צְנֵפָה
𐤑𐤍𐤐𐤄
tsᵉnêphâh
H6802 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Headwrap, turban, or wound headdress; a textile covering for the head, typically referring to the distinctive priestly or royal headgear characterized by being wrapped or wound around the head. In later or non-literal contexts may also refer to a helmet or head-enclosure, but primary reference is to textile head coverings associated with status or ritual role.
Semantic Range
turban, headwrap, priestly or royal headdress, wound head covering; (poetic or symbolic) splendor, dignity, helmet
Root / Etymology
From the root צָנַף (tsanaf), 'to wrap, wind, or envelop (especially around the head).' The noun צְנֵפָה (tsᵉnêphâh) is derived as a feminine formation from this root, denoting an object that is wrapped, specifically a headwrap or turban.
Historical & Contextual Notes
צְנֵפָה appears in poetic and prophetic passages to designate a type of elaborate head covering. In Isaiah 62:3 and Zechariah 3:5, it denotes a special headpiece, in the latter case specifically for the high priest. The concrete image is of a cloth wound or wrapped around the head, distinct from simpler head coverings such as the כִּפָּה (kippah) or a mere cloth. The word connotes a formal or ceremonial context, often signifying dignity, status, or sanctity, and is used less frequently than מִצְנֶפֶת (mitznefet), the more standard term for the high priestly headgear in Torah regulations. צְנֵפָה was later applied in rabbinic and Medieval Hebrew to various forms of turbans and ceremonial wraps, but in biblical usage, refers specifically to wound headdress of priestly or royal symbolism. English translations sometimes render it as 'turban,' 'mitre,' or 'diadem,' but these can obscure the specific connotation of a wound head covering as indicated by the root.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from צָנַף; a ball; [idiom] toss.
Bantu Hebrew
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צנף (ts-n-p̄) — to wrap, wind, enfold, bind around
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4701 | מִצְנֶפֶת | the wrapped priestly turban |
| H6797 | צָנִיף | the wrapped head-dress |
| H6801 | צָנַף | to wrap a turban |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6802-01 |
צְנֵפָ֔ה | tsenefah | HNcfsa |
like a ball | wound headdress | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6802-01 |
Isaiah 22:18 | צְנֵפָ֔ה | tsenefah | HNcfsa |
like a ball | wound headdress |