from חָפַשׁ; something spread loosely, i.e. a carpet; precious.
Transliteration:Chôphesh
Pronunciation:kho'-fesh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֹפֶשׁ (Chôphesh - `{{H2667}}`) is derived from the root חָפַשׁ (chaphash - `{{H2664}}`), which primarily conveys the sense of "to search," "to examine," or "to investigate." While the root suggests an action of inquiry, the noun חֹפֶשׁ takes on a more concrete and specialized meaning. Lexicographers generally define it as "something spread loosely," leading to interpretations such as "a carpet," "tapestry," or "saddlecloth." The semantic connection to the root might lie in the idea of spreading something out to examine it, or perhaps the resulting item that is spread. A significant secondary meaning associated with חֹפֶשׁ is "precious" or "costly." This valuation likely stems from the high esteem and economic value placed on fine textiles and elaborate coverings in the ancient Near East, which were often symbols of wealth, status, or luxury. Thus, the word denotes a valuable item, specifically a spread fabric.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חֹפֶשׁ (Chôphesh - `{{H2667}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the prophetic book of Ezekiel: [[Ezekiel 27:20]]. This chapter presents a detailed lament over Tyre, a powerful maritime trading city, describing its vast commercial network and the diverse goods that flowed through its markets. In [[Ezekiel 27:20]], the text states, "Dedan was your merchant in saddlecloths for riding." The Hebrew phrase is "בְּבִגְדֵי־חֹפֶשׁ לְרִכְבָּה" (bə·ḇiḡ·ḏê-ḥō·p̄eš lə·riḵ·bāh), which translates literally to "garments of *chôphesh* for riding." Given the context of luxurious trade goods, "בִגְדֵי־חֹפֶשׁ" is widely understood to refer to costly or precious garments, specifically high-quality textiles used as saddlecloths, perhaps richly embroidered or dyed, fitting the "precious" aspect of the word's definition. Dedan, an Arabian tribe, was known for its trade in valuable commodities, further reinforcing the notion of luxury and high value associated with these items. The singular occurrence of חֹפֶשׁ thus places it firmly within the economic and material description of Tyre's opulent trade.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to חֹפֶשׁ (Chôphesh - `{{H2667}}`) is its verbal root, חָפַשׁ (chaphash - `{{H2664}}`), meaning "to search, examine, investigate." While the noun's concrete meaning of "carpet" or "precious item" seems distant, the connection might be conceptual: a valuable item that is sought after or discovered, or an item that is spread out for examination.
Conceptually, חֹפֶשׁ relates to the broader biblical vocabulary concerning textiles and garments, such as בֶּגֶד (beged - `{{H899}}`, "garment"), and terms for fine fabrics like שֵׁשׁ (shesh - `{{H8336}}`, "fine linen") or רִקְמָה (riqmah - `{{H7553}}`, "embroidered work"). These words collectively illustrate the significance of textiles as commodities, indicators of wealth, and elements of ritual or royal attire in ancient Israel and the wider Near East. Furthermore, its context in Ezekiel links it to the theme of international trade and luxury goods, a recurring motif in prophetic literature that often serves to highlight the transient nature of worldly wealth and the dangers of national pride.
### Theological Significance
Due to its singular occurrence and specific denotation as a luxury trade item, חֹפֶשׁ (Chôphesh - `{{H2667}}`) does not bear independent theological weight in the same manner as foundational theological terms. However, its presence within [[Ezekiel 27]] contributes to the overarching theological message of the passage and, by extension, the book of Ezekiel. The detailed cataloging of Tyre's immense wealth, including items like "חֹפֶשׁ," serves to underscore the city's profound pride and self-sufficiency, which are consistently condemned in prophetic literature.
The description of Tyre's material splendor, built on extensive trade, sets the stage for the divine judgment against the city. The "precious garments" and "saddlecloths" symbolize the fleeting nature of worldly glory and the dangers of idolatry—specifically, the worship of wealth and human achievement—when these are pursued apart from, or in defiance of, God's sovereignty. The word, therefore, functions as a small but vivid detail within a larger theological narrative concerning the accountability of nations and the ultimate vanity of earthly treasures when not consecrated to divine purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֹפֶשׁ (Chôphesh - `{{H2667}}`) is a rare term, appearing only once in the Old Testament in [[Ezekiel 27:20]]. Derived from the root חָפַשׁ (chaphash - `{{H2664}}`) meaning "to search," its primary meaning as a noun refers to "something spread loosely," specifically interpreted as a "carpet" or "tapestry," and by extension, "precious" or "costly" due to the value of such items. In its sole biblical occurrence, it describes "saddlecloths" or "precious garments for riding," traded by Dedan with the opulent city of Tyre. While not carrying a central theological meaning on its own, its inclusion in Ezekiel's lament against Tyre vividly illustrates the city's vast material wealth and reliance on luxury goods, contributing to the prophetic message concerning the transient nature of worldly prosperity and the dangers of pride. It serves as a precise descriptor within a larger narrative of divine judgment against human hubris.
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