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Document Details :

Title: How Tamar's Veil Became Joseph's Coat
Subtitle: The Meaning of כחנח (ה)פסים
Author(s): DEWRELL, Heath
Journal: Biblica
Volume: 97    Issue: 2   Date: 2016   
Pages: 161-174
DOI: 10.2143/BIB.97.2.3183480

Abstract :
The phrase כחנח (ה)פסים appears in two biblical narratives: the Joseph story (Genesis 37) and the Tamar and Amnon story (2 Samuel 13). While the phrase is usually translated 'coat of many colours' or 'long-sleeved garment', this examination argues that the original significance of the term is to be found in its context in 2 Samuel 13, where it is said to be a garment worn by virgin princesses, an argument supported by comparative material from the Middle Assyrian Laws. The garment's appearance in the Joseph narrative is likely secondary, ultimately deriving from the Tamar and Amnon story.

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