מַחְשֹׂף
𐤌𐤇𐤔𐤐
machsôph
H4286 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A peeling, layer, or something that is peeled off, particularly a fragment or scale that is removed or exposed on the surface. The term refers specifically to a covering or bark that is stripped away, primarily in the context of plant or tree bark.
Semantic Range
peeling, layer that is peeled off, fragment or scale removed, exposed bark, an exposed or stripped covering
Root / Etymology
From the root חָשַׂף (ḥāśaf), meaning 'to strip off, peel, make bare.' מַחְשֹׂף is a noun formation indicating the product or result of stripping or peeling.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term occurs in contexts referring to the act of exposing or removing the outer covering of an object, most commonly in forestry or botanical settings (e.g., with tree bark) in ancient Israelite society. Its usage is rare in the Hebrew Bible, and it appears in specific ritual or descriptive passages. The term stands in contrast to words for 'skin' (עוֹר, 'or'), which typically remain integral to the animal or human, while מַחְשֹׂף refers to something removed, exposed, or shed. English translations often render it simply as 'peeling' or 'layer,' which generally conveys the basic meaning but may not capture the nuance of a naturally or intentionally exposed layer, especially in agricultural or ritual contexts. Its attestation suggests a term linked to practical daily life in an ancient agrarian setting, rather than a specialized technical or theological usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from חָשַׂף; a peeling; made appear.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חשף (ḥ-š-p̄) — strip, peel, make bare, uncover
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2817 | חֲשׂוּפָא | Exposed-One |
| H2834 | חָשַׂף | he stripped bare |
| H2835 | חָשִׂף | stripped-away bands of |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4286-01 |
מַחְשֹׂף֙ | machesof | HNcmsc |
exposing | peeling-layer | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4286-01 |
Genesis 30:37 | מַחְשֹׂף֙ | machesof | HNcmsc |
exposing | peeling-layer |