חָבֵת

חָבֵת

something fried, probably a griddle-cake

Definition

The Hebrew noun חָבֵת (châbêth) refers to a specific type of cooking vessel or the food prepared in it. It denotes a pan or griddle used for frying, likely a flat plate made of clay or metal. The single biblical occurrence in 1 Chronicles 9:31 describes it as the implement for preparing the 'bread of the rows' or showbread. This suggests it was used for a specific, sacred culinary task within the temple service, rather than for ordinary, everyday cooking.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 9:31. It appears in a list of Levitical duties, specifically assigned to Mattithiah, a Korahite, who was entrusted with baking the 'bread of the rows' (showbread) in pans. Its usage is entirely cultic, relating to the preparation of an offering in the temple, and provides a specific detail about the equipment used in Israel's worship rituals.

Etymology

The noun חָבֵת (châbêth) is derived from an unused Hebrew root likely meaning 'to cook' or 'to fry.' It is related to the noun מַחֲבַת (machăbath, H4227), which also means a 'pan' or 'griddle,' as seen in Leviticus 2:5 and 7:9. This connection places it within a small semantic field of words for flat cooking surfaces used for grain offerings and other prepared foods.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a common object, its single biblical context gives it theological significance. Its use in 1 Chronicles 9:31 highlights the meticulous order and sacred responsibility inherent in the temple worship system. The specific assignment of a pan for the showbread underscores that every detail of God's prescribed worship mattered, from the ingredients to the utensils. Understanding this term enriches our reading by revealing the practical, tangible care taken in preparing offerings that symbolized God's presence and provision for His people. In the ancient Near East, flat griddles or pans were essential for baking unleavened cakes and breads, which were dietary staples. The pan mentioned in 1 Chronicles was not for common household use but was a specialized piece of temple equipment. This distinction shows a separation between mundane and sacred objects in Israelite culture, where even everyday tools could be consecrated for holy service. מַחֲבַת (machăbath, H4227) — A nearly identical term for a flat pan or griddle, specifically used for baking grain offerings (Leviticus 2:5).

Word Details