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Exodus 39:15 — Word Study

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WLCוַיַּעֲשׂ֧וּ עַל־ הַחֹ֛שֶׁן שַׁרְשְׁרֹ֥ת גַּבְלֻ֖ת מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה עֲבֹ֑ת זָהָ֖ב טָהֽוֹר׃

BSAForʻal the breastpiecechôshen [sacred pouch, the high priest's garment] they madeʻâsâh braidedmaʻăseh chainsʻăbôth [twisted lace] like cordsgabluth [wreathed work, intertwined threads] of pureṭâhôwr [clean, ceremonially spotless] goldzâhâb [a valuable, brilliant metal]

Word
Listen & take awayExodus 39
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 15 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (ta.Hor) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Exodus 39:15quick helps
In a sentenceThe artisans crafted braided chains for the high priest's breastpiece using pure gold.
Who is speakingThe narrative describes the work of skilled craftsmen in the construction of sacred garments.
Where we areThis verse details part of the high priest's attire, specifically focusing on the breastpiece.
The hard wordשַׁרְשְׁרֹת
Take awayThe intricate design of the breastpiece reflects the care taken in the high priest's garments.
4 commentators on this verse Jamieson, Ellicott, Cambridge, Whedon & more — read them › clause verbעָשָׂה The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Exodus 39:15

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — The High Priest's Garmentsgenerated

14The twelve stones corresponded to the names of the sons of Israel. Each stone was engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
15For the breastpiece they made braided chains like cords of pure gold.
16They also made two gold filigree settings and two gold rings, and fastened the two rings to the two corners of the breastpiece.
17Then they fastened the two gold chains to the two gold rings at the corners of the breastpiece,

Exodus 39:15 describes the detailed craftsmanship involved in creating the high priest's breastpiece, which was an essential part of his ceremonial attire. This breastpiece held significant religious importance, containing the Urim and Thummim, as outlined in Exodus 28:15-30. The construction of these garments reflects the holiness required in approaching God and the meticulous nature of the work done by the artisans.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Exodus 28:14and two chains of pure gold, made of braided cord work; and attach these chains to the settings.
22 Chronicles 3:5He paneled the main room with cypress, which he overlaid with fine gold and decorated with palm trees and chains.
3Song of Solomon 1:10
4John 10:28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand.
5John 17:12While I was with them, I protected and preserved them by Your name, the name You gave Me. Not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word שַׁרְשְׁרֹת, shar.she.Rotgenerated

The word שַׁרְשְׁרֹת (sharsharah) refers to chains, specifically those that are braided or intertwined. It is a feminine noun that indicates a series of connected items, often used in a decorative context. The root suggests a binding or connecting action, which is fitting for the purpose of the chains in the breastpiece.

In this verse, the chains are described as part of the high priest's breastpiece, emphasizing their importance in the overall design and function of the garment. The use of the word indicates both a physical connection and a symbolic representation of unity and strength.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb וַיַּעֲשׂ֧וּ, and they made, governs the entire verse, indicating the action taken by the craftsmen. It is followed by a prepositional phrase that specifies what they made, leading into the noun phrases that describe the components of the breastpiece.

The structure emphasizes the action of making, with the details of the breastpiece's components laid out clearly. The noun phrases provide specific information about the materials and their qualities, illustrating the care taken in the creation of these sacred items.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates וַיַּעֲשׂ֧וּ as ἐποίησαν, which conveys a similar meaning of making or doing. This choice aligns with the Hebrew sense of craftsmanship and creation.

The word שַׁרְשְׁרֹת is rendered as κροσσοὺς, which emphasizes the decorative aspect of the chains, suggesting a focus on their ornamental function in addition to their structural role.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Exodus 39:15 describes how the skilled craftsmen made braided chains for the high priest's breastpiece using pure gold. This garment had significant religious importance and was designed with intricate details to reflect its sacred purpose.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What is the significance of the breastpiece?

The breastpiece was a sacred pouch worn by the high priest, holding the Urim and Thummim, which were used for divination and decision-making in Israel.

Why is pure gold specified for the chains?

Pure gold signifies the value and holiness of the priestly garments, reflecting the importance of the high priest's role in mediating between God and the people.

What does braided chains imply about the craftsmanship?

Braided chains suggest a high level of skill and artistry, indicating that the garments were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and worthy of their sacred purpose.

How does this verse connect to the overall theme of holiness in the priestly garments?

This verse highlights the meticulous attention to detail in the construction of the high priest's garments, reinforcing the theme of holiness and the importance of approaching God in a sacred manner.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does the use of pure gold in the breastpiece tell us about the nature of God and His expectations for worship?
  2. How can we apply the concept of craftsmanship and care in our own lives and responsibilities?
  3. In what ways does the design of the high priest's garments reflect the character of God?
  4. How does understanding the significance of the breastpiece enhance our appreciation for the role of the high priest in the Old Testament?

Commentators on this verse — 4 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Exodus 39:15 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

They made shoulderpieces for it, to couple it together: by the two edges was it coupled together. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on Exodus 39 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

XXXIX. THE MAKING OF THE HOLY .(1-31) This section corresponds to Exodus 28:5-40, but does not follow exactly the same order. Exodus 39:2-7 correspond to Exodus 39:5-12 of Exodus 28; Exodus 39:8-21 to Exodus 39:13-28; Exodus 39:22-26 to Exodus 39:31-35; but after this a dislocation occurs. Exodus 39:27-29 correspond to Exodus 39:39-42 of Exodus 28, and Exodus 39:30-31 to Exodus 39:36-38. It is not clear why any change was made. The order observed in Exodus 28 seems preferable.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Exodus 39 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

14, 15. Corresponding to Exodus 28:21-22. 16a (to gold) Introduced here from Exodus 28:13. Exodus 39:16 b (from and two gold rings)–21a=Exodus 28:23-28.

Read Cambridge on Exodus 39 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

THE HOLY OF THE PRIESTS, Exodus 39:1-31 See notes on Exodus 28. ALL BROUGHT TO MOSES AND , Exodus 39:32-43.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Exodus 39 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

For the breastpiece they made braided chains like cords of pure gold.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

They made on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

For the breastpiece they made braided chains like cords of pure gold.

NETBNew English Translation2006

They made for the breastpiece braided chains like cords of pure gold,

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And they made upon the breastplate chains at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And they made upon the breastplate chains like cords, of wreathen work of pure gold.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And they made upon the breastplate chains like cords, of wreathen work of pure gold.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And they made upon the breast-plate chains at the ends, of wreathed work of pure gold.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

After, they made vpon the brest plate cheines at the endes, of wrethen worke and pure golde.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And they made on the breastplate chains of laced work of wreathen work, of pure gold.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And they make on the breastplate wreathed chains, work of thick bands, of pure gold;

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And they make wreathed chains on the breastplate, [the] work of thick bands of pure gold;

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And they made upon the breastplate chains with knots at the ends, of wreathed work, of pure gold.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

On the breastpiece they made chains like cords, braided work of pure gold.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

They made also in the rational little chains linked one to another of the purest gold,

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

They made cords of braided chains from pure gold to attach the breastpiece.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And on the bag they put gold chains, twisted like cords.

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וַandclauseverbיַּעֲשׂ֧וּthey.madeprepositional phrase · prepositionalעַלonnoun phraseהַtheחֹ֛שֶׁןbreastpiecenoun phrase · objectnoun phraseשַׁרְשְׁרֹ֥תchainsגַּבְלֻ֖תof.twistingnoun phraseמַעֲשֵׂ֣הa.workעֲבֹ֑תof.cordagenoun phrase · adverbialזָהָ֖בgoldטָהֽוֹרpure

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text is supported by the Septuagint, which matches all nine words in a word-by-word correspondence. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs in three words, using terms like גבלות for chains and עבות for cordage, indicating slight variations in terminology but maintaining the overall meaning.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וַיַּעֲשׂ֧וּ עַל־ הַחֹ֛שֶׁן שַׁרְשְׁרֹ֥ת גַּבְלֻ֖ת מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה עֲבֹ֑ת זָהָ֖ב טָהֽוֹר׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַיַּעֲשׂ֧וּἐποίησανעַל־ἐπὶהַחֹ֛שֶׁןλογεῖονשַׁרְשְׁרֹ֥תκροσσοὺςגַּבְלֻ֖תσυμπεπλεγμένουςמַעֲשֵׂ֣הἔργονעֲבֹ֑תἐμπλοκίουזָהָ֖בξρυσίουטָהֽוֹר׃καθαροῦ

9 of the 9 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

ויעשׂו על החשׁן שׁרשׁרות גבלות מעשׂה עבות זהב טהור

3 words differ from the Masoretic Text: שׁרשׁרות (chain), גבלות (), עבות (rope)

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q17a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

ויעשו [על] [החשן] [שרשרת] [גבלת] [מעשה] [עבת] [זהב] טהור

1 word on the leather — 1 partly restored, 7 supplied entire by an editor.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Exodus 39:15עָשָׂהand they maand they madeעָשָׂהעַלononעַלחֹ֫שֶׁןthe breastpthe breastpieceחֹ֫שֶׁןשַׁרְשְׁרָהchains ofchains ofשַׁרְשְׁרָהגַּבְלֻתtwistingtwistingגַּבְלֻתמַעֲשֶׂהa work ofa work ofמַעֲשֶׂהעֲבֹתcordagecordageעֲבֹתזָהָבgoldgoldזָהָבטָהוֹרpurepureטָהוֹרשָׁרַשׁto uprootto uprootשָׁרַשׁגָּבַלto borderto borderגָּבַלעָשָׂהto maketo makeעָשָׂהטָהֵרbe purebe pureטָהֵרעַלheightheightעַלעָבוֹתleafyleafyעָבוֹתצָפָהto overlayto overlayצָפָהמְלָאכָהworkworkמְלָאכָהתּוֹעֵבַהabominatioabominationתּוֹעֵבַהכִּפֶּרto atoneto atoneכִּפֶּרכִּסֵּאthronethroneכִּסֵּאאֵפוֹדephodephodאֵפוֹדקָצָהendendקָצָהעֲבֹתcordcordעֲבֹתמַעֲשֶׂהdeed: judgdeed: judgementמַעֲשֶׂהשָׁנִיscarletscarletשָׁנִישֵׁשׁalabasteralabasterשֵׁשׁצַמֶּ֫רֶתtreetoptreetopצַמֶּ֫רֶת
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Exodus 39:15

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and they made on the breastpiece chains of twisting a work of cordage gold pure
וַיַּעֲשׂ֧וּvai.ya.'a.Su and they made H6213 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
2,629× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Tyndale gloss
to make
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָשָׂה (asah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, encompassing a wide range of actions such as producing, preparing, and observing. It can refer to both concrete and abstract activities, including making offerings and attending to tasks. The verb also has forms indicating passive meanings, such as being made or offered. Notably, the Piel form refers to pressing or squeezing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָשָׂה 2622 vb. do, make

Qal 2524

do (1560 t.)

deal with

oft. in phr. do kindness with

abs. act, act with effect

make (670 t.)

produce, yield

prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

make offering

attend to, put in order

observe, celebrate, religious festival

acquire property of various kinds

appoint priests

bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

use

spend, pass, days of life

Niph.

97be done

be made, of concr. things

be produced from vine

be prepared, of food

be offered

be observed, passover

be used

Pu. I was made

base

[עָשָׂה] vb. Pi. press, squeeze

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6213a עָשָׂה do, make .. . do (1560 + t.)

. deal with

. oft. in phr. do kindness with

. abs. act, act with effect

. . make (670 + t.)

. produce, yield

. prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

. make offering

. attend to, put in order

. observe, celebrate, religious festival

. acquire property of various kinds

. appoint priests

. bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

. use

. spend, pass, days of life

. . be done

. . be made, of concr. things

. be produced from vine

. be prepared, of food

. be offered

. be observed, passover

. be used

. I was made

H6213b עָשָׂה Pi. press, squeeze

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6213 `asah aw-saw'

a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and

widest application (as follows):--accomplish, advance,

appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth,

bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal

(with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in)

execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, (fight-)ing man, +

finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go

about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X

indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain,

make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare,

bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure,

provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin,

spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be

(warr-)ior, work(-man), yield, use.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make: do.

: do/perform

1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do, work, make, produce

1a1a) to do

1a1b) to work

1a1c) to deal (with)

1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect

1a2) to make

1a2a) to make

1a2b) to produce

1a2c) to prepare

1a2d) to make (an offering)

1a2e) to attend to, put in order

1a2f) to observe, celebrate

1a2g) to acquire (property)

1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute

1a2i) to bring about

1a2j) to use

1a2k) to spend, pass

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be done

1b2) to be made

1b3) to be produced

1b4) to be offered

1b5) to be observed

1b6) to be used

1c) (Pual) to be made

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to press.

(Piel) to press, squeeze

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make.

: make(OBJECT)

1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do, work, make, produce

1a1a) to do

1a1b) to work

1a1c) to deal (with)

1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect

1a2) to make

1a2a) to make

1a2b) to produce

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
Hc/Vqw3mp
and they made on the breastpiece chains of twisting a work of cordage gold pure
עַל־'al- on H5921 Preposition
5,774× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Tyndale gloss
upon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

עַל, עָ֑ל

subst. height

As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed

of clothing, etc., which any one wears

With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears

. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5921 `al al

properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the

singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a

particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always

in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great

variety of applications (as follow):--above, according

to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because

of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both

and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in

(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,

through(-out), to, touching, X with.

see HEBREW for 05920

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַל (al) — upon.

prep

1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards

1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)

1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)

1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)

1e) over (of suspension or extension)

1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)

1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)

1h) to (as a dative)

[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.

conj

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

On

Light; the sun, (Gen. 41:45, 50), the great seat of sun-worship, called also Bethshemesh (Jer. 43:13) and Aven (Ezek. 30:17), stood on the east bank of the Nile, a few miles north of Memphis, and near Cairo, in the north-east. The Vulgate and the LXX. Versions have “Heliopolis” (“city of the sun”) instead of On in Genesis and of Aven in Ezekiel. The “city of destruction” Isaiah speaks of (19:18, marg. “of Heres;” Heb. ‘Ir-ha-heres, which some MSS. read Ir-ha-heres, i.e., “city of the sun”) may be the name given to On, the prophecy being that the time will come when that city which was known as the “city of the sun-god” shall become the “city of destruction” of the sun-god, i.e., when idolatry shall cease, and the worship…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(abode or city of the sun), a town of lower Egypt, called BETH-SHEMESH in (Jeremiah 43:13) On is better known under its Greek name Heliopolis. It was situated on the east side of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, just below the point of the Delta, and about twenty miles northeast of Memphis. The chief object of worship at Heliopolis was the sun, whose temple, described by Strabo, is now only represented by the single beautiful obelisk, of red granite so feet 2 inches high above the pedestal which has stood for more than 4000 years, having been erected by Usirtesen, the second king of the twelfth dynasty. Heliopolis was anciently famous for its learning, and Eudoxus and Plato studied under its priests. The first mention of this place in the Bible is in the history of Joseph, to whom we read Pharaoh gave "to wife Asenath the daughter…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

See HELIOPOLIS.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

pain; force; iniquity

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and they made on the breastpiece chains of twisting a work of cordage gold pure
הַחֹ֛שֶׁןha.Cho.shen the breastpiece H2833 Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The breastpiece was a sacred pouch worn by the high priest to hold the Urim and Thummim, as seen in Exodus 28:15-30.
Amplified meaning
sacred pouch, the high priest's garment
Tyndale gloss
breastpiece
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֹ֫שֶׁן (choshen) refers to the breast-piece or sacred pouch worn by the high priest, designed to hold the Urim and Thummim. It is derived from a root that likely means to contain or sparkle, suggesting a connection to richness or precious stones. The term is used exclusively in this context within the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֹ֫שֶׁן n.m. the breast-piece or sacred pouch

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2833 חֹ֫שֶׁן the breast-piece or sacred pouch

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2833 choshen kho'-shen

from an unused root probably meaning to contain or sparkle;

perhaps a pocket (as holding the Urim and Thummim), or rich

(as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the

highpriest:--breastplate.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֹ֫שֶׁן (cho.shen) — breastpiece.

1) breastplate, breastpiece

1a) sacred pouch of the high priest designed to hold the Urim and Thummim

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absolute
HTd/Ncmsa
and they made on the breastpiece chains of twisting a work of cordage gold pure
שַׁרְשְׁרֹ֥תshar.she.Rot chains of H8333 Noun common · feminine plural construct
7× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word also means a chain, but can also describe a decorative garland. It is used in the Bible to describe a series of connected items.
Tyndale gloss
chain
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שַׁרְשְׁרָה (sharsharah) is a feminine noun meaning 'chain.' It is derived from the root word for 'to bind' and is noted in some contexts as possibly referring to a garland. The entries consistently define it as a chain without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[שַׁרְשְׁרָה] n.f. (in spite of foll. sf. masc.) chain

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8333 [שַׁרְשְׁרָה] n.f. (in spite of foll. sf. masc.) chain

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8333 sharahrah shar-sher-aw'

from 8327 (compare 8331); a chain; (arch.) probably a

garland:--chain.

see HEBREW for 08327

see HEBREW for 08331

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שַׁרְשְׁרָה (shar.she.rah) — chain.

chain

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfpc — Noun common · feminine plural construct
HNcfpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and they made on the breastpiece chains of twisting a work of cordage gold pure
גַּבְלֻ֖תgav.Lut twisting H1383 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
2× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means a twisted chain or lace, and is also translated as end. It appears in the Bible to describe a twisted or turned shape.
Amplified meaning
wreathed work, intertwined threads
Tyndale gloss
twists
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גַּבְלֻת (gabluth) refers to a type of twisting, specifically describing twisted cords or chains. It appears in the context of the priestly garments in Exodus 28:22 and 39:15, indicating tightly twisted materials used in their construction. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to twist'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גַּבְלֻת n.f. twisting—שַׁרְשֹׁת גַּבְלֻת Ex 28:22, שַׁרְשְׁרֹת גּ׳ 39:15 (both P), cords of twisting, i.e. (well or tightly) twisted cords.

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1383 גַּבְלֻת n.f. twisting—שַׁרְשֹׁת גַּבְלֻת Ex 28:22, שַׁרְשְׁרֹת גּ׳ 39:15 (both P), cords of twisting, i.e. (well or tightly) twisted cords.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1383 gabluth gab-looth'

from 1379; a twisted chain or lace:--end.

see HEBREW for 01379

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גַּבְלֻת (gav.lut) — twists.

a twisting

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
and they made on the breastpiece chains of twisting a work of cordage gold pure
מַעֲשֵׂ֣הma.'a.Seh a work of H4639 Noun common · masculine singular construct
236× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Tyndale gloss
deed: judgement
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מַעֲשֶׂה (ma`aseh) means deed or work, encompassing a range of actions from good to bad, and includes concepts like business, labor, and products made. It can refer to specific achievements, works of God, or even customs. The entries suggest a broad application in various contexts, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַעֲשֶׂה 233 n.m. deed, work

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4639 מַעֲשֶׂה deed, work

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4639 ma`aseh mah-as-eh'

from 6213; an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction;

abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically,

a poem) or (generally) property:--act, art, + bakemeat,

business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making,

occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, X well,

((handy-, needle-, net-))work(ing, - manship), wrought.

see HEBREW for 06213

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַעֲשֶׂה (ma.a.seh) — deed: work.

: work/product

1) deed, work

1a) deed, thing done, act

1b) work, labour

1c) business, pursuit

1d) undertaking, enterprise

1e) achievement

1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment)

1g) work, thing made

1h) work (of God)

1i) product

מַעֲשֶׂה (ma.a.seh) — deed: justice.

: justice/right/righteousness

1) deed, work

1a) deed, thing done, act

1b) work, labour

1c) business, pursuit

1d) undertaking, enterprise

1e) achievement

1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment)

1g) work, thing made

1h) work (of God)

1i) product

מַעֲשֶׂה (ma.a.seh) — deed: judgement.

: judgement/punishment

1) deed, work

1a) deed, thing done, act

1b) work, labour

1c) business, pursuit

1d) undertaking, enterprise

1e) achievement

1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment)

1g) work, thing made

1h) work (of God)

1i) product

מַעֲשֶׂה (ma.a.seh) — deed: custom.

: custom/manner

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and they made on the breastpiece chains of twisting a work of cordage gold pure
עֲבֹ֑ת'a.Vot cordage H5688 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
24× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A cord or rope, often made from intertwined threads. In the Bible, it can also describe a wreath or chain, like the ones used in Ezekiel 7:23.
Amplified meaning
twisted lace
Tyndale gloss
cord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֲבֹת (aboth) refers to a twisted cord or rope, and can also denote cordage or interwoven foliage. The word is derived from a root meaning something intertwined, and it encompasses various forms such as bands, chains, and thick branches. There is a suggestion of uncertainty regarding the meaning of 'interwoven foliage' in some entries.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֲבֹת n.m. et f. (twisted) cord, rope; cordage; interwoven foliage (?)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5688 עֲבֹת (twisted) cord, rope; cordage; interwoven foliage (?)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5688 `aboth ab-oth'

or rabowth {ab-oth'}; or (feminine) tabothah {ab- oth-aw'};

the same as 5687; something intwined, i.e. a string, wreath or

foliage:--band, cord, rope, thick bough (branch), wreathen

(chain).

see HEBREW for 05687

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֲבֹת (a.vot) — cord.

1) cord, rope, cordage, foliage, interwoven foliage

1a) cord, rope, cordage, chain

1b) interwoven foliage

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
and they made on the breastpiece chains of twisting a work of cordage gold pure
זָהָ֖בza.Hav gold H2091 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
389× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Amplified meaning
a valuable, brilliant metal
Tyndale gloss
gold
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זָהָב (zahab) means gold and is derived from an unused root that conveys the idea of shimmering. It encompasses various aspects of gold, including its value as a precious metal, its use as a measure of weight, and its figurative brilliance. The term appears in contexts related to wealth, merchandise, and gifts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זָהָב 385 n.m. gold

= gold-ore, gold in raw state

gold as wealth

gold as spoil of war

gold as merchandise

gold as costly gift

gold as material

gold described by its source

gold defined by var. adj. and pts.

as measure of weight and value

= golden oil, from colour

often named with

the chief vbs. used

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2091 זָהָב gold

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2091 zahab zaw-hawb'

from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively,

something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky:--

gold(-en), fair weather.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זָהָב (za.hav) — gold.

1) gold

1a) as precious metal

1b) as a measure of weight

1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.)

Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

gold (zahabh; chrusos):

1. Terms:

No metal has been more frequently mentioned in Old Testament writings than gold, and none has had more terms applied to it. Among these terms the one most used is zahabh. The Arabic equivalent, dhahab, is still the common name for gold throughout Palestine, Syria and Egypt. With zahabh frequently occur other words which, translated, mean "pure" (Ex 25:11), "refined" (1Ch 28:18), "finest" (1Ki 10:18), "beaten" (1Ki 10:17), "Ophir" (Ps 45:9).

Other terms occurring are: paz, "fine gold" (Job 28:17;

Gold

(1.) Heb. zahab, so called from its yellow colour (Ex. 25:11; 1 Chr. 28:18; 2 Chr. 3:5).

(2.) Heb. segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or “fine gold” (1 Kings 6:20; 7:49).

(3.) Heb. paz, native or pure gold (Job 28:17; Ps. 19:10; 21:3, etc.).

(4.) Heb. betzer, “ore of gold or silver” as dug out of the mine (Job 36:19, where it means simply riches).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Gold was known from the very earliest times. (Genesis 2:11) It was at first used chiefly for ornaments, etc. (Genesis 24:22) Coined money was not known to the ancients till a comparatively late period; and on the Egyptian tombs gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes. Comp. (Genesis 43:21) Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times, (1 Chronicles 22:14; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 9:9; Daniel 3:1; Nahum 2:9) but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A well-known valuable metal, found in many parts of the world, and obtained anciently in Ophir, Job 28:16; Parvaim, 2Ch 3:6; Sheba, and Raamah, Eze 27:22. Job alludes to gold in various forms, Job 22:24 28:15-19. Abraham was rich in it, and female ornaments were early made of it, Ge 13:2 24:22,35. It is spoken of throughout Scripture; and the use of it among and ancient Hebrews, in its native and mixed state, and for the same purposes as at present, was very common. The Ark of the Covenant was overlaid with pure gold; the mercy seat, the vessels and utensils belonging to the tabernacle, and those also of the house of…

and they made on the breastpiece chains of twisting a work of cordage gold pure
טָהֽוֹר׃ta.Hor pure H2889 Adj
94× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Tahor means pure or clean, and can refer to physical, moral, or ceremonial purity. In the Bible, it describes clean animals and morally upright people. It is often used to describe something as fair or pure.
Amplified meaning
clean, ceremonially spotless
Tyndale gloss
pure
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

טָהוֹר (tahor) means clean or pure, covering physical, ceremonial, and moral senses. It is derived from the root word associated with H2891. The entries emphasize its application in various contexts, including animals and ethical purity.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

טָהוֹר adj. clean, pure

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2889 טָהוֹר clean, pure

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2889 tahowr taw-hore'

or tahor {taw-hore'}; from 2891; pure (in a physical,

chemical, ceremonial or moral sense):--clean, fair,

pure(-ness).

see HEBREW for 02891

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

טָהוֹר (ta.hor) — pure.

1) pure, clean

1a) clean (ceremonially-of animals)

1b) pure (physically)

1c) pure, clean (morally, ethically)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAamsa
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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