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חֵשֶׁב

𐤇𐤔𐤁

chêsheb

H2805 noun

SILEX Entry

Root חשב to think, plan, weave skillfully, design

Definition

A woven band or sash, especially one of elaborate workmanship, most frequently denoting the intricately crafted waist sash worn by the high priest as part of the sacred vestments. The term refers to a decorative fabric band, often described as interlaced, embroidered, or variegated, and designed for binding or fastening other garments, particularly the ephod and breastpiece in priestly attire.

Semantic Range

decorative belt, ornately woven sash, intricately crafted band (specifically of the high priest's attire), fastening for the ephod or breastpiece

Root / Etymology

From the root חָשַׁב (ḥšb), meaning 'to think, plan, account, weave.' The term חֵשֶׁב is derived from the root's sense of 'weaving' or 'embroidery,' i.e., intricately designing (as in the act of planned, skillful work), emphasizing the textile artistry involved in its making.

Historical & Contextual Notes

חֵשֶׁב is primarily associated with priestly ceremonial dress, appearing in descriptions of the vestments of the high priest (e.g., Exodus 28, 39) as an ornamental sash binding the ephod and breastpiece. The substance of the חֵשֶׁב is described as being of 'cunning work,' i.e., skillfully woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet yarn, and fine linen. The term does not generically refer to all belts, but specifically to this highly decorated component of the high priest's attire. Occasionally, English versions render it as 'curious girdle,' an archaic phrase not used in contemporary English. The connotation is not of curiosity but of intricate, skillful craftsmanship. The object's symbolic or ritual significance is not discussed in the lexical meaning. The ordinary Hebrew term for a general belt or sash is different (e.g., אַבְנֵט). Outside priestly contexts, this word does not occur, suggesting a highly specialized usage restricted to ritual function during the monarchic period, reflected most extensively in priestly texts compiled or redacted in and after the exilic period. In later Hebrew, other terms supersede it for belts or sashes. The term's translation as a 'girdle' in older English Bibles can obscure its specific meaning as a uniquely ornate priestly garment accessory.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from חָשַׁב; a belt or strap (as being interlaced); curious girdle.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

חשב (ḥ-š-b) — think, plan, account, weave skillfully, design

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2803 חָשַׁב he devised
H2804 חֲשַׁב accounted ones
H2807 חֲשֻׁבָה and Chashubah
H2808 חֶשְׁבּוֹן Reckoning-City
H2809 חֶשְׁבּוֹן in Heshbon

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2805-03 לְ/חֵ֖שֶׁב lecheshev HR/Ncmsc the band for the intricately woven sash of 2
H2805-04 וְ/חֵ֤שֶׁב vecheshev HC/Ncmsc and the skillfully woven band and intricately-woven sash of 2
H2805-02 חֵ֣שֶׁב cheshev HNcmsc the skillfully woven band skillfully woven sash of 2
H2805-01 בְּ/חֵ֖שֶׁב becheshev HR/Ncmsc with the band of with intricately woven sash of 2

Occurrences in Scripture

8 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2805-04 Exodus 28:8 וְ/חֵ֤שֶׁב vecheshev HC/Ncmsc and the skillfully woven band and intricately-woven sash of
H2805-03 Exodus 28:27 לְ/חֵ֖שֶׁב lecheshev HR/Ncmsc the band for the intricately woven sash of
H2805-02 Exodus 28:28 חֵ֣שֶׁב cheshev HNcmsc the skillfully woven band skillfully woven sash of
H2805-01 Exodus 29:5 בְּ/חֵ֖שֶׁב becheshev HR/Ncmsc with the waistband with intricately woven sash of
H2805-04 Exodus 39:5 וְ/חֵ֨שֶׁב vecheshev HC/Ncmsc and the skillfully woven band and intricately-woven sash of
H2805-03 Exodus 39:20 לְ/חֵ֖שֶׁב lecheshev HR/Ncmsc the band for the intricately woven sash of
H2805-02 Exodus 39:21 חֵ֣שֶׁב cheshev HNcmsc the waistband skillfully woven sash of
H2805-01 Leviticus 8:7 בְּ/חֵ֨שֶׁב֙ becheshev HR/Ncmsc with the band of with intricately woven sash of
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