בּוּץ (buts)
buts
fine linen
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun buts refers to fine linen, specifically a high-quality, white fabric often associated with luxury and status. In the Hebrew Bible, this material is distinct from common wool or rougher textiles, pointing instead to a costly import or specialized craft. The sources identify it as byssus, a cloth made in Egypt known for its softness and brightness.
This word appears six times across Scripture, primarily within historical narratives like 1 Chronicles and Esther. Its usage highlights the wealth of kings and the splendor of royal courts. For instance, in Esther 1:6, buts is listed among the luxurious materials decorating the palace of King Ahasuerus, signaling opulence and power to the reader.
The etymology suggests a foreign origin, likely borrowed from Egyptian terminology for this prized textile. Because it was expensive and difficult to produce, buts served as a marker of elite social standing rather than everyday wear. Its presence in texts like 2 Chronicles underscores the grandeur of the Temple and royal buildings, where such fine materials adorned walls and curtains.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word buts describes a rare and exquisite fabric, likely byssus, known for its softness and brilliant white sheen. In the ancient Near East, this material was not merely clothing but a symbol of high status, reserved for royalty and sacred service. Its foreign origins and expensive production meant that possessing it required significant wealth or divine favor.
When we see buts in Scripture, it often marks moments of profound importance. David wore it while bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, signaling reverence for God’s presence. The Temple veil was woven with it, separating the holy from the common. Even in Esther, the palace hangings reflect earthly power, reminding us that human glory is fleeting compared to eternal truths.
For your faith, this word invites reflection on how we present ourselves before God. Just as fine linen adorned those who served in the Temple, Christians are called to live lives of purity and honor. It is a reminder that true value lies not in material wealth, but in a heart aligned with divine purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fine linen4×
- and/ fine linen1×
- <the>/ Fine linen1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בּ֗וּץ2×
- וּ/ב֑וּץ1×
- הַ/בֻּ֖ץ1×
- בּ֖וּץ1×
- ב֣וּץ1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 15:27
David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who bore the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah the choir master with the singers; and David had an ephod of linen on him.
David wears this fabric while leading the Ark, showing it as attire for sacred worship and royal humility.
-
II Chronicles 3:14
He made the veil of blue, purple, crimson, and fine linen, and ornamented it with cherubim.
The Temple veil is made of this material, marking the boundary between the holy place and the Most Holy Place.
-
Esther 1:6
There were hangings of white and blue material, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and marble pillars. The couches were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red, white, yellow, and black marble.
Used in palace hangings, it highlights the opulence and worldly power of King Ahasuerus's court.