from חָבַר; a junction, i.e. seam or sewed piece; coupling.
Transliteration:machbereth
Pronunciation:makh-beh'-reth
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַחְבֶּרֶת (machbereth), Strong's H4225, is derived from the root חָבַר (chabar, `{{H2270}}`), which fundamentally means "to join," "to unite," or "to bind together." As a noun, מַחְבֶּרֶת refers to the *means* or *point* of connection. Its semantic range encompasses "a junction," "a seam," "a sewed piece," or "a coupling." It denotes the specific place or method by which two or more distinct entities are brought into a state of coherence or unity. This word emphasizes the deliberate act of connection, forming a larger, integrated whole from separate parts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַחְבֶּרֶת (machbereth) appears exclusively in the book of Exodus, always in the context of the construction of the Tabernacle. Its occurrences are limited to the detailed instructions and subsequent execution concerning the curtains of the Tabernacle:
* [[Exodus 26:4]]: "And you shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the selvage in the coupling (מַחְבֶּרֶת)."
* [[Exodus 26:5]]: "Fifty loops you shall make in the one curtain, and fifty loops you shall make on the edge of the curtain that is in the coupling (מַחְבֶּרֶת) of the second."
* [[Exodus 26:10]]: "And you shall make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outermost in the coupling (מַחְבֶּרֶת), and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain of the second coupling (מַחְבֶּרֶת)."
* [[Exodus 36:11]]: (Repetition of [[Exodus 26:4]]) "And he made loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the selvage in the coupling (מַחְבֶּרֶת)."
* [[Exodus 36:12]]: (Repetition of [[Exodus 26:5]]) "Fifty loops he made in the one curtain, and fifty loops he made on the edge of the curtain that was in the coupling (מַחְבֶּרֶת) of the second."
* [[Exodus 36:17]]: (Repetition of [[Exodus 26:10]]) "And he made fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that was outermost in the coupling (מַחְבֶּרֶת), and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain of the second coupling (מַחְבֶּרֶת)."
In each instance, מַחְבֶּרֶת refers to the specific point or seam where the two large sets of Tabernacle curtains were joined together using loops and golden clasps (cf. [[Exodus 26:6]]). These "couplings" were critical for transforming two distinct sets of curtains into a single, unified covering for the Tabernacle, ensuring its structural integrity and functional coherence. The repeated emphasis on these precise joining points underscores their importance in the divinely ordained blueprint.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root חָבַר (chabar, `{{H2270}}`), from which מַחְבֶּרֶת is derived. This root signifies the action of "joining," "uniting," or "being coupled." Other cognates reinforce this theme of connection and association:
* חֶבֶר (cheber, `{{H2273}}`): "company," "association," "band," denoting a group united together.
* חָבֵר (chaver, `{{H2271}}`): "companion," "fellow," referring to one who is joined with another.
* חִבּוּר (chibbur): A later Hebrew term for "connection" or "composition."
The concept of "coupling" or "joining" is fundamental to the Tabernacle's construction, as many components were designed to fit together precisely. This extends beyond individual words to the broader theological concept of unity and divine order.
### Theological Significance
While מַחְבֶּרֶת (machbereth) is a technical term for construction, its exclusive use within the Tabernacle narrative imbues it with profound theological significance. The Tabernacle was the divinely appointed dwelling place of God among His people, a microcosm of cosmic order and a shadow of heavenly realities.
1. **Divine Precision and Order:** The meticulous instructions regarding the "couplings" highlight God's demand for absolute precision and order in all matters pertaining to His worship and presence. Every detail, down to the exact points of joining, was divinely specified, demonstrating that holiness requires careful adherence to God's revealed will.
2. **Unity of God's Dwelling:** The fact that the "couplings" united two distinct sets of curtains into a single, seamless covering for the Tabernacle symbolizes the unity of God's dwelling place. This speaks to the coherence and indivisibility of the divine presence. The Tabernacle, though composed of many parts, functioned as one integrated sanctuary.
3. **Foreshadowing of Spiritual Unity:** The physical "coupling" of the Tabernacle curtains can be seen as a foreshadowing of spiritual unity. Just as the curtains were joined to form one dwelling, so too are believers joined together in Christ to form one spiritual house, the body of Christ (cf. [[Ephesians 4:16]], [[1 Peter 2:5]]). The "coupling" thus speaks to the divine design for the unity of God's people, bound together by divine grace and purpose.
4. **The Nature of Covenant:** The act of "joining" also resonates with the concept of covenant, where God unites Himself with His people, and they are brought into a unique relationship with Him. The Tabernacle, as the physical manifestation of this covenant relationship, perfectly embodies this joining.
### Summary
מַחְבֶּרֶת (machbereth, `{{H4225}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from the root חָבַר (chabar, `{{H2270}}`), meaning "to join." It specifically denotes a "junction," "seam," or "coupling." Its sole occurrences in the biblical text are found in the book of Exodus, where it meticulously describes the precise points at which the curtains of the Tabernacle were joined together. Theologically, this seemingly technical term carries significant weight, underscoring God's demand for divine precision and order in His worship. It symbolizes the essential unity of God's dwelling place and, by extension, foreshadows the spiritual unity of God's people. The "coupling" of the Tabernacle curtains thus represents the divine coherence and meticulous design inherent in God's presence and His relationship with humanity.
TRV