יָתֵד
a peg
Definition
The Hebrew word יָתֵד (yâthêd) refers to a peg or pin, typically made of wood or metal, used for securing objects. In the Old Testament, it most commonly denotes the tent pegs that held the tabernacle in place (Exodus 27:19, 35:18). It also describes a peg driven into a wall for hanging utensils (Ezekiel 15:3) and, in a unique metaphorical usage, the 'tent peg' of Jael that became a lethal weapon when driven into Sisera's temple (Judges 4:21-22). In Deuteronomy 23:13, it refers to a digging tool or 'paddle' used for personal hygiene in camp.
Biblical Usage
יָתֵד appears 19 times, primarily in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy in descriptions of the tabernacle's construction and maintenance, emphasizing the importance of every component in Israel's worship. It is used literally for the tabernacle's tent pegs and their cords (Exodus 38:20, Numbers 3:37). The word appears in narrative (Judges 4:21-22) and prophetic contexts (Isaiah 22:23-25, 33:20; Ezekiel 15:3), where it can symbolize security or, conversely, a point of failure.
Etymology
Derived from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to pin through' or 'fasten,' יָתֵד is a primary noun for a peg. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, with similar meanings of a pin or stake, indicating a basic, ancient tool for securing tents and structures.
Semantic Range
While a practical object, the 'tent peg' carries theological weight as a symbol of stability and God's provision. The secure 'pegs' of the tabernacle (Isaiah 33:20) represent God's enduring presence with His people. Conversely, Isaiah 22:25 uses the failing peg as a metaphor for judgment on unfaithful leadership. In Judges, Jael's peg becomes an instrument of divine deliverance, showing God using ordinary means for His purposes.
In the nomadic and semi-nomadic culture of ancient Israel, tent pegs were essential for securing dwellings and sacred spaces like the tabernacle. They were simple, vital tools made from durable wood or metal. The act of driving a peg was a common, powerful image of establishing something firmly, which makes its use in narratives and prophecies culturally resonant.
מַסְמֵר (masmer, H4548) — a nail (usually of metal), often for permanent joining in construction. יָתֵד is more often a wooden peg or stake for securing tents. חִישׁ (chish, H2397) — a hook or peg, but often for hanging or fishing.
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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