חַסְפַּס
𐤇𐤎𐤐𐤎
chaçpaç
H2636 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
A fragment or flake, typically referring to something peeled, chipped, or scaled off from a larger object, particularly in the sense of a small, thin piece detached from a main body. The term most often designates small, thin shavings or scales, such as chips from stone or fragments from pottery or metal, rather than a whole item in itself.
Semantic Range
chip, flake, scale, shred, small peeled-off fragment, small piece (from stone, pottery, or metal)
Root / Etymology
The word חַסְפַּס (chaçpaç) is likely a reduplicated form based on an unattested root ח-ס-פ (*ḥ-s-p), related to the concept of peeling, flaking, or scaling off. The reduplication may serve to emphasize the smallness or fragmentary nature of the object. Etymology remains uncertain, as the root does not appear elsewhere in biblical Hebrew, but comparable roots in related Semitic languages point toward the sense of removal or peeling.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חַסְפַּס (chaçpaç) is an extremely rare word in Biblical Hebrew, appearing only in a list context in the description of forbidden objects for ritual use (such as flakes or fragments that may be viewed as impure or unsuitable). Its usage suggests a focus on the fragmentary, broken, or leftover nature of the item, and it typically refers to tiny pieces rather than substantial parts. Importantly, the word never refers to a whole object in biblical sources, but always describes what has been removed, chipped away, or fallen off. There are semantic similarities with other Hebrew words for fragments or scales, such as קַש, פֶּסַע, and גָּרְמֶן (the latter for bone fragments), but חַסְפַּס is set apart by its probable association with the process of peeling or chipping, and is not the standard term for any particular material. In English translations, the word is often rendered as “scale,” “flake,” “chip,” or “fragment”, but these do not always capture the sense of a tiny, insignificant piece resulting from the act of peeling or scraping. There is no evidence that later ethnic or religious identities are involved in the semantic development of this word. Over time, especially in post-biblical Hebrew, related but distinct terms are used for shavings or chips, and the term חַסְפַּס itself does not have continued use. Its meaning remains firmly tied to the small, fragmentary, and residual.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
reduplicated from an unused root meaning apparently to peel; a shred or scale; round thing.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חספ (ḥ-s-p) — peel off, scale off, chip off
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2636-01 |
מְחֻסְפָּ֔ס | mechusepas | HVPsmsa |
flake-like | chip-flaked | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2636-01 |
Exodus 16:14 | מְחֻסְפָּ֔ס | mechusepas | HVPsmsa |
flake-like | chip-flaked |