תַּחֲרָא
a linen corslet (as white or hollow)
Definition
The Hebrew word תַּחֲרָא (tachărâʼ) refers to a specific piece of priestly attire, best understood as a 'linen corselet' or 'habergeon.' It describes a sleeveless, coat-like garment worn under the ephod, likely made of fine, white linen. This item is exclusively mentioned in the detailed instructions for the high priest's vestments in Exodus 28:32 and the report of its construction in Exodus 39:23. Its design—being woven in one piece with a reinforced opening for the head to prevent tearing—highlights its function as a durable, foundational layer of the sacred clothing.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the context of crafting the high priest's garments. It appears in the instructional passage (Exodus 28:32) and the fulfillment report (Exodus 39:23). Its usage is highly specific, limited to the descriptions of the tabernacle's priestly vestments, indicating it was a specialized term for a unique cultic object.
Etymology
The noun תַּחֲרָא is derived from the root חָרָה (H2734), which carries a sense of 'burning' or 'heat.' However, lexicographers connect it here to a byform relating to the roots חוּר (H2352) or חוּר (H2353), which involve concepts of 'white' or 'hole.' This etymological link suggests the garment was characterized by its whiteness (from the linen) or its hollow, sleeveless construction.
Semantic Range
While a specific garment, the תַּחֲרָא contributes to the profound theology of the priesthood and holiness. As part of the high priest's 'holy garments for glory and for beauty' (Exodus 28:2), it signifies the completeness and integrity required for one who mediates between God and Israel. Its seamless, durable construction (woven in one piece) can be seen as a symbol of the priest's wholeness and the enduring nature of his consecrated service, prefiguring the perfect, unbroken priesthood of Christ (Hebrews 7:26-28).
In its ancient Near Eastern context, this linen corselet was a specialized item of priestly vestments, distinct from common clothing or military armor (despite the KJV's term 'habergeon'). Its fine white linen material signified purity and sacred status, setting the priest apart for ritual service. The detailed divine instructions for its manufacture underscore the importance of exact obedience in worship practices within Israel's covenant community.
כְּתֹנֶת (kethoneth, H3801) — A general term for a tunic or robe, worn by various people (e.g., Genesis 37:3), not specifically the priestly linen corselet. אֵפוֹד (ephod, H646) — The ephod was an ornate outer garment worn over the תַּחֲרָא (Exodus 28:31).
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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