חֲבִתִּים (cha.vet)

cha.vet

flatbread

H2281 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The noun chavittim refers to flat cakes or bread wafers, a specific type of unleavened food prepared for quick baking. In the Hebrew Bible, this term appears only once, in 1 Chronicles 9:31, where it describes provisions handled by temple servants.

Its rarity makes it a precise lexical marker rather than a common dietary staple. The word likely denotes thin, round loaves suitable for efficient storage and distribution within the religious community. Translators typically render it as "flat cakes" or "wafers," emphasizing its physical form over any ritual significance beyond its use as food.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word chavittim refers to thin, unleavened flatbreads, a staple food in ancient Israel. Its single appearance in Scripture highlights the practical care taken by temple servants to provide for daily needs. This detail reminds us that God values the ordinary acts of service and provision within His community.

When we consider the Levites preparing these simple meals, we see faithfulness in the mundane. Just as these wafers sustained those serving in the temple, our small, consistent acts of love and duty sustain the body of Christ today. God sees and honors the quiet work done in obedience.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

the/ flat cakes1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

הַ/חֲבִתִּֽים\׃1×

Key Verses

I Chronicles 9:31
Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things that were baked in pans.

This verse identifies chavittim as a specific provision managed by Levites, showing how temple service included practical food preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does chavittim mean?

Chavittim is a Hebrew noun meaning flatbread or unleavened cakes. It describes thin, round loaves suitable for quick baking and efficient storage.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only once, in 1 Chronicles 9:31. The context involves Levites managing provisions for the temple service.

Is chavittim a ritual food?

While used in the temple, the text emphasizes its role as sustenance rather than a specific ritual offering like the showbread. It was likely a practical provision for those serving.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

I Chronicles 1 verse

I Chronicles 9:31

Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things…