כִּישׁוֹר
𐤊𐤉𐤔𐤅𐤓
kîyshôwr
H3601 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A spindle, specifically the rod or shaft used in spinning thread or yarn by hand. Refers to the apparatus around which raw material—usually wool or flax—is twisted to form thread. In biblical usage, denotes the instrument employed by women in textile production, as part of domestic and economic activity.
Semantic Range
spindle (for spinning), tool for twisting thread, component of a spinning apparatus, shank or rod of spinning device
Root / Etymology
From the root כָּשֵׁר (k-š-r), 'to be suitable, proper, fit,' possibly alluding to the spindle's function as a fitted tool. The noun כִּישׁוֹר (kîyshôwr) specifically denotes an implement essential for spinning. This root is distinct from פֶּלֶךְ (pelek), another term for spinning apparatus, often used for a distaff or a different part of the spinning instrument.
Historical & Contextual Notes
כִּישׁוֹר appears only in Proverbs 31:19, describing the activities of the industrious 'valiant woman.' In this context, it is closely linked with domestic weaving and textile work, key aspects of household economy in ancient Israelite society. The term is more precise than the broader פֶּלֶךְ (distaff), denoting the spindle as the actively manipulated tool for twisting fibers into thread. While older translations simply render it 'spindle,' the word’s technical nuance might be overlooked in English. The Hebrew text reflects familiarity with everyday textile tools fundamental to preindustrial economies. In later Hebrew and post-biblical usage, כִּישׁוֹר continues to denote components of spinning devices, though the precise form and use might evolve. The English term 'spindle' captures the closest equivalent, but may miss some of the technical and cultural specificity the Hebrew word conveyed in its original context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from כָּשֵׁר; compare פֶּלֶךְ; literally a director, i.e. the spindle or shank of adistaff, by which it is twirled; spindle.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כשר (k-š-r) — to be suitable, to be proper, to fit
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3574 | כּוֹשָׁרָה | in the favorable circumstances |
| H3787 | כָּשֵׁר | the making fit |
| H3788 | כִּשְׁרוֹן | fitness-of |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3601-01 |
בַ/כִּישׁ֑וֹר | vakishor | HRd/Ncmsa |
to the distaff | with the spindle | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3601-01 |
Proverbs 31:19 | בַ/כִּישׁ֑וֹר | vakishor | HRd/Ncmsa |
to the distaff | with the spindle |