צִפּוּי
𐤑𐤐𐤅𐤉
tsippûwy
H6826 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A surface or layer that covers or overlays another object, especially one composed of or plated with metal. The term typically describes a decorative or protective metallic sheet or plating applied to artifacts, structures, or sacred objects. It highlights the act or result of applying a precious or protective material as a covering.
Semantic Range
overlay, plating (especially with metal), encasement, metal covering, surface layer, crust
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root צפה (ts-ph-h), which at its core means 'to cover, overlay, look out, observe.' The specific noun form צִפּוּי (tsippûwy) focuses on the result of the covering process, especially in terms of a material layer—commonly of metal.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, צִפּוּי is primarily used in relation to construction or craftsmanship, particularly in building or furnishing the Tabernacle or Temple. Notably, it refers to the gold or bronze coverings of wood structures or utensils, indicating an elevating or sanctifying function by means of precious overlay. This nuance is missed in some standard English translations which may render it simply as 'covering,' potentially obscuring the material and ceremonial significance. The word is rare and appears in priestly and ritual contexts, showing the specialized technical vocabulary for sacred manufacture. צִפּוּי contrasts with כִּסּוּי (kissui), which generally means 'covering' or 'concealment,' and not specifically a metallic overlay. The development of the term remains consistent from early to late Biblical Hebrew, as its primary usage stays within ritual and architectural descriptions.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from צָפָה; encasement (with metal); covering, overlaying.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צפה (ts-p-h) — to cover, to overlay, to look out, to observe
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4707 | מִצְפֶּה | the lookout-post |
| H4708 | מִצְפֶּה | to the Watchtower |
| H4709 | מִצְפָּה | in the Watchtower |
| H6822 | צָפָה | I will keep vigilant watch |
| H6823 | צָפָה | overlaid |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6826-01 |
צִפּ֣וּי | tsipuy | HNcmsa |
covering | metal overlay | 3 |
H6826-02 |
וְ/צִפּ֥וּי | vetsipuy | HC/Ncmsc |
and the overlaying | and metal plating of | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6826-02 |
Exodus 38:17 | וְ/צִפּ֥וּי | vetsipuy | HC/Ncmsc |
and the overlaying | and metal plating of |
H6826-02 |
Exodus 38:19 | וְ/צִפּ֧וּי | vetsipuy | HC/Ncmsc |
and the overlaying | and metal plating of |
H6826-01 |
Numbers 17:3 | צִפּ֣וּי | tsipuy | HNcmsa |
overlay | metal overlay |
H6826-01 |
Numbers 17:4 | צִפּ֥וּי | tsipuy | HNcmsa |
covering | metal overlay |
H6826-01 |
Isaiah 30:22 | צִפּוּי֙ | tsipuy | HNcmsc |
plating | metal overlay |