מְחַבְּרָה (me.chab.b.rah)
me.chab.b.rah
clamp
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mechabrah refers to a device that binds or clamps things together, such as a joint or connector. It appears only twice in the Bible, both times in the genealogical records of Chronicles (1 Chronicles 1:23; 2 Chronicles 1:1). In these contexts, it describes the physical connection between family lines, specifically linking the descendants of Keturah to Abraham’s lineage.
This word highlights the tangible nature of biblical kinship. Rather than speaking of abstract relationships, it uses the image of a mechanical joint or clamp to show how families are securely fastened together. The term underscores the importance of continuity and unity in Israel’s history, presenting genealogy not just as a list of names but as a structured, connected lineage.
Its rarity makes its usage significant. By choosing this specific term for family connections, the Chronicler emphasizes the strength and permanence of these bonds. The word serves as a reminder that identity in Scripture is often rooted in clear, unbroken lines of descent, linking individuals to their ancestors through concrete, enduring ties.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mechabrah describes a clamp or coupling that holds two parts firmly together. In the Bible, it appears in lists of materials for building, showing how iron and bronze were used to secure doors and repair homes. This concrete image reminds us that faith is not just an abstract idea but something built with real materials and careful work.
When we look at these verses, we see that David and later kings invested heavily in strength and stability. The abundance of iron for nails and bronze for couplings suggests a desire for lasting structures. For your life, this can be a comfort: God values the sturdy foundations we lay in our relationships and our walk with Him.
Just as these metal joints kept buildings standing against time and weather, the connections we nurture in community provide security. You do not have to face life's storms alone. The same God who provided materials for His temple also provides the strength to hold your life together when things feel loose or broken.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- for the/ clamps1×
- and/ for the/ clamps1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַֽ/מְחַבְּר֑וֹת1×
- וְ/לַֽ/מְחַבְּר֖וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 22:3
David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates and for the couplings, and bronze in abundance without weight,
This verse highlights the abundance of iron used for couplings, showing that preparing for stability requires significant and valuable resources.
-
II Chronicles 34:11
They gave it to the carpenters and to the builders to buy cut stone and timber for couplings, and to make beams for the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed.
Here the term appears in the context of rebuilding, where couplings were essential for restoring the structural integrity of destroyed houses.