אָרַג
to plait or weave
Definition
The Hebrew verb אָרַג (ʼârag) means to weave or plait, specifically referring to the process of interlacing threads to create fabric. In the Bible, it describes the skilled craft of weaving cloth, such as the finely woven linen for priestly garments (Exodus 28:32, 39:22). It can also denote the act of braiding or plaiting hair, as seen when Delilah weaves Samson's hair into a loom (Judges 16:13). Additionally, the word is used metaphorically for crafting or fabricating something with intricate detail, like the weaving of a coat of mail for Goliath's armor (1 Samuel 17:7).
Biblical Usage
אָרַג is used 13 times in the Old Testament, primarily in Exodus (6 times) to describe the weaving of priestly vestments and tabernacle fabrics, emphasizing sacred craftsmanship. It appears in narratives like Judges 16:13 for hair braiding and in historical accounts such as 2 Samuel 21:19 and 2 Kings 23:7, where it refers to weavers or woven items in broader contexts. The usage consistently involves skilled, manual labor in textile production, whether for religious, personal, or military purposes.
Etymology
אָרַג is a primitive root in Hebrew, meaning its origin is not derived from other Hebrew words. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, such as Ugaritic and Arabic, where similar roots convey weaving or plaiting. The word's meaning has remained stable, focusing on the interlocking of materials, reflecting an ancient, widespread cultural practice of textile creation.
Semantic Range
This word matters theologically as it highlights the divine call to craftsmanship and beauty in worship, particularly in the construction of the tabernacle and priestly garments (Exodus 35:35), which symbolized holiness and God's presence. Understanding אָרַג enriches Bible reading by revealing how ordinary skills like weaving were sanctified for sacred purposes, emphasizing that all work can honor God when done with excellence and obedience.
In ancient Israel, weaving was a vital and respected craft, often done by both men and women, using looms to produce clothing, tents, and religious items. The process involved interlacing threads of wool, linen, or other materials, reflecting a labor-intensive skill essential for daily life and worship. Unlike modern mass production, biblical weaving was hands-on, symbolizing care and artistry, with weavers holding important social roles in communities.
שָׁזַר (shazar, H7806) — to twist or twine, often for fine linen; חָבַל (chaval, H2254) — to bind or pledge, but can imply plaiting in some contexts; סָבַךְ (savak, H5440) — to interweave or entwine, used for thickets or nets.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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