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חֹשֶׁן

𐤇𐤔𐤍

chôshen

H2833 noun

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain unclear, possibly related to containing or sparkling (unattested root)

Definition

An embroidered garment or ornamental piece worn over the chest, functioning most specifically as the ceremonial 'breastpiece' associated with the Israelite high priest. The chôshen served as a setting for rows of gemstones inscribed with the names of the sons of Israel and functioned as the locus for ritual inquiry (by means of the Urim and Thummim). The term refers exclusively to this specific item of high-priestly regalia, and does not indicate generic armor or a defensive breastplate.

Semantic Range

embroidered chestpiece, ornamental priestly garment, ceremonial breastpiece, gemstone pectoral worn by the high priest, locus for Urim and Thummim

Root / Etymology

The root is uncertain. Traditional etymology has proposed a link to an unused root related to 'contain' or 'sparkle', but this is unattested in Hebrew and remains speculative. The word is not derived from a recognizable or productive Hebrew root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

חֹשֶׁן is used exclusively in the context of high priestly apparel, most frequently in the Priestly sources describing the tabernacle and its service (e.g., Exodus 28, 29, 35, 39; Leviticus 8). It refers to a crafted, square pouch or ornamental piece, not a martial breastplate or cuirass. Its main ritual functions were to bear twelve gemstones representing the tribes of Israel and to serve as the setting for the Urim and Thummim—a means of sacred lot or inquiry. The term is never used for ordinary military armor in the Hebrew Bible, and English translations rendering it as 'breastplate' may misleadingly evoke later or non-Israelite military conceptions. In postbiblical Hebrew, the word remains associated with this priestly item and acquires symbolic significance. Later rabbinic literature continues to use חֹשֶׁן in descriptions of the high priestly attire, sometimes translated as the 'Choshen' or 'breastpiece.' English translations sometimes use 'breastplate,' but this can obscure its distinctive ritual context. The chôshen is contrasted with the ephod (apron-like garment) and with belt-like or robe-like priestly vestments.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from an unused root probably meaning to contain or sparkle; perhaps a pocket (as holding the Urim and Thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest; breastplate.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

חשן (ḥ-š-n) — uncertain; possibly containing, sparkling

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2833-03 הַ/חֹ֛שֶׁן hachoshen HTd/Ncmsa the breastpiece the ceremonial breastpiece 18
H2833-02 חֹ֤שֶׁן choshen HNcmsa breastplate high-priestly breastpiece 3
H2833-04 וְ/לַ/חֹֽשֶׁן velachoshen HC/Rd/Ncmsa and for the breastpiece and to the high-priestly breastpiece 3
H2833-01 בְּ/חֹ֧שֶׁן bechoshen HR/Ncmsc in the breastpiece in the ceremonial breastpiece of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

25 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2833-04 Exodus 25:7 וְ/לַ/חֹֽשֶׁן velachoshen HC/Rd/Ncmsa and for the breastpiece and to the high-priestly breastpiece
H2833-02 Exodus 28:4 חֹ֤שֶׁן choshen HNcmsa a breastpiece high-priestly breastpiece
H2833-02 Exodus 28:15 חֹ֤שֶׁן choshen HNcmsc breastplate high-priestly breastpiece
H2833-03 Exodus 28:22 הַ/חֹ֛שֶׁן hachoshen HTd/Ncmsa the breastpiece the ceremonial breastpiece
H2833-03 Exodus 28:23 הַ/חֹ֔שֶׁן hachoshen HTd/Ncmsa the breastpiece the ceremonial breastpiece
H2833-03 Exodus 28:23 הַ/חֹֽשֶׁן hachoshen-2 HTd/Ncmsa of the breastpiece the ceremonial breastpiece
H2833-03 Exodus 28:24 הַ/חֹֽשֶׁן hachoshen HTd/Ncmsa the breastpiece the ceremonial breastpiece
H2833-03 Exodus 28:26 הַ/חֹ֑שֶׁן hachoshen HTd/Ncmsa of the breastpiece the ceremonial breastpiece
H2833-03 Exodus 28:28 הַ֠/חֹשֶׁן hachoshen HTd/Ncmsa breastpiece the ceremonial breastpiece
H2833-03 Exodus 28:28 הַ/חֹ֔שֶׁן hachoshen-2 HTd/Ncmsa the breastpiece the ceremonial breastpiece
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