Several words are used both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament for raiment, clothing, or apparel, without defining what particular garments are alluded to; and when a single garment is intended it is variously translated in the AV. In the East few garments were needed, and they were probably much the same as those worn there at present by the natives.
1. The inner garment is the kethoneth, a long tunic worn by men and women. It was made of wool, cotton, or linen. This was the garment God made of skins for Adam and Eve, and what Jacob made of many colors for Joseph (Gen. 3:21; Gen. 37:3,23-33). It formed part of the priest’s dress. At times another is worn over it. The bride said she had put off her “coat” for the night, which was probably the outer one, though the Hebrew word is the same (Song of Sol. 5:3). The kethoneth answers to the χιτών of the New Testament, mostly translated “coat.” The disciples were not to take two when the Lord sent them out (Matt. 10:10). It was this garment of the Lord’s that was woven in one piece (John 19:23); and the word is used of the coats made by Dorcas (Acts 9:39).
2. The other principal garment was the simlah, a cloak, or wide outer mantle, worn by men and women, and in which they wrapped themselves at night. This might be of any texture according to the season, and according to the station in life of the wearer. The peasants often wear such, called an “abba” of camels’ or goats’ hair. This garment if taken in pledge had to be returned in the evening, for without it “wherein shall he sleep?” (Ex. 22:26-27; compare Deut. 24:13). The simlah is the garment that was rent in grief (Gen. 37:34; Gen. 44:13; Josh. 7:6). This corresponds to the ἱμάτιον in the New Testament. It is translated “cloak” (Matt. 5:40; Luke 6:29); and it is the robe of purple with which the soldiers mocked the Lord (John 19:2,5). It is the “garment” the edge of which the woman touched (Matt. 14:36); and the “garments” of which the scribes and Pharisees enlarged the borders (Matt. 23:5). It is otherwise used for “garments” in general, as in Matthew 27:35 and John 19:23-24; and is often translated “raiment” and “clothes.”
3. Another prominent article of apparel and one often richly ornamented was the GIRDLE. These three, with sandals, and a handkerchief or other covering for the head, constituted the usual dress in the East.
Besides the above we read of “changeable suits of apparel” for women (Isa. 3:22).
4. Also, the MANTLE, or ROBE, meil, described as “a large tunic, worn over the common one, but without sleeves.” It was worn by priests (Ex. 28:31; 1 Sam. 28:14; Ezra 9:3, 5): by kings and princes (1 Sam. 18:4; 1 Sam. 24:4, 11): by men of rank (Job 1:20; Job 2:12): and by women (2 Sam. 13:18).
5. The WIMPLE or VEIL, a wide upper garment or shawl, which covered the head and part of the body. Ruth was able to carry in such a veil six measures of barley (Ruth 3:15; Isa. 3:22). There are four other Hebrew words translated “veils.”
6. The STOMACHER, apparently a wide ornamented girdle. The word occurs only in Isaiah 3:24.