שַׁעַטְנֵז (sha.at.nez)
sha.at.nez
mixed stuff
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun sha’atnez refers to a fabric created by mixing two distinct materials, specifically wool and linen, into a single garment. In the Hebrew Bible, this term describes a textile that combines fibers with different origins, resulting in a mixed weave that was considered unusual for clothing.
This word appears only twice in Scripture, both within the legal codes of the Torah. Leviticus 19:19 and Deuteronomy 22:11 explicitly prohibit wearing sha’atnez, establishing it as a specific type of forbidden attire. The sources define it clearly as cloth made by weaving linen and wool together, marking it as a distinct category of mixed stuff rather than just any blended material.
Its significance lies in its rarity and specificity. By appearing exclusively in these two passages, the term highlights a precise boundary in ancient Israelite law regarding what could be worn. Translators often render it as "mixed fabrics" or "linsey-woolsey," preserving the sense of an artificial combination that stood apart from natural textile norms.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sha’atnez appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, referring specifically to a fabric woven from both wool and linen. In ancient Israel, this mixture was prohibited by law, marking it as a distinct boundary within the community’s daily life. For modern readers, the term reminds us that Scripture often uses concrete details to teach broader principles about order and separation.
While we do not wear such garments today, the underlying principle remains relevant. Christians are called to live with integrity, avoiding practices that confuse clear moral lines or compromise spiritual focus. This ancient rule invites reflection on how we handle boundaries in our own lives—whether in relationships, work, or worship.
Understanding sha’atnez helps us appreciate the care God took in guiding His people through everyday choices. It shows that holiness is not just about big decisions but also about small, consistent acts of obedience. May this awareness deepen your respect for Scripture’s wisdom and your desire to walk faithfully in all areas of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mixed stuff2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַֽׁעַטְנֵ֔ז1×
- שַֽׁעַטְנֵ֔ז1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 19:19
“‘You shall keep my statutes. “‘You shall not cross-breed different kinds of animals. “‘You shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed; “‘Don’t wear a garment made of two kinds of material.
This verse places the prohibition within a broader list of statutes, linking mixed fabrics to other laws about purity and order.
-
Deuteronomy 22:11
You shall not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together.
Here the text explicitly names wool and linen as the materials involved, clarifying the specific nature of the forbidden mixture.