The Hebrew word mad H4055, is a term with a range of meanings including measure, stature, garment, and armour. It appears 12 times in 12 unique verses. While often referring to physical apparel or dimensions, it also carries abstract weight, pointing to concepts of extent, judgment, and personal standing.
In biblical usage, H4055 most frequently denotes a garment or article of clothing. This can be personal attire, such as the raiment Ehud wore when he concealed a dagger Judges 3:16, or the garments Jonathan gave to David in a gesture of covenant friendship 1 Samuel 18:4. It is also used for military dress, as when Saul armed David with his armour H4055 before the fight with Goliath 1 Samuel 17:38. In a more abstract sense, the word is used for measure or standard, as when Job describes a measure longer than the earth Job 11:9 or when the LORD assigns a portion of measures H4055 as a judgment Jeremiah 13:25.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H4055 is used:
- H3847 lâbash (clothe): This verb, meaning to "put on a garment or clothe", is frequently used in conjunction with mad. For instance, a priest must put on H3847 his linen garment H4055 for altar duties Leviticus 6:10, and Saul armed H3847 David with his armour H4055 1 Samuel 17:38.
- H2296 châgar (gird): Meaning to "gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.)", this term describes the action of wearing a mad. It appears when David girded H2296 his sword upon his armour H4055 1 Samuel 17:39.
- H2719 chereb (sword): This word for a "cutting instrument" like a sword or dagger is often found with mad. It is the dagger H2719 Ehud concealed under his raiment H4055 Judges 3:16 and the sword H2719 that was part of Joab's girded garment H4055 2 Samuel 20:8.
The use of H4055 carries significant conceptual weight in several key areas:
- Symbol of Covenant and Status: Clothing can signify a transfer of position and covenant. When Jonathan gave his garments H4055 to David, it was a profound act of friendship and recognition of David's future role 1 Samuel 18:4.
- Sacred Vestments for Priestly Duty: The mad is specified as part of the holy attire for priests. The priest shall put on H3847 his linen garment H4055 to handle the ashes H1880 of the burnt offering H5930, underscoring a theme of purity required for sacred service Leviticus 6:10.
- Measure of Divine Judgment: The term extends beyond physical objects to represent a divinely appointed standard. The LORD declares that a portion of measures H4055 is the assigned lot H1486 for those who have forgotten H7911 Him, connecting the concept of measurement to accountability Jeremiah 13:25.
In summary, H4055 is a multifaceted word that moves from the literal to the figurative. It describes everything from military armour 1 Samuel 17:38 and priestly garments Leviticus 6:10 to the immense measure of God's wisdom Job 11:9 and the stature of a man 2 Samuel 21:20. Through its various applications, mad illustrates how tangible objects like clothing and measuring tools are used in Scripture to convey profound intangible realities such as covenant, holiness, and divine judgment.
TRV