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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.

Translation Consistency

primary "setting" 5 occurrences

“Setting” is the natural, general English noun for a mount or socket that holds a gem. It covers the full semantic range (ornamental mount, filigree, latticework) without being overly technical or hyphenated. Using “setting” ensures consistent, idiomatic rendering across all occurrences.

Alternatives (4 occurrences):
"filigree-settings" (3x) "filigree gem-settings" (1x)

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 recorded for this word yet.

Root Family

שׁבץ (mishbᵉtsâh) — to weave, interlace, inlay, decorate with filigree

Root שׁבץ to weave, interlace, inlay, decorate with filigree
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H7660 שָׁבַץ inlaid ones

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H4865-03 מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת mishebetsot HNcfpc settings filigree settings of filigree settings of 5
H4865-01 הַֽ/מִּשְׁבְּצֹֽת hamishebetsot HTd/Ncfpa settings the filigree-settings the filigree-settings 3
H4865-02 מִֽ/מִּשְׁבְּצ֖וֹת mimishebetsot HR/Ncfpc from embroideries filigree gem-settings of from filigree gem-settings 1

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H4865-03 Exodus 28:11 מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת mishebetsot HNcfpc settings of filigree settings of filigree settings of
H4865-03 Exodus 28:13 מִשְׁבְּצֹ֖ת mishebetsot HNcfpc settings filigree settings of filigree settings of
H4865-01 Exodus 28:14 הַֽ/מִּשְׁבְּצֹֽת hamishebetsot HTd/Ncfpa the settings the filigree-settings the filigree-settings
H4865-01 Exodus 28:25 הַֽ/מִּשְׁבְּצ֑וֹת hamishebetsot HTd/Ncfpa settings the filigree-settings the filigree-settings
H4865-03 Exodus 39:6 מִשְׁבְּצֹ֣ת mishebetsot HNcfpc settings filigree settings of filigree settings of
H4865-03 Exodus 39:13 מִשְׁבְּצ֥וֹת mishebetsot HNcfpc settings filigree settings of filigree settings of
H4865-03 Exodus 39:16 מִשְׁבְּצֹ֣ת mishebetsot HNcfpc settings filigree settings of filigree settings of
H4865-01 Exodus 39:18 הַֽ/מִּשְׁבְּצֹ֑ת hamishebetsot HTd/Ncfpa settings the filigree-settings the filigree-settings
H4865-02 Psalms 45:14 מִֽ/מִּשְׁבְּצ֖וֹת mimishebetsot HR/Ncfpc from embroideries filigree gem-settings of from filigree gem-settings
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