שִׁית (shit)
shit
garment
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shit refers to a garment, specifically one that is worn as clothing. Although it appears only twice in the Old Testament, its usage anchors the word within the everyday reality of ancient life.
These rare occurrences are found in Psalms and Proverbs, where the term likely describes outer wear or a cloak. In such contexts, a garment was not merely fabric but a symbol of identity, protection, and social standing. The scarcity of the word suggests it may have been a specific type of clothing known to its original audience, perhaps distinguished by material or style, though the text itself simply identifies it as attire.
Translators typically render shit as "garment" or "clothing," keeping the meaning straightforward and functional. Its limited presence means it does not carry heavy theological weight on its own, but rather serves as a concrete detail in wisdom literature and poetic praise, grounding abstract concepts of honor or shame in the physical reality of what people wore.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for garment in these verses reminds us that what we wear often signals who we are or how we wish to be seen. In ancient times, clothing was a visible marker of status and character, making it a powerful image for describing inner attitudes.
When pride is described as a chain or violence as a covering, the text uses this familiar item to show how sin can wrap around us. It suggests that negative traits can become part of our daily appearance, influencing how others perceive us and how we move through the world.
Conversely, the mention of deceptive attire warns against hiding true intentions behind a pleasing exterior. This word invites reflection on integrity, encouraging us to let our inner lives align with our outward presentation, so that our actions reflect truth rather than deception.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a garment of1×
- [the] garment of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁ֥ית1×
- שִׁ֝֗ית1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 73:6
Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment.
This verse uses the garment as a metaphor for how violence envelops the wicked, showing sin as an inescapable covering that defines their existence.
-
Proverbs 7:10
Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute, and with crafty intent.
Here the garment signifies deceptive appearance, highlighting how external attractiveness can mask dangerous and crafty intentions.