פַּס (pas)
pas
long-sleeved
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun pas refers to the flat surface of a hand or foot, specifically the palm or sole. While its primary meaning is anatomical, it appears in Scripture with a distinctive descriptive function, identifying garments that extend fully to cover these extremities.
In the biblical text, this word describes a tunic reaching to the palms and soles. This specific detail appears when David tears his garment as a sign of mourning (2 Samuel 1:2), and when Saul’s robe is caught by the hem in a cave (1 Samuel 24:4-5). The length signifies a full-length robe, often associated with royalty or formal attire.
The term highlights the physical completeness of the clothing. By mentioning the palms and soles, the text emphasizes that the garment covers the entire body down to its lowest points. This concrete imagery helps readers visualize the dignity and status of those wearing such long tunics in ancient Israelite society.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pas describes a tunic reaching to the palms and soles. In ancient Israel, this length marked high status or royal dignity. It is not merely a detail about fabric but a sign of honor and identity.
When David tore such a garment in mourning, it showed deep grief for Saul. When Tamar tore hers, it signaled her violation and loss. These moments remind us that our outward appearance can reflect inner states. God sees the heart behind the clothing.
We are called to wear humility and love. Let your life display the dignity of being made in God’s image. May you walk in grace today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ palms and soles3×
- palms and soles2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פַּסִּֽים\׃1×
- פַּסִּ֔ים1×
- הַ/פַּסִּ֛ים1×
- הַ/פַּסִּ֗ים1×
- הַ/פַּסִּ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 13:19
Tamar put ashes on her head, and tore her garment of various colors that was on her; and she laid her hand on her head and went her way, crying aloud as she went.
Tamar tears her royal tunic to publicly signal her violation, using the garment's status to highlight her suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pas mean in the Bible?
Why is this word important in 2 Samuel?
How is pas different from other clothing words?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a tunic of…
Genesis 37:23When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him;
Genesis 37:32They took the tunic of many colors, and they brought it to their father, and said, “We have found this. Examine it,…