מְחַבְּרָה
𐤌𐤇𐤁𐤓𐤄
mᵉchabbᵉrâh
H4226 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Structural piece that joins or connects two elements together, especially used of components in the construction of the Tabernacle. Refers specifically to a coupling, connector, or fastening device that unites boards, frames, or beams in architectural or ritual contexts. The term primarily indicates a mechanical or structural linkage, rather than general companionship or association.
Semantic Range
joiner, coupling device, connector, clasp, fastening mechanism; (specifically) structural fastener in Tabernacle construction
Root / Etymology
From the root חָבַר (ḥ-b-r), meaning 'to join, bind together, ally.' The word מְחַבְּרָה is a feminine noun formation with the mem prefix, indicating 'that which joins' as a concrete object resulting from the act of joining. The form conveys the sense of an instrument or mechanism of union or fastening, distinct from the more abstract 'association' or 'companion' sense of the root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
מְחַבְּרָה appears in the construction instructions for the Tabernacle (e.g. Exod 26:6, 11; 36:13) to designate the device or apparatus used to connect boards or panels, ensuring the stability and unity of the sanctuary's structure. The term thus has a narrowly defined technical meaning in biblical usage and does not appear as a general word for 'friend' or 'ally,' which are other senses of the root in different noun forms. English translations often use 'coupling,' 'clasp,' or 'connector,' but these can obscure the precise nature of the ancient object, which was intended to provide a secure joining of structural elements. In later Hebrew, related forms retain the idea of bringing together, but use in the context of sacred architecture is unique to the Tabernacle narratives. The term does not extend to later Judean or Israelite temple architecture, nor does it denote sociopolitical alliances despite the semantic range of the root. No evidence exists for the use of מְחַבְּרָה in post-biblical Hebrew in this sense.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from חָבַר; a joiner, i.e. brace or cramp; coupling, joining.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חבר (ḥ-b-r) — to join, bind, unite, associate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2249 | חָבוֹר | and in Chabor |
| H2250 | חַבּוּרָה | welt-mark |
| H2266 | חָבַר | let me bind together |
| H2267 | חֶבֶר | your alliances |
| H2268 | חֶבֶר | Association |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4226-01 |
לַֽ/מְחַבְּר֑וֹת | lamechaberot | HRd/Ncfpa |
for couplings | for the structural connectors | 1 |
H4226-02 |
וְ/לַֽ/מְחַבְּר֖וֹת | velamechaberot | HC/Rd/Ncfpa |
and-for-the-fittings | and for the joining-fasteners | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4226-02 |
1 Chronicles 22:3 | וְ/לַֽ/מְחַבְּר֖וֹת | velamechaberot | HC/Rd/Ncfpa |
and-for-the-fittings | and for the joining-fasteners |
H4226-01 |
2 Chronicles 34:11 | לַֽ/מְחַבְּר֑וֹת | lamechaberot | HRd/Ncfpa |
for couplings | for the structural connectors |