### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chishshâbôwn**, represented by `{{H2810}}`, refers to a **contrivance**. This can be a physical object, such as a warlike **engine**, or a mental concept, like an **invention** or machination. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, with each occurrence highlighting one of these distinct applications.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{H2810}}` in scripture provide a clear contrast between the tangible and the abstract. In its physical sense, it describes the **engines** that King Uzziah had constructed in Jerusalem. These were "invented by cunning men" and placed on towers and bulwarks to shoot arrows and stones [[2 Chronicles 26:15]]. In its abstract, mental sense, it is used in Ecclesiastes to describe humanity's departure from its original state. God made man upright, but "they have sought out many **inventions**" [[Ecclesiastes 7:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H2810}}` by providing context for the act of inventing and thinking:
* `{{H2803}}` **châshab** (to plot or contrive): As the root of `{{H2810}}`, this word signifies the mental effort of devising or planning. It is used to describe how God "meant it unto good" what was intended for evil [[Genesis 50:20]], and how people who fear the LORD "thought upon his name" [[Malachi 3:16]].
* `{{H4284}}` **machăshâbâh** (a contrivance, plan, device): This word appears with `{{H2810}}` in the description of the war engines "invented" by cunning men [[2 Chronicles 26:15]]. It often refers to human plans or "devices" in contrast to God's counsel [[Proverbs 19:21]].
* `{{H1245}}` **bâqash** (to search out, seek): This word is used to describe the action that leads to the "inventions" in Ecclesiastes, where humanity has "sought out" many of them [[Ecclesiastes 7:29]]. It highlights an active striving after these contrivances.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2810}}` is found in its sharp portrayal of human agency.
* **Duality of Human Contrivance:** The word encompasses both skillful, physical fabrication (the "engines" of war) and questionable, mental machinations (the "inventions" man has sought out). It reflects the two-sided nature of human creativity.
* **A Departure from Uprightness:** The context in Ecclesiastes presents these "inventions" as the result of humanity's search after God created them "upright" [[Ecclesiastes 7:29]]. This suggests that human-derived complexities are a deviation from a simpler, divinely intended state.
* **Misdirected Seeking:** The active verb "sought out" `{{H1245}}` in [[Ecclesiastes 7:29]] stands in contrast to the many biblical calls to "seek the LORD" [[Zephaniah 2:3]]. This implies that the pursuit of human "inventions" can be a diversion from the primary pursuit of God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2810}}` is a specific and powerful term that, despite its rarity, illustrates a significant biblical theme. It defines human contrivance in both its literal form as physical **engines** [[2 Chronicles 26:15]] and its figurative sense as mental **inventions** that mark a departure from God's design [[Ecclesiastes 7:29]]. The word captures the essence of human ingenuity and its potential to either build or to stray from the path of divine simplicity.
TRV