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מַחְבֶּרֶת

𐤌𐤇𐤁𐤓𐤕

machbereth

H4225 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A joining together; specifically, in the context of biblical texts, a seam, coupling, or connecting piece—often of fabric or material—by which two objects, sections, or materials are linked or joined. The term is most frequently used to describe the connector or join between panels of woven fabric, especially in the construction of the Tabernacle. By extension, it can refer to any joint or means of linkage between separate parts.

Semantic Range

seam, connecting piece, joint, coupling, means of joining two parts, connector

Root / Etymology

From the root חָבַר (ḥ-b-r), meaning 'to join, bind, associate, be joined together.' מַחְבֶּרֶת is a feminine noun form denoting the result or instrument of joining, i.e. 'a thing that joins' or 'connector.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, מַחְבֶּרֶת appears in the context of the Tabernacle's construction, referring to the seam or coupling between individual panels of fabric (Exodus). The use of the term is technical and specific to architectural or artisanal descriptions, lacking direct application to social or personal 'joining.' While the concept is rooted in the general sense of joining or binding, the lexical use is restricted to material connections rather than metaphorical associations. In later Hebrew, cognate terms with the same root may take on the broader sense of association or society, but this usage is not present in biblical prose. English translations sometimes render it as 'seam,' 'coupling,' or 'joining,' all of which capture the technical sense, but may obscure the fact that the Hebrew term encompasses not just the seam itself but the piece or feature which enables the physical connection.

Translation Consistency

primary "seam" 6 occurrences

'Seam' is the most natural, commonly used English noun for a joining line or connecting piece of fabric; it fits the primary Biblical usage (the joins between Tabernacle panels) while also covering related senses like joint, coupling, or connector in a clear, concise way.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"joining-piece" (2x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from חָבַר; a junction, i.e. seam or sewed piece; coupling.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.

Root Family

חבר (Chever) — to bind, join, associate

Root חבר to join, to bind, to associate
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2250 חַבּוּרָה welt-mark
H2266 חָבַר let me bind together
H2267 חֶבֶר your alliances
H2268 חֶבֶר Association
H2269 חֲבַר his companions

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H4225-02 בַּ/מַּחְבֶּ֖רֶת bamacheberet HRd/Ncfsa in the coupling in the joining-piece in the seaming piece 4
H4225-01 בַּ/מַּחְבָּ֑רֶת bamachebaret HRd/Ncfsa of the set in the joining-piece in the joining-piece 2
H4225-03 מֶחְבַּרְתּ֑/וֹ mechebareto HNcfsc/Sp3ms its coupling his joining-piece his seam 2

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H4225-02 Exodus 26:4 בַּ/מַּחְבֶּ֖רֶת bamacheberet HRd/Ncfsa in the set in the joining-piece in the seaming piece
H4225-02 Exodus 26:5 בַּ/מַּחְבֶּ֣רֶת bamacheberet HRd/Ncfsa in the coupling in the joining-piece in the seaming piece
H4225-03 Exodus 28:27 מֶחְבַּרְתּ֑/וֹ mechebareto HNcfsc/Sp3ms its joining his joining-piece his seam
H4225-01 Exodus 36:11 בַּ/מַּחְבָּ֑רֶת bamachebaret HRd/Ncfsa of the set in the joining-piece in the joining-piece
H4225-02 Exodus 36:11 בַּ/מַּחְבֶּ֖רֶת bamacheberet HRd/Ncfsa of the set in the joining-piece in the seaming piece
H4225-02 Exodus 36:12 בַּ/מַּחְבֶּ֣רֶת bamacheberet HRd/Ncfsa in the coupling in the joining-piece in the seaming piece
H4225-01 Exodus 36:17 בַּ/מַּחְבָּ֑רֶת bamachebaret HRd/Ncfsa in the coupling in the joining-piece in the joining-piece
H4225-03 Exodus 39:20 מֶחְבַּרְתּ֑/וֹ mechebareto HNcfsc/Sp3ms its coupling his joining-piece his seam
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