שָׂבָךְ
𐤔𐤁𐤊
sâbâk
H7638 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Decorative latticework or network, especially as an ornamental feature on architectural capitals, usually woven or intertwined in form. In biblical usage, שָׂבָךְ refers specifically to a type of interlaced or netted structure made for visual ornamentation in the temple, rather than utilitarian nets for fishing or trapping.
Semantic Range
network, latticework, ornamental netting (on column capitals), interlaced decorative structure
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root שׂבך (uncertain conjugation), meaning 'to intertwine, weave, interlace.' The noun שָׂבָךְ is derived directly from this root, carrying the sense of something constructed from closely intertwined strands, typically in a decorative form. No direct verbal form of this root appears in the Hebrew Bible, but the derived noun is clearly related in meaning to the notion of weaving or forming a network.
Historical & Contextual Notes
שָׂבָךְ occurs only in relation to Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 7), where it describes the latticework ornamenting the capitals atop the two pillars (Jachin and Boaz). The word refers to an architectural feature and does not denote fishing nets or practical netting (for which רֶשֶׁת or מֵצֹדָה are used). Its occurrence is limited to temple architecture in the biblical record, indicating a specialized context of use. Later rabbinic literature sometimes uses related terms for decorative latticework or openwork in other structures. In major English translations, 'network,' 'lattice,' or 'netting' are common renderings, but these may obscure the exclusively ornamental, non-functional aspect during the First Temple period. This word should not be confused with other Hebrew terms for nets used in everyday life or ritual.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to intwine; a netting (ornament to the capital of a column); net.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שׂבך (ś-b-k) — interweaving, binding together, forming a network
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7639 | שְׂבָכָה | the latticework |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7638-01 |
שְׂבָכִ֞ים | sevakhim | HNcfpa |
nets | ornamental latticeworks | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7638-01 |
1 Kings 7:17 | שְׂבָכִ֞ים | sevakhim | HNcfpa |
nets | ornamental latticeworks |