אָרַג (a.rag)
a.rag
to weave
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ārāg means to weave or braid, describing the physical act of interlacing threads to create fabric. In the Old Testament, it appears fourteen times, most frequently in Exodus where it details the construction of the Tabernacle’s sacred garments and curtains. This usage highlights the skill and care required for holy work, as skilled weavers crafted intricate textiles for the sanctuary.
Beyond cloth, the word carries a vivid figurative sense: intrigue or plotting. Judges 16:7 records Delilah asking Samson where his strength lies, suggesting he let her "weave" with his hair. Here, ārāg describes braiding strands together, but metaphorically it implies weaving a trap or scheme. This dual meaning connects the tangible craft of textile work with the complex, often hidden, interlacing of human plans.
Translators handle this range by choosing "weave" for physical materials and "plot" or "scheme" for abstract actions. The word reminds readers that just as threads are interlocked to form strong fabric, words and actions can be interwoven to create deception or alliance. Its presence in both sacred construction narratives and political intrigue shows how the same root describes creation and subversion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ārāg describes the careful interlacing of threads to create fabric, a craft central to the Tabernacle’s sacred garments in Exodus. This physical act reminds us that holiness often involves patient, skilled labor. Just as individual strands gain strength and purpose when woven together, our daily actions find meaning when integrated into God’s larger plan. The text highlights that even mundane work can serve a divine purpose when done with wisdom and care.
Yet the same word also describes weaving traps or schemes, as seen in the story of Delilah and Samson. This dual usage warns us that our words and plans can be interlaced for deception as easily as for creation. It invites reflection on how we use our influence—whether to build up community with integrity or to manipulate others through hidden agendas.
Ultimately, ārāg calls us to consider the texture of our lives. Are we weaving threads of truth and love, or are we entangled in schemes that harm? The invitation is to trust God with the pattern, knowing that He can redeem even our tangled moments for good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- weavers4×
- a weaver3×
- you will weave1×
- they weave1×
- like <the>/ weaver1×
- and/ she wove1×
- and/ a weaver1×
- and/ [those who] weave1×
- [were] weaving1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֹרֵ֑ג2×
- תַּאַרְגִ֗י1×
- כָ/אֹרֵ֤ג1×
- יֶאֱרֹ֑גוּ1×
- וַ/תַּאֲרִיג1×
- וְ/אֹרֵ֑ג1×
- וְ/אֹרְגִ֖ים1×
- אֹרֵ֗ג1×
- אֹרְגִֽים\׃\ \ס1×
- אֹרְגִֽים\׃1×
- אֹרְגִ֔ים1×
- אֹרְג֥וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 28:32
It shall have a hole for the head in the middle of it. It shall have a binding of woven work around its hole, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn.
This verse specifies the precise craftsmanship required for the priestly robe, showing how ārāg denotes skilled workmanship in sacred service.
-
Judges 16:13
Delilah said to Samson, “Until now, you have mocked me and told me lies. Tell me with what you might be bound.” He said to her, “If you weave the seven locks of my head with the fabric on the loom.”
Here the word shifts to metaphor, describing Delilah’s attempt to bind Samson by weaving his hair into a loom fabric.
-
Isaiah 59:5
They hatch adders’ eggs and weave the spider’s web. He who eats of their eggs dies; and that which is crushed breaks out into a viper.
The imagery of weaving a spider’s web illustrates the fragility and danger of evil plans that ultimately lead to destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ārāg mean?
Is ārāg used positively or negatively?
Why does the same word describe weaving cloth and plotting?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 7 books)
Exodus 4 verses
It shall have a hole for the head in the middle of it. It shall have a binding of woven work around its hole, as it…
Exodus 35:35He has filled them with wisdom of heart to work all kinds of workmanship, of the engraver, of the skillful workman, and…
Exodus 39:22He made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.
Exodus 39:27They made the tunics of fine linen of woven work for Aaron and for his sons,