פֵּ֫שֶׁת (pish.teh)
pish.teh
flax
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun peshat refers to flax, the plant whose fibers are processed into linen. In the Hebrew Bible it appears ten times, with a notable concentration in Leviticus, Judges, and Proverbs. The term denotes both the raw material and the finished textile used for clothing and ritual garments.
Its usage often highlights purity or status. For instance, Levitical law specifies that priests wear linen garments (Leviticus 16:4), distinguishing them from ordinary wool. In Judges, Delilah uses flax to bind Samson, showing the material’s strength despite its delicate appearance. Proverbs employs it metaphorically for refined wealth or beauty.
Unlike wool, which was common and warm, linen was associated with cleanliness and ceremonial use because it did not trap impurities as easily. This practical trait made it ideal for tabernacle curtains and priestly vestments. Translators usually render peshat simply as “linen” or “flax,” preserving the distinction from other textiles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Flax, known in Hebrew as peshat, is more than just a crop; it represents the journey from raw material to refined beauty. In ancient Israel, this plant was harvested, beaten, and spun into linen, a fabric prized for its coolness and purity. Unlike wool, which could trap dirt and impurities, linen remained clean, making it the preferred choice for sacred spaces and priestly garments. This process mirrors spiritual growth: what begins as rough and unrefined is carefully worked to become something fit for holy use.
When we read about flax in Scripture, we see it used in moments of both danger and devotion. It hides spies on a rooftop, binds a judge’s arms until they burn away, and adorns the high priest during sacred rituals. These images remind us that God often uses ordinary, humble materials to accomplish extraordinary purposes. The care taken in processing flax reflects the attention God gives to our own lives, shaping us through seasons of preparation.
Understanding peshat invites us to appreciate the value of patience and refinement. Just as flax must be broken down before it can be woven, we too may face processes that feel difficult but ultimately lead to greater strength and purity. This word encourages trust in God’s hands, who knows how to transform even the simplest elements into something meaningful and enduring.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- linen<s>2×
- of the/ linen<s>1×
- of <the>/ linen<s>1×
- like <the>/ flax<es>1×
- in the/ linen<s>1×
- flax<es>1×
- and/ linen<s>1×
- and/ flax<es>1×
- among/ [the] flax<es> of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פִּשְׁתִּֽים\׃1×
- פִּשְׁתִּ֔ים1×
- פִשְׁתִּ֖ים1×
- לַ/פִּשְׁתִּ֖ים1×
- כַּ/פִּשְׁתִּים֙1×
- וּ/פִשְׁתִּ֖ים1×
- וּ/פִשְׁתִּ֑ים1×
- הַ/פִּשְׁתִּ֗ים1×
- בְּ/פִשְׁתֵּ֣י1×
- בַ/פִּשְׁתִּ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 13:47
“The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it is a woolen garment, or a linen garment;
This verse establishes linen as a primary material for testing ritual purity, showing its importance in maintaining holiness within the community.
-
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.
Here, flax symbolizes fragile bonds that are instantly destroyed by divine power, highlighting the contrast between human restraint and God's strength.
-
Proverbs 31:13
She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands.
The virtuous woman’s diligent work with flax illustrates how faithful stewardship of resources reflects wisdom and industriousness in daily life.
-
Jeremiah 13:1
Yahweh said to me, “Go, and buy yourself a linen belt, and put it on your waist, and don’t put it in water.”
God commands Jeremiah to wear a linen belt as a living parable, using the material’s sensitivity to dirt to illustrate Israel’s spiritual corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word peshat mean?
Why is flax significant in biblical rituals?
How is flax used metaphorically in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 7 books)
Leviticus 4 verses
“The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it is a woolen garment, or a linen garment;
Leviticus 13:48whether it is in warp or woof; of linen or of wool; whether in leather, or in anything made of leather;
Leviticus 13:52He shall burn the garment, whether the warp or the woof, in wool or in linen, or anything of leather, in which the…
Leviticus 13:59This is the law of the plague of mildew in a garment of wool or linen, either in the warp, or the woof, or in anything…