שְׂמִיכָה (se.mi.khah)
se.mi.khah
rug
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun semikhah refers to a rug or a thick coverlet used for bedding or seating. In the biblical text, it denotes a heavy textile item, likely made of wool or goat hair, designed to provide warmth and comfort on the ground rather than hanging as wall decor.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Judges 4:18. The narrative describes how Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, covers the sleeping judge Sisera with a semikhah after inviting him into her tent. This specific usage highlights the object’s function as a substantial blanket used to conceal or protect someone resting indoors.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word semikhah appears only once in Scripture, yet it paints a vivid picture of everyday life in ancient Israel. It refers to a heavy rug or thick coverlet, likely woven from wool or goat hair, designed for warmth and comfort on the ground. In Judges 4:18, Jael uses this sturdy textile to cover Sisera as he rests in her tent. This simple object becomes a tool of protection and concealment in a moment of high tension.
For us today, this rare word reminds us that God often works through ordinary things. A rug is not a grand symbol, but it serves a real purpose: providing shelter and rest. In our own lives, we may find comfort in small, tangible acts of care or in the quiet safety of a home. These everyday items can reflect God’s provision when we are weary or vulnerable.
When we encounter stories like Jael’s, we see how God uses what is at hand to bring about His purposes. The semikhah was not just bedding; it was part of a divine plan unfolding in history. We can trust that God sees the details of our lives, including our need for rest and safety, and He provides accordingly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with the/ covering1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַּ/שְּׂמִיכָֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 4:18
Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to him, “Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; don’t be afraid.” He came in to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where Jael uses the rug to cover Sisera, highlighting its function as a substantial blanket for concealment and protection.