חִשָּׁבוֹן (chish.sha.von)
chish.sha.von
invention
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun chishshabon refers to a manufactured device or an act of invention. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, marking it as a rare term for human-made contrivance rather than a common object.
In Ecclesiastes 12:11, the word describes the words of wise men as being "given from one shepherd," but the context highlights their precision and crafted nature. The second occurrence in 2 Chronicles 35:5 involves Josiah instructing the Levites to place the holy ark in the temple, noting that they no longer need to carry it on shoulders because they now have chishshabon—likely referring to special stands or supports designed for its display.
This usage suggests a focus on utility and design. The term emphasizes the practical result of human ingenuity: an object created to serve a specific function, whether it is a tool for worship or a mechanism for stability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chishshabon points to human ingenuity—the skillful creation of devices or tools. In 2 Chronicles, it describes the stands used to hold the ark, showing how practical design can honor God by providing stability and order in worship. This reminds us that our hands and minds are gifts meant to serve a purpose.
In Ecclesiastes, however, the term takes on a sharper tone. It refers to 'inventions' or schemes that people pursue instead of trusting God’s original design. The contrast invites reflection: Are we using our creativity to build up what is holy, or are we relying on our own cleverness to solve problems God has already addressed?
When we feel overwhelmed by life’s complexities, this word offers a gentle correction. It encourages us to return to simplicity and trust in the One who made us upright. Our greatest strength lies not in our own inventions, but in aligning our lives with divine wisdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- war engines of1×
- schemes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חִשְּׁבֹנ֥וֹת1×
- חִשְּׁבֹנ֜וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 26:15
In Jerusalem, he made devices, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and on the battlements, with which to shoot arrows and great stones. His name spread far abroad, because he was marvelously helped until he was strong.
This verse uses the word to describe skillful devices for defense, highlighting how human ingenuity can be employed for protection and order when aligned with God's favor.
-
Ecclesiastes 7:29
Behold, I have only found this: that God made mankind upright; but they search for many inventions.”
Here the term is translated as 'inventions' or schemes, illustrating how people often turn away from God’s upright design to rely on their own cleverness.