מַכְבָּר
𐤌𐤊𐤁𐤓
makbâr
H4346 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A woven or latticed structure, typically referring to a network or grating made of metal (such as for altar accessories) or, more rarely, a mesh or netted fabric. In biblical contexts, the term most often denotes an object composed of an interlaced grid, used especially for the covering or protecting surfaces like the bronze altar.
Semantic Range
metal lattice, mesh grating for altar, network of rods or bars, woven net-like structure
Root / Etymology
From the root כָּבַר (k-b-r), meaning 'to intertwine, to bind together, to braid,' with the specific form מַכְבָּר indicating a thing that is woven or latticed. Closely related to מַכְבֵּר (makbēr), a similar term which sometimes denotes a grating or latticework.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, מַכְבָּר is found primarily in priestly texts, notably in descriptions of cultic paraphernalia such as the bronze grating or network (Exodus 27:4–5, 38:4–5) on the altar of burnt offering. The term consistently refers to something that is formed by interlacing strands—often metallic rods or wires to form a mesh or grid-like structure—rather than fabric or textile netting, although this is not ruled out in general Hebrew. Standard English translations vary between 'network,' 'grating,' and 'mesh.' The word does not refer to garment cloths or ordinary fabric, but specifically to constructed, interlaced items meant for covering, protection, or as structural components. This sense does not shift notably across biblical periods, as its usage appears confined to ritual or architectural accessories; it is not a generic term for nets or cloth. Contrast with related nouns like רֶשֶׁת (resōt), which also refers to netting or meshes but sometimes in different contexts (hunting, trapping).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from כָּבַר in the sense of covering; (compare מַכְבֵּר); a cloth (as netted); thick cloth.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כבר (k-b-r) — to intertwine, to weave, to bind together
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1247 | בַּר | Kebar Canal |
| H3523 | כְּבִיר | plaited bedding |
| H3524 | כַּבִּיר | mighty |
| H3527 | כָּבַר | he causes to multiply |
| H3528 | כְּבָר | in that already |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4346-01 |
הַ/מַּכְבֵּר֙ | hamakheber | HTd/Ncmsa |
the thick cloth | the woven lattice | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4346-01 |
2 Kings 8:15 | הַ/מַּכְבֵּר֙ | hamakheber | HTd/Ncmsa |
the thick cloth | the woven lattice |