or מֻסַבָּה; feminine of מוּסָב; a reversal, i.e. the backside (of a gem), fold (of a double-leaved door), transmutation (of a name); being changed, inclosed, be set, turning.
Transliteration:mûwçabbâh
Pronunciation:moo-sab-baw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H4142 (מוּסַבָּה, *mûwçabbâh*), also appearing as מֻסַבָּה, is a feminine noun derived from the verb `{{H5437}}` (סָבַב, *savav*), meaning "to turn, go around, surround, or revolve." As a participle, mûwçabbâh signifies "that which is turned," "being turned," or "caused to turn." Its semantic range extends to various applications where something is oriented, set, or undergoes a change of state or position.
The base definition provided offers key facets of its meaning:
* **A reversal:** Implies a turning back or a change in direction or condition.
* **The backside (of a gem):** Refers to the hidden or less visible aspect, the part that is turned away from the observer, or the manner in which a gem is set.
* **Fold (of a double-leaved door):** Suggests a point of turning or articulation, like a hinge or the meeting point of two turning parts.
* **Transmutation (of a name):** Points to a fundamental change or alteration, a turning of one form into another.
* **Being changed, inclosed, be set, turning:** These participles encapsulate the dynamic nature of the word, emphasizing the state or action of being oriented, contained, or transformed by a turning motion or process.
In essence, mûwçabbâh conveys the idea of something being purposefully turned, set, or altered, often within a defined boundary or structure, indicating a state of being positioned or enclosed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H4142 appears in the Masoretic Text primarily in contexts related to the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple, specifically concerning the setting of precious stones and the design of intricate architectural elements.
* **Exodus 28:11, 28:13, 39:6, 39:16:** In these passages, mûwçabbâh describes the "settings" or "enclosures" for the precious stones on the high priest's ephod and breastplate. For instance, [[Exodus 28:11]] states, "With the work of a jeweler, like the engraving of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel; you shall set them in settings of gold." The phrase "settings of gold" (מֻסַבֹּת זָהָב, *mûwçabbōt zāhāḇ*) refers to the intricate gold filigree or frames into which the gems were turned and securely fixed. This usage aligns with the semantic range of "inclosed" or "be set," emphasizing the precise and protective way the valuable stones were embedded. The turning action is implied in the process of fitting and securing the stone within its frame.
* **1 Kings 7:30:** Here, mûwçabbâh describes parts of the bases for the lavers in Solomon's Temple. The verse reads, "And each base had four bronze wheels and axles of bronze; and its four feet had supports with cast fittings on them, beside each laver." The term "supports" or "frames" (מֻסַבּוֹת, *mûwçabbōt*) refers to the "revolving frames" or "attachments" that were part of the wheeled bases. This usage again highlights a structural element involving turning or orientation, perhaps referring to the parts that allowed the wheels to turn or the decorative elements that were "turned" or shaped. It speaks to the skilled craftsmanship and the functional design of these sacred objects.
In both contexts, H4142 is used in a technical sense to denote components that facilitate turning, enclose, or are themselves a result of precise turning or shaping, underscoring the meticulous nature of the divine instructions for sacred objects.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical kinship of H4142 lies with its verbal root and related nominal forms:
* **`{{H5437}}` (סָבַב, *savav*):** The fundamental verb meaning "to turn, go around, surround, revolve." This root provides the core concept of circular motion, encompassing, or reorientation from which mûwçabbâh derives its specific applications.
* **`{{H4141}}` (מוּסָב, *mûwçâḇ*):** The masculine form of the noun, often referring to a "turning," "circuit," or "surrounding area." For example, it describes the "turning passage" or "winding stairs" in Ezekiel's temple vision ([[Ezekiel 41:7]]). This masculine counterpart reinforces the spatial and architectural connotations of the root.
* **`{{H5439}}` (סָבִיב, *sâḇîḇ*):** A common adverbial noun meaning "around, surrounding, on every side." This word frequently describes the spatial context of being encircled.
The semantic field of H4142 thus includes:
* **Enclosure and Containment:** As seen in the "settings" for gems, implying a secure and protective surrounding.
* **Structure and Design:** Pertaining to architectural or crafted elements that are precisely shaped or oriented.
* **Change and Orientation:** The underlying sense of something being turned or reversed to achieve a specific position or state.
* **Craftsmanship:** The term implicitly speaks to the skill required to create such intricate "settings" or "frames."
### Theological Significance
While H4142 is largely a technical term describing physical objects and their construction, its theological significance can be appreciated through the broader context of the Tabernacle and Temple, and the underlying concept of "turning" or "setting."
1. **Divine Precision and Order:** The meticulous use of mûwçabbâh in describing the settings for the high priest's garments and the Temple furnishings highlights God's demand for perfection and precise order in all things related to His worship. The secure "setting" of the precious stones, each representing a tribe of Israel, symbolizes the divine care and unshakeable establishment of God's people within His covenant. It speaks to the divine architect's attention to every detail, ensuring beauty, functionality, and holiness.
2. **Sacred Containment and Protection:** The "inclosing" aspect of mûwçabbâh for the gems suggests the sacred nature of the objects and the need for their preservation and distinction. The precious stones, bearing the names of the tribes, were not merely decorative but symbolic. Their secure setting underscores the divine commitment to protect and uphold His chosen people, whose names were continually "turned" towards and presented before the Lord.
3. **Transformation and Purpose:** Although "transmutation of a name" is not explicitly found in the biblical occurrences of H4142, the underlying concept of "turning" or "changing" can resonate with the broader biblical theme of divine transformation. God often "turns" lives, circumstances, and destinies, leading to a new orientation or purpose (e.g., the turning of hearts, the turning from sin to righteousness). In the context of the Temple, the "turning" elements of the bases indicate functionality and movement, serving the divine purpose of the sanctuary.
In sum, mûwçabbâh, though seemingly mundane, points to the divine attributes of meticulous design, unwavering purpose, and the sacredness of all that is dedicated to God's glory.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H4142 (מוּסַבָּה, *mûwçabbâh*) is a feminine noun derived from the verb `{{H5437}}` (סָבַב, *savav*), signifying "that which is turned," "set," "enclosed," or "changed." Its core meaning revolves around the concept of orientation, containment, or alteration through a turning motion. In its biblical occurrences, mûwçabbâh is primarily a technical term used in the contexts of the Tabernacle and Temple. It describes the precise "settings" or "enclosures" for precious stones on the high priest's ephod and breastplate ([[Exodus 28:11]], [[Exodus 28:13]], [[Exodus 39:6]], [[Exodus 39:16]]), emphasizing the secure and intricate way these valuable items were affixed. Additionally, it refers to the "frames" or "supports" of the lavers in Solomon's Temple ([[1 Kings 7:30]]), indicating structural elements that facilitate turning or are themselves shaped by turning. Theologically, mûwçabbâh subtly underscores God's meticulous attention to detail, His demand for order and precision in sacred worship, and the divine care in "setting" and preserving His people within His covenant.
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