Description
All the words listed above are general terms for clothing. For a specific discussion on the clothing of the High Priest, see High Priest’s clothing.
Translation
At times the context may indicate with some degree of certainty which specific article of clothing is intended. For the most part, however, a generic word for “clothing,” “clothes,” “dress,” or “covering” may be used.
Some have seen symbolic significance in the Hebrew word ’adereth in 1KI 19:19, when Elijah throws his mantle over Elisha. While this may be confirmed by the events of 2KI 2:8; 2KI 2:13; 2KI 2:14, the translator should probably not use a different word than the one used in the other references for ’adereth.
The Hebrew word ksuth means “covering” in the passages listed above.
The Hebrew word pthigil appears only in ISA 3:24, and its meaning is uncertain. The context makes it clear that it was some kind of fine garment that was probably wrapped around the wearer.
The Hebrew word takrik appears only in EST 8:15, and its root appears nowhere else in the Hebrew Bible. It was some sort of “mantle” (RSV, NJPSV), “cape” (CEV), or “cloak” (GNT) that was wrapped around the outer garment. The one worn by Mordecai was a symbol of royalty like the rest of his clothes.
While the Greek word esthēs does not indicate a specific piece of clothing, it does refer to the high and impressive quality of the clothing. It is used several times for the clothing of angels. The Greek word malakos also refers to clothing of high quality.