סוּת
𐤎𐤅𐤕
çûwth
H5497 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A type of covering, specifically an item of clothing or garment, likely functioning as an outer wrap or mantle. The term denotes something used to cover the body, with an emphasis on its function as apparel rather than merely as a piece of fabric. In context, the word emphasizes the role of such a garment as a covering.
Semantic Range
covering, clothing, garment, wrap, apparel
Root / Etymology
From the root סוה (s-w-h), which also lies behind the term מַסְוֶה (masveh, 'veil' or 'covering'). Root meaning is 'to cover, conceal, wrap.' 'סוּת' is derived as a noun form, indicating an object which covers, most likely clothing or outer garment. The form is rare in biblical usage.
Historical & Contextual Notes
סוּת occurs only in Ruth 3:15, where it refers to a piece of apparel (likely an outer garment or cloak) that could be used to carry grain. Its rarity means the precise nature of the garment is uncertain, but context suggests it was large enough to serve as a functional receptacle. Some translations render it generically as 'cloth' or 'shawl', but the primary sense is of clothing worn to cover the body, not merely a loose piece of fabric. Later translations (including some LXX renderings) reflect ambiguity, sometimes using words for 'apron' or 'garment.' Distinct from other clothing terms such as כֻּתֹּנֶת (kutonet, 'tunic') or שִׂמְלָה (simlah, 'outer garment'), סוּת is best understood as a covering garment, possibly similar to a mantle or large wrap, rather than ordinary indoor wear. There is no evidence the term carries religious or status implications; it appears as a practical, everyday item. Its single occurrence means usage cannot be firmly tied to distinct chronological phases, but the Ruth narrative suggests a pre-exilic, rural Israelite context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from the same root as מַסְוֶה; covering, i.e. clothing; clothes.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
סוה (s-w-h) — to cover, conceal, wrap
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4533 | מַסְוֶה | the face-covering |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5497-02 |
סות/ה | svth | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
his robes | his covering-garment | 1 |
H5497-01 |
סוּתֽ/וֹ | suto | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
his robes | his covering-wrap | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5497-02 |
Genesis 49:11 | סות/ה | svth | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
his robes | his covering-garment |
H5497-01 |
Genesis 49:11 | סוּתֽ/וֹ | suto | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
his robes | his covering-wrap |