צֶבֶת
𐤑𐤁𐤕
tsebeth
H6653 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A cluster or bundle of stalks grasped in the hand, usually referring to a gathered handful of grain or similar plant material. Can denote the action or result of gripping together several stems, typically as part of agricultural harvesting activities.
Semantic Range
bundle of stalks, handful of grain, cluster held in the hand
Root / Etymology
צֶבֶת derives from an otherwise unattested root, suggested as צבת, with an apparent meaning 'to grip' or 'to grasp.' The form is a feminine noun constructed from this root, but no evidence of the verbal root is found in the Hebrew Bible or cognate Semitic languages. Thus, the etymology is uncertain, though related in form to the more common noun צבת (tongs, pincher), which involves a gripping action.
Historical & Contextual Notes
צֶבֶת appears in the Hebrew Bible only in Judges 15:14, describing what Samson's bound hands resembled—bundles of flax stalks. The term is rare, context-specific, and always refers to plant stalks gathered by grasping. This distinguishes it from general terms for 'handful' (e.g., חפן) and words for agricultural bundles (like עמר for 'sheaf'), specifying a bundle formed by the act of gripping. In the passage's context, the nuance is on several things held together in a fist or by a strong grip. Later Hebrew (e.g., Rabbinic) does not retain the term, and English translations often render it generically as 'handful' or 'bundle,' potentially missing the specific gripping connotation. There is no known shift in meaning over time since its textual occurrence is singular. Some modern translations conflate צֶבֶת with more general terms, but the context indicates stalks or similar items gathered tightly in one's hand, not a cut sheaf.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root apparently meaning to grip; a lock of stalks; handful.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צבת (ṣ-b-t) — grip, grasp, clamp
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6653-01 |
הַ/צְּבָתִ֑ים | hatsevatim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the bundles | the grasped bundles | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6653-01 |
Ruth 2:16 | הַ/צְּבָתִ֑ים | hatsevatim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the bundles | the grasped bundles |