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רֶשֶׁת

𐤓𐤔𐤕

resheth

H7568 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ירשׁ to take possession, to dispossess, to inherit

Definition

A net, typically a woven or interlaced device used for trapping or catching animals, birds, or fish; also used figuratively for entrapment or peril. The term generally denotes a physical object made of strings, cords, or threads intricately arranged to ensnare, as well as a metaphorical device for ensnaring a person or group.

Semantic Range

net, snare, device for catching animals or birds, metaphorical trap, instrument of entrapment, peril

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root יָרַשׁ (yarash), which primarily means 'to take possession, dispossess, inherit.' The noun רֶשֶׁת (resheth) is formed from this root and refers concretely to something that captures or takes possession — namely, a net. While the connection between 'possession' and 'net' is semantically plausible (a net 'takes possession' of what it ensnares), the derivation is debated among philologists, and some regard the etymology as uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical usage, רֶשֶׁת appears most frequently in poetic or figurative contexts (Psalms, Proverbs), where it conveys both literal and metaphorical trapping. In descriptions of hunting or warfare, it refers to an actual net used to catch birds or animals (e.g., Psalm 140:6; Proverbs 1:17). Figuratively, it often symbolizes danger, plots, or snares set by enemies (e.g., Psalm 25:15; 35:7), highlighting the threat of entrapment by hostile forces or circumstances. Distinct from related Hebrew terms such as מְצוֹדָה (mesudah, 'stronghold, snare') or חֵפֶר (chefer, 'pit, trap'), רֶשֶׁת emphasizes the intricate, manufactured nature of the device. English translations tend to render it as 'net,' but may not always capture its metaphorical nuance. Over time, its usage did not substantially change, but subsequent periods (Second Temple and later) preferred other terms for literal fishing nets. The word is absent from priestly ritual contexts, focusing instead on threats, hunting, or schemes.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from יָרַשׁ; a net (as catching animals); net(-work).

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

ירשׁ (y-r-sh) — to take possession, dispossess, inherit

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H3388 יְרוּשָׁא Possessed-one
H3423 יָרַשׁ to dispossess us
H3424 יְרֵשָׁה inherited possession
H4180 מוֹרָשׁ for inherited-possession-of
H4183 מוֹרַשְׁתִּי the Moreshethite

Word Forms

9 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H7568-05 רֶ֣שֶׁת reshet HNcfsc a net net of possession 6
H7568-07 רִשְׁתִּ/י֙ risheti HNcfsc/Sp1cs my-net my net 4
H7568-03 הָ/רֶ֗שֶׁת hareshet HTd/Ncfsa the net the possessing-net 2
H7568-04 מֵ/רֶ֣שֶׁת mereshet HR/Ncfsa from the net net 2
H7568-09 בְ/רִשְׁתּֽ/וֹ verisheto HR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms and his net his ensnaring net 2
H7568-01 בְּ/רֶֽשֶׁת bereshet HR/Ncfsa in the net in a net 2
H7568-06 רִשְׁתָּ֖/ם rishetam HNcfsc/Sp3mp their net their net 2
H7568-08 וְ/רֶ֖שֶׁת vereshet HC/Ncfsc and a net net of 1
H7568-02 הָ/רָ֑שֶׁת harashet HTd/Ncfsa the net the ensnaring net 1

Occurrences in Scripture

22 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H7568-05 Exodus 27:4 רֶ֣שֶׁת reshet HNcfsc a net net of possession
H7568-03 Exodus 27:4 הָ/רֶ֗שֶׁת hareshet HTd/Ncfsa the net the possessing-net
H7568-03 Exodus 27:5 הָ/רֶ֔שֶׁת hareshet HTd/Ncfsa the net the possessing-net
H7568-05 Exodus 38:4 רֶ֣שֶׁת reshet HNcfsc network net of possession
H7568-07 Ezekiel 12:13 רִשְׁתִּ/י֙ risheti HNcfsc/Sp1cs my-net my net
H7568-07 Ezekiel 17:20 רִשְׁתִּ֔/י risheti HNcfsc/Sp1cs my-net my net
H7568-06 Ezekiel 19:8 רִשְׁתָּ֖/ם rishetam HNcfsc/Sp3mp their net their net
H7568-07 Ezekiel 32:3 רִשְׁתִּ֔/י risheti HNcfsc/Sp1cs my-net my net
H7568-08 Hosea 5:1 וְ/רֶ֖שֶׁת vereshet HC/Ncfsc and a net net of
H7568-07 Hosea 7:12 רִשְׁתִּ֔/י risheti HNcfsc/Sp1cs my net my net
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