Encyclopedia of The Bible – Sleeves
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Sleeves

SLEEVES, the tr. offered by RSV in place of KJV, “many colours” (Gen 37:3; 2 Sam 13:18). The Heb. phrase, כְּתֹ֥נֶת פַּסִּֽים, is difficult, however the garment was long and shirt-like with full sleeves. In cuneiform garment inventories there is a mention of a “kutinnū pišaṉu” (JNES VIII [1949], p. 177ff.) a valuable ceremonial vestment with gold work appliqué as its ornamentation. The Heb. phrase seems philologically and semantically cognate. No doubt the livery of the OT classes was distinguished by the degree and quality of such ornaments.