זָחַח (za.chach)
za.chach
to remove
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb zāḥaḥ means to remove or displace something from its proper place. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within the detailed instructions for the high priest’s garments in Exodus. In these contexts, the word describes a physical movement that must be prevented: the sacred breastpiece must not shift or slide out of position on the ephod.
The sources indicate that the verb is primarily used in the Niphal stem, which carries a passive sense. Here, it translates to "be removed," "be loosened," or "be displaced." This grammatical form emphasizes the state of the object rather than an active agent pulling it away. The focus is on stability and security; the garment needs to remain fixed and secure during service.
This rare word highlights the precision required in Israelite worship. By specifying that the breastpiece should not be displaced, the text underscores the importance of order and integrity in the priestly attire. The term does not describe a general removal but a specific, unwanted shift that would compromise the garment's function. Its limited usage marks it as a technical term for maintaining sacred order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb zāḥaḥ speaks to the careful prevention of displacement. In the Old Testament, it appears only twice, describing how the high priest’s breastpiece was secured to his ephod. The instruction was precise: the garment must not swing loose or shift out of place during service. This detail highlights a deep respect for order and integrity in worship.
For your life today, this rare word offers a quiet reminder about stability. Just as the sacred garments were bound securely so they would not move unexpectedly, our spiritual lives benefit from being anchored firmly. When we are grounded in truth, we remain steady even when circumstances shift around us. This security allows us to serve with confidence and peace.
Consider how you might secure what matters most in your daily walk. By staying connected to what is true and good, you create a foundation that resists unwanted movement. This kind of steadfastness brings comfort and clarity, helping you navigate life’s changes with grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it will be displaced1×
- it was displaced1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִזַּ֣ח2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 28:28
They shall bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate may not swing out from the ephod.
This verse establishes the primary instruction that the breastplate must not swing out, using zāḥaḥ to emphasize the need for physical stability in the priestly garment.
-
Exodus 39:21
They bound the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not come loose from the ephod, as Yahweh commanded Moses.
Here the word appears again to confirm that the binding was done exactly as commanded, ensuring the breastplate would not come loose during service.