מִגְבָּעָה
𐤌𐤂𐤁𐤏𐤄
migbâʻâh
H4021 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A round or dome-shaped head covering, typically designating a specific type of priestly headgear worn by certain classes of priests in the Jerusalem temple. In biblical usage, refers primarily to the official headpiece assigned to the sons of Aaron (other than the high priest) as part of their liturgical vestments. The term emphasizes the shape and ceremonial purpose, distinct from other head coverings in ancient Israelite practice.
Semantic Range
a rounded or domed cap; the official headpiece of non-high-priestly Aaronide priests; ceremonial head covering; head-dress; priestly cap
Root / Etymology
From the root ג-ב-ע (גבע), meaning 'hill, elevation, mound.' The term מִגְבָּעָה derives from this root, describing an object that is rounded or elevated in shape. The same root underlies Hebrew words for 'hill' or 'mound,' indicating the cap's domed appearance.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Used exclusively in the context of Levitical and priestly dress in the Torah, especially in the description of the garments appointed for ordinary priests (Exodus 28:40; 29:9; 39:28; Leviticus 8:13). Distinguished from the צִיץ (tzitz, 'diadem' or 'frontlet') and מִצְנֶפֶת (mitznefet, 'turban'), which are associated with the high priest. The מִגְבָּעָה did not carry the same status symbolism as the high priestly turban but visually marked the wearer's priestly role. Later usage of the word is extremely rare; it does not occur in non-priestly contexts. English translations as 'cap,' 'hat,' or 'bonnet' sometimes obscure the technical and ceremonial meaning. There is no evidence that it signified rank outside the Jerusalem priesthood or the specific function of the sons of Aaron. The English word 'bonnet' reflects earlier translation tradition but may mislead modern readers as to the form and significance of the object.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as גִּבְעָה; a cap (as hemispherical); bonnet.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גבע (g-b-ʿ) — to be high, rise up, be elevated, form a mound
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1360 | גֶּבֶא | from a collecting-pool |
| H1375 | גְּבִיעַ | goblet of |
| H1387 | גֶּבַע | in Gebaʿ |
| H1388 | גִּבְעָא | Hill-Town |
| H1389 | גִּבְעָה | in the hill-height |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4021-02 |
מִגְבָּעֹ֔ת | migebaot | HNcfpa |
headbands | domed priestly caps | 2 |
H4021-01 |
הַ/מִּגְבָּעֹ֖ת | hamigebaot | HTd/Ncfpa |
headbands | the domed priestly caps | 1 |
H4021-03 |
וּ/מִגְבָּעוֹת֙ | umigebaot | HC/Ncfpa |
and turbans | and priestly dome-caps | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4021-03 |
Exodus 28:40 | וּ/מִגְבָּעוֹת֙ | umigebaot | HC/Ncfpa |
and turbans | and priestly dome-caps |
H4021-02 |
Exodus 29:9 | מִגְבָּעֹ֔ת | migebaot | HNcfpa |
headbands | domed priestly caps |
H4021-01 |
Exodus 39:28 | הַ/מִּגְבָּעֹ֖ת | hamigebaot | HTd/Ncfpa |
headbands | the domed priestly caps |
H4021-02 |
Leviticus 8:13 | מִגְבָּע֑וֹת | migebaot | HNcfpa |
headbands | domed priestly caps |