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סוּת (sut)

sut

vesture

H5497 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun sut refers to a garment or piece of clothing. It appears only once in the Bible, in Genesis 49:10, where Jacob blesses his son Judah. The context describes a future ruler whose authority is so great that he will tie his donkey to the finest vine and wash his garments in wine.

This single usage paints a picture of extreme abundance and royal luxury. In ancient Near Eastern culture, washing clothes in wine was not practical hygiene but a vivid metaphor for wealth so overflowing that even dirty laundry could be cleaned with expensive vintage. The word itself does not specify the type of fabric, leaving the focus on the value and status associated with the clothing rather than its construction.

Translators often render sut as "garment" or "vesture," emphasizing its role as a marker of dignity. By linking Judah’s lineage to this image of opulence, the text suggests that his descendants would possess resources far beyond ordinary need. The word serves as a concrete symbol of the prosperity promised to the tribe that would eventually produce Israel’s kings.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word sut appears only once in Scripture, nestled within Jacob’s blessing to Judah. It describes a garment so precious that its owner washes it in wine rather than water. This image is not about hygiene but about overwhelming abundance. In the ancient world, such luxury signaled royal status and divine favor.

For your faith, this rare word points to a future hope of restoration. It suggests that God’s promises include not just survival, but flourishing. When you trust in His provision, you can rest in the knowledge that He desires to bless you with more than enough. This abundance is meant to reflect His generosity.

Ultimately, sut reminds us that our inheritance in Christ includes spiritual richness. We are not left wanting but are clothed in grace that overflows. May this truth bring comfort as you seek to live faithfully today.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • robe/ his1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • סוּתֽ/וֹ\׃1×

Key Verses

  • Genesis 49:11
    Binding his foal to the vine, his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.

    This verse uses the word to depict Judah’s future royal abundance, where garments are washed in wine to symbolize overflowing wealth and divine blessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word sut mean?

Sut is a rare noun meaning 'vesture' or 'garment.' It appears only in Genesis 49:11, where it describes the fine clothing of Judah’s future lineage. The term highlights dignity and status rather than specific fabric type.

Why are garments washed in wine in Genesis 49:11?

Washing clothes in wine was a metaphor for extreme wealth, not practical hygiene. It illustrated that the ruler would have so much abundance that even expensive wine could be used for laundry. This image underscores the prosperity promised to Judah.

How is sut different from other words for clothing?

While many Hebrew words describe specific types of garments, sut focuses on the value and status associated with the clothing. Its unique usage in Genesis 49:11 links it directly to royal luxury and divine blessing rather than everyday wear.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)