The Hebrew word medev, represented by H4063, is derived from a root meaning to stretch or measure. It properly refers to extent or measure, and by implication, a dress or garment. This specific term is used very rarely, appearing only 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible.
In its biblical usage, H4063 appears exclusively in the parallel accounts of a single, significant event involving King David's servants and Hanun, the Ammonite. Hanun, as an act of profound disrespect, took David's emissaries and "cut off their garments" (2 Samuel 10:4, 1 Chronicles 19:4). This act was designed to cause maximum shame, as the garments were cut off in the middle, exposing their buttocks. This event was a deliberate and severe political insult.
Several related words provide the context for this act of humiliation:
- H2586 Chânûwn (favored; Chanun): The Ammonite who ordered the humiliating act. It was Hanun who "took David's servants" and had them shaved and their garments cut 1 Chronicles 19:4.
- H3772 kârath (to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume): This is the verb used to describe the action taken against the garments. Its definition underscores the destructive and definitive nature of the insult.
- H1548 gâlach (to be bald, i.e. (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste): This action was paired with the cutting of the garments, as Hanun also "shaved off the one half of their beards" 2 Samuel 10:4, compounding the dishonor.
- H1732 Dâvid (loving; David): As the king who sent the servants, the insult was ultimately directed at him, turning his gesture of kindness into a cause for conflict 2 Samuel 10:4.
The narrative significance of H4063 is tied entirely to the concept of honor and shame in the ancient world.
- Act of Extreme Humiliation: The cutting of the garments was not a random act of violence but a calculated effort to disgrace David's messengers. The exposure was intended to strip them of their dignity and status.
- Political Affront: Because the victims were official servants of a king, the destruction of their garments was a grave diplomatic insult. Hanun's actions were a rejection of David's peace and an invitation to war.
- Symbol of Dishonor: Paired with the shaving of their beards H2206, the cutting of their garments H4063 served as a powerful symbol of emasculation and shame, directly attacking the honor of the men and the kingdom they represented 2 Samuel 10:4.
In summary, while medev H4063 is an exceedingly rare word, its context gives it a sharp and potent meaning. It is used exclusively to denote garments that are destroyed as part of a deliberate, humiliating, and politically charged insult. The incident involving Hanun and David's servants illustrates how an attack on clothing could be as significant as an act of war, cementing the word's meaning as one of deep shame and dishonor.
TRV