מִשְׁבְּצָה
𐤌𐤔𐤁𐤑𐤄
mishbᵉtsâh
H4865 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An ornamental, intricately made setting, most commonly a filigree or latticework mount used to enclose a gemstone; in biblical contexts, it specifically refers to the mount or socket that held precious stones in the high priest's ceremonial garments.
Semantic Range
ornamental metal setting for gems, filigree or brocade mount, latticework, decorative socket for precious stones
Root / Etymology
From the root שָׁבַץ (sh-v-ts), which expresses 'to weave, to interlace, to inlay, to elaborate with latticework.' The denominative noun מִשְׁבְּצָה is formed as a feminine noun pattern and refers to the object created by interweaving or elaborate setting, particularly for precious stones.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, מִשְׁבְּצָה refers almost exclusively to the metal settings into which gemstones were inset for the high priest's breastpiece (חֹשֶׁן) and shoulder pieces (אֵפוֹד), as described in Exodus. These settings were likely crafted as decorative gold filigree or latticework, providing both a secure encasement and an ornamental function. The term does not refer to an item of clothing or fabric per se, but to the metalwork encasing the stone. In later Hebrew and post-biblical usage, the word maintains a connection to inlaid or filigreed objects, especially in jewelry. Standard English translations often render מִשְׁבְּצָה as 'setting' or 'mount,' terms that adequately reflect its function but may obscure the ornate craftsmanship the term implies. The word is distinct from other terms for settings or sockets, such as בית ('house, socket') or סוג ('enclosure'), due to its specific connotations of artistry and elaborate work.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from שָׁבַץ; a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of agem; ouch, wrought.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שבץ (sh-v-ts) — weave, interlace, inlay, decorate with filigree
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7636 | שָׁבִיס | the interwoven hair-nets |
| H7660 | שָׁבַץ | inlaid ones |
| H7661 | שָׁבָץ | the entanglement |
| H8665 | תַּשְׁבֵּץ | interwoven patterned fabric |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4865-03 |
מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת | mishebetsot | HNcfpc |
settings | filigree settings of | 5 |
H4865-01 |
הַֽ/מִּשְׁבְּצֹֽת | hamishebetsot | HTd/Ncfpa |
settings | the filigree-settings | 3 |
H4865-02 |
מִֽ/מִּשְׁבְּצ֖וֹת | mimishebetsot | HR/Ncfpc |
from embroideries | filigree gem-settings of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4865-03 |
Exodus 28:11 | מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת | mishebetsot | HNcfpc |
settings of | filigree settings of |
H4865-03 |
Exodus 28:13 | מִשְׁבְּצֹ֖ת | mishebetsot | HNcfpc |
settings | filigree settings of |
H4865-01 |
Exodus 28:14 | הַֽ/מִּשְׁבְּצֹֽת | hamishebetsot | HTd/Ncfpa |
the settings | the filigree-settings |
H4865-01 |
Exodus 28:25 | הַֽ/מִּשְׁבְּצ֑וֹת | hamishebetsot | HTd/Ncfpa |
settings | the filigree-settings |
H4865-03 |
Exodus 39:6 | מִשְׁבְּצֹ֣ת | mishebetsot | HNcfpc |
settings | filigree settings of |
H4865-03 |
Exodus 39:13 | מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת | mishebetsot | HNcfpc |
settings | filigree settings of |
H4865-03 |
Exodus 39:16 | מִשְׁבְּצֹ֣ת | mishebetsot | HNcfpc |
settings | filigree settings of |
H4865-01 |
Exodus 39:18 | הַֽ/מִּשְׁבְּצֹ֑ת | hamishebetsot | HTd/Ncfpa |
settings | the filigree-settings |
H4865-02 |
Psalms 45:14 | מִֽ/מִּשְׁבְּצ֖וֹת | mimishebetsot | HR/Ncfpc |
from embroideries | filigree gem-settings of |