אַבְנֵט (av.net)
av.net
girdle
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun avnet refers to a girdle, sash, or waistband worn around the waist. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears nine times, primarily in the laws of Exodus and Leviticus as well as in the prophecies of Isaiah. It denotes a functional piece of clothing that secured loose robes for work or battle, but it also carries significant ceremonial weight.
The sources highlight a specific distinction: this term is used for the elaborate sash of the high priest (Exodus 28:40; 39:29), as well as those of other priests and high officials. While similar words exist for simpler belts, avnet often implies something more substantial or official. In Isaiah 11:5, it is used metaphorically to describe righteousness and faithfulness as a belt girding the Messiah’s waist, suggesting strength and readiness.
Its usage underscores the dignity of office. The high priest’s avnet was woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads (Exodus 39:29), marking it not just as attire but as a symbol of holiness and service. Translators typically render it simply as "girdle" or "sash," preserving the image of a leader prepared for duty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word avnet describes a sash or girdle, a practical item that secured loose robes for work or battle. In the ancient Near East, this was not merely decorative; it was essential for readiness and dignity. For the high priest, the avnet was woven with gold and vibrant colors, marking his holy office and setting him apart for service to God.
This imagery carries a profound spiritual lesson. In Isaiah 11:5, righteousness is described as a belt girding the Messiah’s waist. This metaphor suggests that moral integrity is not an accessory but a source of strength, holding everything in place. Just as a sash keeps a garment secure, faithfulness keeps our character steady amidst life’s demands.
When we consider our own lives, this word invites us to reflect on what holds us together. It reminds us that holiness involves both the outward appearance of respect and the inward strength of integrity. We are called to live with a sense of purpose, prepared for the duties God has placed before us, grounded in truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ a sash2×
- a sash2×
- with the/ sash1×
- the/ sash1×
- sashes1×
- and/ with/ a sash of1×
- and/ sash/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בְ/אַבְנֵ֥ט1×
- וְ/אַבְנֵֽטְ/ךָ֙1×
- וְ/אַבְנֵ֥ט1×
- וְ/אַבְנֵ֑ט1×
- הָ/אַבְנֵ֞ט1×
- בָּֽ/אַבְנֵ֔ט1×
- אַבְנֵטִ֑ים1×
- אַבְנֵ֜ט1×
- אַבְנֵ֔ט1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 22:21
and I will clothe him with your robe, and strengthen him with your belt. I will commit your government into his hand; and he will be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.
This verse uniquely uses the term metaphorically for governmental authority and strength, showing how the sash symbolizes the power to govern and protect.
-
Exodus 39:29
the sash of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer, as Yahweh commanded Moses.
Here the text details the specific materials of the high priest’s sash, emphasizing that holy service requires excellence and beauty in execution.
-
Leviticus 16:4
He shall put on the holy linen tunic. He shall have the linen trousers on his body, and shall put on the linen sash, and he shall be clothed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on.
The sash is listed among the holy linen garments for the Day of Atonement, highlighting its role in maintaining ritual purity and focus during sacred duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does avnet mean in the Bible?
How is avnet different from other words for belt?
Why is avnet mentioned in Isaiah 11:5?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 3 books)
Exodus 5 verses
These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a fitted tunic, a turban, and a sash.…
Exodus 28:39You shall weave the tunic with fine linen. You shall make a turban of fine linen. You shall make a sash, the work of…
Exodus 28:40“You shall make tunics for Aaron’s sons. You shall make sashes for them. You shall make headbands for them, for glory…
Exodus 29:9You shall clothe them with belts, Aaron and his sons, and bind headbands on them. They shall have the priesthood by a…
Exodus 39:29the sash of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer, as Yahweh commanded Moses.