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חוּט

𐤇𐤅𐤈

chûwṭ

H2339 noun

SILEX Entry

Root חוט to twist, to spin, to thread

Definition

A length of twisted fiber, typically referring to a string, thread, or cord, used in various contexts such as sewing, binding, and measuring. In some contexts, denotes a thin cord used for measuring distances, boundaries, or plots of land; in others, signifies a simple thread or string used for fastening or tying objects. Semantic range includes general threads, cords of various thicknesses, and functional roles such as threads in sewing, cords for boundaries, or lines for measurement or lot-casting.

Semantic Range

string, thread, cord, line, measuring cord, fillet, boundary-line, sewing thread, cord used for lot-casting

Root / Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew root חוט (chet-vav-tet), likely signifying 'to twist' or 'to spin,' though the root is not attested as a verbal form in the Hebrew Bible. The nominal form חוּט appears to be a primary noun formation referring to something spun or twisted. The connection to twisting or spinning is paralleled in cognate Semitic languages where similar forms mean 'thread' or 'cord.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

חוּט is attested primarily in texts describing practical implements, such as in the narrative of Rahab lowering spies with a 'scarlet cord' (Joshua 2:18, 21), and in temple construction or everyday use. While standard English translations often render it as 'thread,' 'cord,' or 'line,' the term encompasses both fine and coarse forms, depending on context. Unlike חבל (chevel, 'rope' or 'measuring cord') or פתיל (ptil, 'thread,' often for wicks or decorative strips), חוּט most often refers to a medium-weight, twisted string. In ancient Israelite society, such cords played roles in textile production, construction, boundary demarcation, and occasionally in ritual contexts. The transition from 'sewing string' to 'measuring cord' reflects the object's versatility rather than a shift in inherent meaning. English terms like 'thread' and 'cord' do not fully convey the functional range of חוּט in biblical Hebrew. In the post-exilic and later Judean settings, the term continues much as in earlier usage but may also appear in rabbinic discussions of ritual fringes (tzitzit), though that sense is post-biblical.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from an unused root probably meaning to sew; a string; by implication, a measuring tape; cord, fillet, line, thread.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

חוט (ḥ-w-ṭ) — to twist, to spin, to thread

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2338 חוּט they will string together

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H2339-05 וְ/חוּט֙ vechut HC/Ncmsc and a line and a cord-of 2
H2339-02 כַּ/חֽוּט kachut HRd/Ncmsa like a thread like a twisted thread 1
H2339-03 כְּ/ח֤וּט kechut HR/Ncmsc like a thread like a twisted cord 1
H2339-06 וְ/הַ/חוּט֙ vehachut HC/Td/Ncmsa and the twisted cord 1
H2339-01 חוּט֩ chut HNcmsc thread twisted cord of 1
H2339-04 מִ/חוּט֙ michut HR/Ncmsa a thread from a twisted cord 1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H2339-04 Genesis 14:23 מִ/חוּט֙ michut HR/Ncmsa a thread from a twisted cord
H2339-01 Joshua 2:18 חוּט֩ chut HNcmsc thread twisted cord of
H2339-02 Judges 16:12 כַּ/חֽוּט kachut HRd/Ncmsa like a thread like a twisted thread
H2339-05 1 Kings 7:15 וְ/חוּט֙ vechut HC/Ncmsc and a line and a cord-of
H2339-05 Jeremiah 52:21 וְ/ח֛וּט vechut HC/Ncmsc and a thread and a cord-of
H2339-03 Song of Songs 4:3 כְּ/ח֤וּט kechut HR/Ncmsc like a thread like a twisted cord
H2339-06 Ecclesiastes 4:12 וְ/הַ/חוּט֙ vehachut HC/Td/Ncmsa and the twisted cord
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