עֲבֹת (a.vot)
a.vot
cord
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun aḇōt refers to a twisted cord or rope, often used for heavy-duty tasks like binding or pulling. Its root suggests something twisted together, which explains its use for strong ropes and chains in the Old Testament. You will find it describing the cords that held the tabernacle curtains in place (Exodus 26:6) and the ropes used to lower cities or objects, such as when Rahab lowered the spies from her window (Joshua 2:15).
While primarily a physical object, the word also carries a secondary meaning of interwoven foliage. This usage appears in poetic passages like Psalm 104:16, where cedars are described as having branches that spread like aḇōt. This dual sense highlights how ancient Hebrew vocabulary often connected human craftsmanship with natural growth, seeing both as products of twisting and weaving.
Translators usually render aḇōt as "cord" or "rope," though context determines whether it implies a simple binding line or a heavy chain. The word appears seventeen times in the Hebrew Bible, with significant occurrences in Exodus, Judges, and Psalms. Its presence in these texts underscores the importance of physical materials in both daily life and sacred rituals.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word aḇōt describes a twisted cord or rope, crafted by weaving strands together for strength. In the ancient world, such cords were essential tools for binding heavy loads, securing sacred spaces like the tabernacle, and even restraining powerful animals. This physical reality grounds our understanding of spiritual truths: just as a well-made cord holds fast under tension, God’s promises provide a secure anchor for our lives.
Scripture uses this imagery to show both human limitation and divine power. While people might try to bind others with ropes or deceit, as seen in the stories of Samson or the wicked in Psalms 129, God remains the one who cuts those cords apart. Conversely, His own love is described not as a harsh restraint, but as gentle ties that draw us near. We find comfort in knowing that our faith rests on a foundation stronger than any human bond.
This word reminds us that strength often comes from unity and twisting together, much like individual strands forming a single rope. In our spiritual walk, we are held by God’s faithful love, which is more enduring than any chain of fear or obligation. May you rest in the security of His presence, knowing that He binds us with ties of kindness rather than force.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ cords4×
- cordage3×
- with/ ropes2×
- ropes2×
- with/ ropes of1×
- the/ ropes1×
- ropes/ their1×
- rope/ its1×
- and/ like/ [the] rope of1×
- [the] rope of1×
- [the] cords of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲבֹ֑ת3×
- עֲבֹתֹ֣ת1×
- עֲבֹתֵֽי/מוֹ\׃1×
- עֲבֹתִ֨ים1×
- עֲבֹתִ֣ים1×
- עֲבֹת֑/וֹ1×
- עֲב֣וֹת1×
- וְ/כַ/עֲב֥וֹת1×
- הָֽ/עֲבֹתֹ֔ת1×
- הָ/עֲבֹתֹ֣ת1×
- הָ/עֲבֹתֹ֖ת1×
- הָ/עֲבֹתֹ֔ת1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 15:14
When he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him. Then Yahweh’s Spirit came mightily on him, and the ropes that were on his arms became as flax that was burned with fire; and his bands dropped from off his hands.
This verse illustrates the word's use for physical restraints that are supernaturally broken, highlighting God's power over human attempts to bind His servants.
-
Psalms 129:4
Yahweh is righteous. He has cut apart the cords of the wicked.
Here the term refers to the cords of the wicked that God cuts apart, serving as a metaphor for divine justice and deliverance from oppression.
-
Hosea 11:4
I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love; and I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks; and I bent down to him and I fed him.
The word appears in a tender metaphor where God describes drawing Israel with 'cords of a man' and ties of love, contrasting human force with divine affection.
-
Exodus 28:14
and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords of braided work. You shall put the braided chains on the settings.
This occurrence describes the braided gold cords securing the priestly ephod, showing the word's application in sacred rituals and holy craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word aḇōt mean?
How is aḇōt different from other words for rope?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Does aḇōt have any spiritual meaning?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 6 books)
Exodus 7 verses
and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords of braided work. You shall put the braided chains on the…
Exodus 28:22You shall make on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold.
Exodus 28:24You shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate.
Exodus 28:25The other two ends of the two braided chains you shall put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of…
Exodus 39:15They made on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold.
Exodus 39:17They put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate.
Exodus 39:18The other two ends of the two braided chains they put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the…