שָׁזַר (sha.zar)
sha.zar
to twist
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sha.zar means to twist, specifically referring to the process of twisting threads together. In the Old Testament, it appears almost exclusively in the Hophal stem, which carries a passive sense: to be twisted or to become twisted. This grammatical form highlights the result of the action rather than the act itself, focusing on the material state of the fibers.
Its usage is tightly bound to the description of sacred textiles, particularly those used in the Tabernacle. The sources list numerous occurrences in Exodus, where it describes the "fine twined" linen and other materials woven for the sanctuary’s curtains and priestly garments (Exodus 26:1; 28:6). This repetition underscores the word’s connection to craftsmanship and holiness, marking ordinary thread as part of a divine structure.
Etymologically, the root is linked to Arabic terminology for twisting thread from right to left. Translators typically render it as "twine" or "fine twined," capturing the intricate nature of the work. The word does not appear in poetic or narrative contexts outside these technical descriptions, anchoring its meaning firmly in the physical preparation of holy objects.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sha.zar describes the careful twisting of threads to create strong, durable fabric. In Exodus, this technical term appears repeatedly when detailing the materials for the Tabernacle and the priests’ garments. It reminds us that God values the skill and patience required to prepare ordinary materials for sacred use.
When we encounter challenges in our daily lives, we might feel like fragile threads easily broken. Yet this word points to a different reality: God can take our everyday efforts and twist them into something resilient and purposeful. The intricate work done by the artisans reflects how God weaves together diverse elements to build His dwelling place among His people.
Consider how the fine twined linen was used for the veil separating the holy place. This material, made through a process of twisting, became part of a structure that facilitated worship. Similarly, our lives can become part of God’s larger design when we offer our skills and time to Him. The craftsmanship involved shows that holiness is not just about spiritual concepts but also about tangible, well-made actions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- twisted21×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָשְׁזָ֑ר7×
- מָשְׁזָֽר\׃6×
- מָשְׁזָ֗ר4×
- מָשְׁזָ֖ר3×
- מָשְׁזָ֔ר1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 26:1
“Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. You shall make them with the work of a skillful workman.
This verse introduces the tabernacle curtains made of fine twined linen, establishing the word's primary association with the sacred dwelling place.
-
Exodus 28:6
“They shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skillful workman.
The ephod, a key priestly garment, uses this twisted linen to signify the high priest's role in representing the people before God.
-
Exodus 39:29
the sash of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer, as Yahweh commanded Moses.
The sash of fine twined linen demonstrates how the material was used for functional yet holy items that held the priestly garments together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sha.zar mean in the Bible?
Why is this word important for understanding the Tabernacle?
How is sha.zar different from other textile words?
Every Occurrence (21 verses across 1 books)
Exodus 21 verses
“Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with…
Exodus 26:31“You shall make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubim. It shall be the work of…
Exodus 26:36“You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of…
Exodus 27:9“You shall make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine…
Exodus 27:16For the gate of the court shall be a screen of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen,…
Exodus 27:18The length of the court shall be one hundred cubits, and the width fifty throughout, and the height five cubits, of…
Exodus 28:6“They shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skillful workman.
Exodus 28:8The skillfully woven band, which is on it, shall be like its work and of the same piece; of gold, blue, purple,…
Exodus 28:15“You shall make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make…
Exodus 36:8All the wise-hearted men among those who did the work made the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, blue,…
Exodus 36:35He made the veil of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubim. He made it the work of a skillful…
Exodus 36:37He made a screen for the door of the tent, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer;
Exodus 38:9He made the court: for the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, one hundred cubits;
Exodus 38:16All the hangings around the court were of fine twined linen.
Exodus 38:18The screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.…
Exodus 39:2He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.
Exodus 39:5The skillfully woven band that was on it, with which to fasten it on, was of the same piece, like its work: of gold, of…
Exodus 39:8He made the breastplate, the work of a skillful workman, like the work of the ephod: of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet,…
Exodus 39:24They made on the skirts of the robe pomegranates of blue, purple, scarlet, and twined linen.
Exodus 39:28the turban of fine linen, the linen headbands of fine linen, the linen trousers of fine twined linen,
Exodus 39:29the sash of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer, as Yahweh commanded Moses.