עֶ֫שֶׁת (e.shet)
e.shet
plate
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun eshet refers to a plate or slab, specifically one that has been crafted or fabricated. It appears only once in the Bible, in Song of Solomon 5:14, where it describes the lover’s cheeks as being like “a bed of spices” set upon “a plate.” The term emphasizes the solid, shaped nature of the object, suggesting something made by hand rather than found naturally.
In this poetic context, the word helps create a vivid image of beauty and refinement. The cheeks are compared to a prepared surface, perhaps implying smoothness or value. Translators often render it as “plate” or “slab,” capturing the idea of a flat, formed piece of material, likely metal or stone, used here metaphorically to highlight the beloved’s attractiveness.
Though rare, eshet shows how biblical poetry uses everyday objects to convey deeper emotional and aesthetic qualities. Its single occurrence reminds readers that even uncommon words carry weight when placed in meaningful contexts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the rich tapestry of biblical poetry, small details often carry significant weight. The word eset, appearing only in Song of Solomon 5:14, describes a plate or slab. Here, it forms part of a vivid metaphor comparing the beloved’s cheeks to spices arranged on a crafted surface. This image suggests that beauty is not just natural but refined, intentional, and precious.
For your faith life, this rare term reminds us that God values the details of creation and human expression. Just as a skilled artisan shapes metal or stone into something beautiful, our lives are being shaped by grace. We do not need to be perfect to be valued; we simply need to be present in the relationships God has given us.
When you encounter this word, let it encourage you to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. Whether in art, love, or simple acts of kindness, there is a divine craftsmanship at work. May you find peace in knowing that your life, like the imagery in Song of Solomon, is held with care and intention.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [are] a plate of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֶ֣שֶׁת1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 5:14
His hands are like rings of gold set with beryl. His body is like ivory work overlaid with sapphires.
This verse uses the word to describe the beloved's cheeks as a refined surface for spices, emphasizing beauty through crafted imagery.