from an unused root mean to ooze; sweat, i.e. (by implication) a sweating dress; any thing that causeth sweat.
Transliteration:yezaʻ
Pronunciation:yeh'-zah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יֶזַע (yezaʻ, `{{H3154}}`) derives from an unused root that conveys the sense of "to ooze" or "to exude." Its primary and most direct meaning is "sweat" or "perspiration." By implication, the term can extend to denote a "sweating dress," referring to garments designed either to absorb sweat or, more likely in its biblical context, garments that *cause* one to sweat due to their material or design. The semantic range thus encompasses the physical act of sweating, the bodily fluid itself, and anything that induces this physiological response, often implying exertion, heat, or discomfort.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word יֶזַע (yezaʻ) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Ezekiel 44:18]]. This singular occurrence is found within Ezekiel's prophetic vision of the new temple and the detailed regulations for its priestly service. The verse states: "They shall have linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments on their loins; they shall not put on anything that causes *sweat*." The context is highly prescriptive, outlining the specific attire for the priests ministering in the inner court. The prohibition against garments that cause יֶזַע is a crucial detail, emphasizing the need for the priests to maintain a state of ritual purity and decorum. Sweat, as a bodily discharge and a sign of human toil or physical exertion, was deemed inappropriate in the sacred space. The prescribed linen garments, known for their coolness and absorbency, stand in direct contrast to materials that would induce perspiration, thereby ensuring the priests remained ritually clean and composed during their solemn duties before the Lord.
### Related Words & Concepts
While יֶזַע (yezaʻ) is unique in its specific application to "sweat," its underlying concept of bodily discharge and its implications for purity connect it to broader biblical themes. The notion of "oozing" or "flowing" can be seen in words related to bodily emissions or defilement, such as זוּב (zûḇ, `{{H2100}}`) for a discharge. The concept of human toil and exertion, often associated with sweating, links to terms like עָמָל (ʻāmāl, `{{H5998}}`), meaning "toil" or "labor," particularly as seen in the curse of [[Genesis 3:19]], where Adam is condemned to eat bread "by the sweat of your face." The priestly regulations regarding יֶזַע are intrinsically tied to the broader laws of ritual purity (טָמֵא, ṭāmēʼ, `{{H2930}}`, "unclean") and holiness (קָדֹשׁ, qāḏôš, `{{H6918}}`, "holy"), which govern access to God's presence. The prescribed linen garments (בַּד, baḏ, `{{H906}}`) stand in contrast to materials like wool, which were thought to cause sweat and thus violate the purity requirements.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of יֶזַע (yezaʻ) in [[Ezekiel 44:18]] carries profound theological weight. It underscores the absolute holiness of God and the meticulous demands for purity and reverence in His presence. The prohibition against priestly garments that cause sweat signifies a removal of the signs of human toil and the fallen state from the sacred service. Unlike the curse of [[Genesis 3:19]], where sweat is a mark of human labor in a fallen world, in the temple, the priests were to minister in a state of divine order and cleanliness, free from such physical manifestations of the curse. This highlights the distinction between the sacred and the profane, emphasizing that the priests' service was not based on human effort or exertion but on divine appointment and grace. The avoidance of יֶזַע also reflects the symbolic purity required for those who mediate between a holy God and an impure people, foreshadowing the perfect and unblemished sacrifice of Christ, who, though he experienced profound agony and "sweat like drops of blood" ([[Luke 22:44]]), offered himself as the spotless High Priest, fulfilling and transcending the Old Covenant's ritual demands for purity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word יֶזַע (yezaʻ, `{{H3154}}`), meaning "sweat" or "a sweating garment," appears uniquely in [[Ezekiel 44:18]]. This solitary occurrence is highly significant within the context of the detailed regulations for priestly attire in Ezekiel's temple vision. The command that priests should not wear anything that causes יֶזַע underscores the paramount importance of ritual purity and holiness in divine service. Sweat, as a sign of human toil, physical exertion, and potential defilement, was deemed inappropriate in the sacred presence of God. This regulation highlights the profound theological distinction between the sacred and the profane, emphasizing that worship is to be conducted in a state of divine order and cleanliness, reflecting God's absolute holiness. The meticulous attention to the priests' garments serves as a powerful symbol of the separation and reverence required when approaching the Almighty, ultimately pointing toward the perfect and pure mediation of Christ.
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