חָשֻׁק
𐤇𐤔𐤒
châshuq
H2838 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A band or rod connecting structural elements, specifically a decorative or binding strip joining the capitals or tops of pillars, notably in the context of sacred or architectural furnishings such as those of the tabernacle or temple. Used primarily for physical objects that link, bind, or enclose pillars, serving both a functional and decorative role.
Semantic Range
band connecting capitals of pillars, decorative or functional rod or strip joining columns, fillet, architectural connector or band
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root חָשַׁק (ḥāshaq), meaning 'to bind closely, attach, be attached'. The form חָשֻׁק (ḥāshuḳ) is a passive participle, referring to something having been bound or attached. It denotes the band or strip which is used to bind pillars together (usually in a physical architectural context).
Historical & Contextual Notes
חָשֻׁק is used only in specific descriptions of sacred furniture in the Pentateuch (notably in Exodus), referring to metal bands or fillets joining or encircling the capitals of pillars in places such as the court of the tabernacle. The term does not occur widely outside of these ritual-architectural passages, and its usage is highly specific to this technical context. The English translation 'fillet' is archaic and may not reflect the physical appearance or function for modern readers; 'binding band,' 'decorative band,' or 'connecting rod' better capture the likely function. Later translation traditions occasionally render the word as 'rail' or 'strip.' The word does not designate a protective fence or enclosure in the sense of a barrier, but rather a joining or decorative feature for columns or posts. In later Hebrew, the root ח-ש-ק develops more abstract senses ('to desire, delight'), but this meaning is not present in the architectural context of חָשֻׁק.
Translation Consistency
'Band' is the most natural, commonly understood English noun covering a decorative or binding strip that connects or encloses capitals/pillars. It matches the SILEX range (band, fillet, binding strip), is the simplest option for consistent rendering, and reflects the predominant attested English renderings ('bands') in the data.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or חָשׁוּק; past participle of חָשַׁק; attached, i.e. a fence-rail or rod connecting the posts or pillars; fillet.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חשק (ḥ-š-q) — bind closely, attach, join
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2836 | חָשַׁק | he attached himself |
| H2837 | חֵשֶׁק | binding attachment |
| H2839 | חִשֻּׁק | and their joining-rods |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2838-01 |
וַ/חֲשֻׁקֵי/הֶ֖ם | vachashuqeyhem | HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp |
and their bands | and their binding-bands | and their binding-bands | 8 |
Occurrences in Scripture
8 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2838-01 |
Exodus 27:10 | וַ/חֲשֻׁקֵי/הֶ֖ם | vachashuqeyhem | HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp |
and their fillets | and their binding-bands | and their binding-bands |
H2838-01 |
Exodus 27:11 | וַ/חֲשֻׁקֵי/הֶ֖ם | vachashuqeyhem | HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp |
and their bands | and their binding-bands | and their binding-bands |
H2838-01 |
Exodus 36:38 | וַ/חֲשֻׁקֵי/הֶ֖ם | vachashuqeyhem | HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp |
and their bands | and their binding-bands | and their binding-bands |
H2838-01 |
Exodus 38:10 | וַ/חֲשֻׁקֵי/הֶ֖ם | vachashuqeyhem | HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp |
and their bands | and their binding-bands | and their binding-bands |
H2838-01 |
Exodus 38:11 | וַ/חֲשֻׁקֵי/הֶ֖ם | vachashuqeyhem | HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp |
and their bands | and their binding-bands | and their binding-bands |
H2838-01 |
Exodus 38:12 | וַ/חֲשׁוּקֵי/הֶ֖ם | vachashuqeyhem | HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp |
and their bands | and their binding-bands | and their binding-bands |
H2838-01 |
Exodus 38:17 | וַ/חֲשׁוּקֵי/הֶם֙ | vachashuqeyhem | HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp |
and their bands | and their binding-bands | and their binding-bands |
H2838-01 |
Exodus 38:19 | וַ/חֲשֻׁקֵי/הֶ֖ם | vachashuqeyhem | HC/Ncmpc/Sp3mp |
and their bands | and their binding-bands | and their binding-bands |