חֹפֶשׁ
something spread loosely, i.e. a carpet
Definition
The Hebrew word חֹפֶשׁ (chôphesh) refers to a type of valuable textile, likely a finely woven or spread-out fabric. In its single biblical occurrence, it is translated as 'precious' in the KJV, but modern lexicons understand it as a specific kind of luxurious cloth or carpet. The term derives from a root meaning 'to spread out loosely,' suggesting a material that is laid out or draped. This meaning is consistent in Ezekiel 27:20, where it appears in a list of merchandise traded with Tyre.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Ezekiel 27:20. It appears in a prophetic oracle against Tyre, detailing the city's extensive international trade. Here, חֹפֶשׁ is listed among luxury goods brought by Dedan, indicating it was a valuable commodity exchanged in ancient markets. Its singular usage limits observable patterns, but it clearly functions as a noun for a specific trade item within a commercial context.
Etymology
חֹפֶשׁ is a noun derived from the root חָפַשׁ (H2666), which means 'to spread out' or 'to be free.' This root connection implies the fabric was something spread loosely, like a carpet or a draped cloth. The semantic development moved from the action of spreading to the object that is spread, resulting in this term for a specific textile.
Semantic Range
In the ancient Near Eastern cultural context, fine textiles were significant symbols of wealth, status, and international commerce. Ezekiel's detailed trade list in chapter 27 reflects the economic reality of the time, where luxury fabrics like חֹפֶשׁ were prized commodities. Its inclusion highlights the material prosperity and extensive trade networks of Tyre, which the prophet condemns as a source of pride leading to judgment.
בֶּגֶד (beged, H899) — a general term for garment or clothing. שִׂמְלָה (simlah, H8008) — a cloak or outer garment. מַכְבֵּר (makber, H4346) — a net or lattice, sometimes a coverlet, differing in material and use.
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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