חִשֻּׁק
𐤇𐤔𐤒
chishshuq
H2839 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An architectural or structural element that links or joins components—specifically, a connecting bar or rod; in biblical contexts, most often refers to an ornamental latticework or rod that forms part of a decorative or functional grillage, particularly in descriptions of the bronze sea in Solomon's Temple. The term implies 'joining' or 'conjoining' parts and may refer both to practical connectors (as of a wheel or structure) and to artistic, interlinked metalwork.
Semantic Range
connecting rod, bar linking parts (especially in metallic or architectural context), latticework, ornamental grillwork, spoke (in a decorative context), element conjoining or attaching parts
Root / Etymology
From the root חשק (ḥ-š-q), meaning 'to bind together, attach, join, desire.' חִשֻּׁק (chishshuq) derives from this root with a nominal pattern indicating an object or element that joins or binds parts together. The underlying sense is that of physical attachment or linkage.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חִשֻּׁק is used only in descriptions of the ornamental bronze work of Solomon's temple (1 Kings 7:33, 7:36; 2 Chronicles 4:12), referring to rods or latticework connecting, strengthening, or adorning the bases of the ten water carts (stands). While Strong's gloss narrows the meaning to a wheel-spoke or felloe, the biblical usage suggests more broadly a decorative or functional connector, possibly interpreted as 'spokes' but also as lattice rods or crossbars forming a network. There is no evidence the word applies to chariot wheels or other wheel-related contexts outside these architectural settings. Later rabbinic and medieval traditions understood the term as part of a grid or ornamental network. English translations often render as 'spokes,' 'bonds,' or 'fillings,' but these may miss the decorative-lattice nuance confirmed by historical Near Eastern metalwork.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from חָשַׁק; conjoined, i.e. a wheel-spoke or rod connecting the hub with the rim; felloe.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חשק (ḥ-š-q) — bind, attach, join, cling
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2836 | חָשַׁק | he attached himself |
| H2837 | חֵשֶׁק | binding attachment |
| H2838 | חָשֻׁק | and their binding-bands |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2839-01 |
וְ/חִשֻּׁקֵי/הֶ֛ם | vechishuqeyhem | HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp |
and their spokes | and their joining-rods | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2839-01 |
1 Kings 7:33 | וְ/חִשֻּׁקֵי/הֶ֛ם | vechishuqeyhem | HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp |
and their spokes | and their joining-rods |