put on, illustrating how the term can signify an external manifestation of inner virtue. The sources highlight that this word frequently appears in poetic passages to evoke imagery of protection and hiddenness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word kesut speaks of a covering that protects, conceals, or dignifies. It is not merely fabric but a shield against exposure and shame. In Genesis 3:21, God provides the first covering for Adam and Eve, showing His care even in their brokenness. This act reveals a heart that does not leave us naked before others or before Him.
In Job’s world, lacking a kesut meant vulnerability to cold and humiliation. Yet the same word describes righteousness as a garment (Job 29:14), suggesting that inner virtue becomes an outer protection. When we walk in integrity, we are wrapped in something that guards our soul and honors those around us.
This word invites us to trust God as our provider of dignity. Whether in physical need or spiritual struggle, He covers what is fragile. We can rest knowing that His grace wraps around our weaknesses, turning shame into strength and exposure into peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- covering/ your1×
- covering/ their1×
- covering/ her1×
- covering1×
- a covering1×
- [is] covering1×
- [is] a covering of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּ֝ס֗וּת3×
- כְּסוּתָֽ/ם\׃\ \ס1×
- כְּסוּתָ֥/הּ1×
- כְּסוּתְ/ךָ֖1×
- כְּס֣וּת1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 22:12
You shall make yourselves fringes on the four corners of your cloak with which you cover yourself.
The command to make fringes on corners ties the concept of covering to obedience and visible identity within the covenant community.