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מֵיתָר (me.tar)

me.tar

cord

H4340 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 8 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

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

Definition

Definition

cord, string

Brown-Driver-Briggs

[מֵיתָר] n.m. cord, string

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

cord, string

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word meitar refers to a cord or rope, a simple but essential tool in ancient life. In the wilderness narratives, these cords held the tabernacle together, securing the curtains and pins that defined Israel’s sacred space. They were not decorative; they were functional, bearing tension and keeping the structure stable against the wind.

Yet this ordinary object carries a profound metaphor for spiritual resilience. When Isaiah urges the people to lengthen their cords, he is calling them to prepare for expansion and security. Conversely, Jeremiah’s lament over broken cords paints a picture of vulnerability and loss. The imagery reminds us that our faith, like a tent, requires tension and connection to remain standing.

For your daily walk, this word invites reflection on what holds you together. Are there areas where you feel stretched thin? The biblical use of meitar suggests that strength comes not from rigidity, but from the integrity of the connections we maintain with God and community. It is a quiet assurance that even when tensions rise, the cords can be strengthened.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • ropes/ their2×
  • ropes/ its2×
  • and/ ropes/ their2×
  • tent cords/ your1×
  • tent cords/ my1×

Forms in the text

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

  • מֵיתָרָ֖י/ו1×
  • מֵיתָרַ֖/י1×
  • מֵיתְרֵי/הֶֽם\׃1×
  • מֵֽיתָרָ֔י/ו1×
  • מֵֽיתָרַ֔יִ/ךְ1×
  • מֵֽיתְרֵי/הֶ֔ם1×
  • וּ/מֵֽיתְרֵי/הֶֽם\׃1×
  • וּ/מֵ֣יתְרֵי/הֶ֔ם1×

Key Verses

  • Isaiah 54:2
    “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your habitations; don’t spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.

    This verse transforms the cord from a mere fastening device into a symbol of anticipated growth and divine provision for future security.

  • Jeremiah 10:20
    My tent has been destroyed, and all my cords are broken. My children have gone away from me, and they are no more. There is no one to spread my tent any more, to set up my curtains.

    Here the broken cords vividly illustrate the collapse of safety and community, emphasizing how vital these connections are for survival.

  • Exodus 35:18
    the pins of the tabernacle, the pins of the court, and their cords;

    This occurrence grounds the word in the tangible reality of worship, showing that even small details like cords were part of holy service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does meitar mean in the Bible?

Meitar (H4340) is a Hebrew noun meaning 'cord' or 'rope.' It appears primarily in descriptions of the tabernacle’s construction and in prophetic metaphors about stability and expansion.

Why are cords mentioned so often in Exodus and Numbers?

The tabernacle was a portable tent structure. Cords were essential for securing the curtains, pins, and pillars against wind and movement. Their frequent mention highlights the care taken in building God’s dwelling place.

What is the spiritual significance of 'lengthening your cords' in Isaiah 54:2?

Isaiah uses this imagery to encourage Israel to prepare for future growth. Lengthening the cords allows the tent to expand, symbolizing God’s promise to increase their community and security.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 4 books)