English · KJV
H4142

מוּסַבָּה

mûwçabbâh /moo-sab-baw'/ Ask about this word
Rootor מֻסַבָּה · feminine of מוּסָב
Meaninga reversal, i.e. the backside (of a gem), fold (of a double-leaved door), transmutation (of a name)
KJV usagebeing changed, inclosed, be set, turning.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of mûwçabbâh — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word mûwçabbâh, represented by H4142, describes a reversal or transmutation. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Its meanings are varied, encompassing ideas like something being inclosed or set, as with a gem; a turning motion, like a folding door; or the act of being changed, such as the transmutation of a name.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H4142 is used to describe specific actions of construction and transformation. A primary context is the creation of the priestly garments, where onyx stones bearing the names of Israel's children are to be set H4142 in ouches of gold Exodus 28:11. This same concept of being inclosed H4142 is repeated for the stones of the ephod Exodus 39:6 and the fourth row of the breastplate Exodus 39:13. The word also appears architecturally to describe the turning H4142 leaves of the temple doors in Ezekiel's vision Ezekiel 41:24. In a unique instance, it signifies a change of identity, where the names of conquered cities are described as being changed H4142 by the Israelites Numbers 32:38.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the contexts in which H4142 is used:

  • H4865 mishbᵉtsâh (ouch, wrought): This term for a gem's setting is used in direct conjunction with H4142 to describe the finished state of stones being inclosed in the priestly breastplate (Exodus 39:6, Exodus 39:13).
  • H1817 deleth (door): This word for a door or swinging leaf provides the object that is turning H4142 in the description of the temple doors Ezekiel 41:24.
  • H8034 shêm (name): This word for a name, representing identity and character, is what is being changed H4142 when the Israelites renamed the cities they built Numbers 32:38.

Theological Significance

The applications of H4142 carry significant weight, often tied to acts of divine importance or national identity.

  • Sacred Adornment: The word is central to the meticulous instructions for the priestly ephod. By describing stones as inclosed H4142 or set H4142 in gold, it highlights the permanent and precious nature of the symbols representing the tribes of Israel before the Lord (Exodus 28:11, Exodus 39:6).
  • Transformation of Identity: Its use in Numbers 32:38 is not merely about renaming. The act of names being changed H4142 signifies a transfer of authority and the establishment of a new history for the cities that were built H1129 and possessed by God's people.
  • Divine Architecture: In Ezekiel's vision, the detail of turning H4142 doors is part of a larger blueprint for a holy space. It shows that every functional aspect of the temple is designed with purpose and intention Ezekiel 41:24.

Summary

In summary, H4142 is a specific term that denotes transformation, setting, or reversal. Though used sparingly, its applications are precise, describing the careful setting of precious stones in sacred garments, the functional design of temple doors, and the significant act of renaming a place to reflect a new identity. It consistently appears in contexts of creation and alteration, whether by skilled craftsmen or by a nation establishing its presence.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 5 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • מוּסַבֹּת
  • מֻסַבֹּת

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H4865 מִשְׁבְּצָה from שָׁבַץ; a brocade; by analogy, a (reticulated) setting of agem; ouch, wrought. H1817 דֶּלֶת from דָּלָה; something swinging, i.e. the valve of adoor; door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). H8034 שֵׁם a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appel H1129 בָּנָה a primitive root; to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up),

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 5 verses across 3 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Exodus (3 verses); never once in the other 36.

3
Exodus
1
Numbers
1
Ezekiel

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.