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וָו

𐤅𐤅

vâv

H2053 noun

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to fasten, to connect, to hang

Definition

A 'hook'—a small device, typically of metal, used to fasten or join together, particularly in the context of the sanctuary, where it refers to the hooks connecting curtains or hangings. The term also designates the sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet (vav), recognized for its piercing or linking function. The word may further refer to objects or devices serving a similar connecting role in ancient structures.

Semantic Range

hook for joining or hanging, metal attaché used for curtains/fabric in the Tabernacle, sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, object serving as a connector or fastener

Root / Etymology

Root uncertain; possibly related to an onomatopoeic root describing a peg or pin, but no clear Semitic cognate exists. The form וָו may be influenced by its physical shape and function. As a letter name, the origin is ancient, likely deriving from the shape of early alphabetic scripts, which resembled a hook or peg.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, וָו primarily appears in priestly texts detailing the design and construction of the Tabernacle (e.g., Exodus 26:32, 37), where it denotes metallic hooks for suspending and connecting the fabric of the tent. Later, וָו is also the name of the sixth letter in the Hebrew alphabet, whose original pictograph resembled a 'hook' or 'peg.' In this alphabetic function, 'vav' is significant in Hebrew language tradition as a consonant and, later, a vowel marker. The connection to the English word 'hook' is based on function, but the Hebrew term refers specifically to objects used for joining or fastening, rather than any kind of hook. The meaning and usage remained relatively stable through biblical and post-biblical periods. English translations may lose the technical nature or visual imagery implied by the Hebrew term when used in the Tabernacle descriptions.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably; a hook (the name of the sixth Hebrew letter); hook.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

וו (w-w (uncertain)) — fastening, connecting, hanging

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2053-01 וָוֵ֧י vavey HNcmpc hooks hooks of 6
H2053-02 וָוֵי/הֶ֖ם vaveyhem HNcmpc/Sp3mp their hooks their hooks 6
H2053-03 וָוִ֖ים vavim HNcmpa hooks connecting hooks 1

Occurrences in Scripture

13 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2053-02 Exodus 26:32 וָוֵי/הֶ֖ם vaveyhem HNcmpc/Sp3mp their-hooks their hooks
H2053-02 Exodus 26:37 וָוֵי/הֶ֖ם vaveyhem HNcmpc/Sp3mp their hooks their hooks
H2053-01 Exodus 27:10 וָוֵ֧י vavey HNcmpc hooks hooks of
H2053-01 Exodus 27:11 וָוֵ֧י vavey HNcmpc the hooks hooks of
H2053-02 Exodus 27:17 וָוֵי/הֶ֖ם vaveyhem HNcmpc/Sp3mp their hooks their hooks
H2053-02 Exodus 36:36 וָוֵי/הֶ֖ם vaveyhem HNcmpc/Sp3mp and their hooks their hooks
H2053-02 Exodus 36:38 וָ֣וֵי/הֶ֔ם vaveyhem HNcmpc/Sp3mp hooks their hooks
H2053-01 Exodus 38:10 וָוֵ֧י vavey HNcmpc hooks hooks of
H2053-01 Exodus 38:11 וָוֵ֧י vavey HNcmpc hooks hooks of
H2053-01 Exodus 38:12 וָוֵ֧י vavey HNcmpc hooks hooks of
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