from an unused root meaning to envelop; a wrapper, i.e. shirt; fine linen, sheet.
Transliteration:çâdîyn
Pronunciation:saw-deen'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term סָדִין (çâdîyn, `{{H5466}}`) derives from an unused root signifying the act of "enveloping" or "wrapping." This etymological root provides the foundational semantic range for the word. Primarily, it denotes a "wrapper" or "covering," which then extends to specific applications such as a "shirt" or an inner garment, due to its function of enveloping the body. A significant nuance in its usage points to the material itself, often translated as "fine linen" or a "linen sheet." This suggests that while the word can refer to the form (a garment or sheet), it frequently carries an implication of the quality of the material, specifically linen, which was a valuable and often luxurious fabric in the ancient Near East. Thus, its core meaning encompasses both the function of enveloping and the material of fine linen used for such purposes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term çâdîyn (`{{H5466}}`) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, yet its few occurrences offer valuable insights into its usage and societal context:
* In [[Judges 14:12]], Samson proposes a riddle to his Philistine companions, stating, "If you can explain it to me within the seven days of the feast and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes." The "linen garments" here are *çâdîyn*. The context is a wager, indicating that these garments were items of significant value, suitable as a prize. They likely refer to tunics or undergarments made of fine linen, distinguishing them from more common attire.
* Similarly, in [[Judges 14:13]], the Philistines fail to solve the riddle, and Samson's demand for the "thirty linen garments" (çâdîyn) underscores their worth and the seriousness of the wager.
* In [[Proverbs 31:24]], describing the virtuous woman, it is said, "She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant." Here, *çâdîyn* refers to products of her industry. This verse highlights the economic activity and skill of the woman, indicating that the making of these linen items was a profitable and respected craft. The context emphasizes diligence, resourcefulness, and the provision of quality goods.
* Finally, in [[Isaiah 3:23]], *çâdîyn* is listed among the luxurious items of apparel worn by the "daughters of Zion," alongside "hand mirrors," "fine linen," and "turbans." In this prophetic critique of the excessive pride and vanity of Jerusalem's elite women, *çâdîyn* clearly denotes an item of high fashion and luxury, reinforcing its association with wealth and status.
Across these contexts, *çâdîyn* consistently refers to a garment or fabric made of fine linen, valued either as a commodity, a prize, or an indicator of social standing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of *çâdîyn* (`{{H5466}}`) intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to clothing, textiles, and materials:
* **General Garments:** Terms like בֶּגֶד (beged, `{{H899}}`), a general word for "garment" or "clothing," and לְבוּשׁ (lebush, `{{H3830}}`), meaning "clothing" or "apparel," represent the broader category within which *çâdîyn* falls as a specific type of garment.
* **Linen:** The material aspect of *çâdîyn* connects it directly to terms for "linen," such as בַּד (bad, `{{H908}}`), which often refers to the fine linen used for priestly garments, or שֵׁשׁ (shesh, `{{H8336}}`), "fine linen" or "byssus," frequently associated with the tabernacle and priestly attire. While *çâdîyn* does not exclusively mean "linen," its common association with it in translation and context is strong.
* **Other Fine Textiles:** Terms like תַּחְרָא (takhra', `{{H6741}}`), also translated as "fine linen," further illustrate the variety of specific textile terms in ancient Hebrew, often denoting quality and specific weaves.
* **Concepts:** Beyond lexical connections, *çâdîyn* relates to concepts such as:
* **Modesty and Covering:** As a garment, it serves the basic function of covering the body.
* **Wealth and Status:** Its association with "fine linen" often places it in the realm of luxury goods, indicating the wearer's or owner's affluence.
* **Craftsmanship and Industry:** The virtuous woman in Proverbs exemplifies the skill and economic value derived from producing such items.
* **Trade and Commerce:** The mention of selling these items to merchants highlights their role in the ancient economy.
### Theological Significance
While *çâdîyn* (`{{H5466}}`) does not carry explicit theological weight like terms related to sacrifice or covenant, its presence in the biblical text offers subtle theological insights:
* **Divine Provision and Human Industry:** The making and selling of *çâdîyn* by the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 speaks to the value of human labor and skill as a means of provision and blessing. This aligns with a biblical worldview that values diligence and stewardship of resources, reflecting God's design for humanity to work and create.
* **Critique of Materialism:** In Isaiah's prophecy, the mention of *çâdîyn* among other luxurious items serves as a part of the indictment against the daughters of Zion's pride and excessive materialism. This exemplifies a recurring prophetic theme where outward display and reliance on material wealth are contrasted with true righteousness and reliance on God. It subtly reminds the reader that material possessions, even those of fine quality, can become idols or symbols of spiritual decay if pursued with vanity.
* **Cultural Context for Understanding Scripture:** The word helps to ground biblical narratives in the tangible realities of ancient Israelite life. Understanding the value and use of items like *çâdîyn* enriches our appreciation for the social and economic fabric of the biblical world, allowing for a more nuanced interpretation of the texts. It underscores that God's word speaks to all aspects of human existence, including daily life, commerce, and social customs.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סָדִין (çâdîyn, `{{H5466}}`) primarily denotes a "wrapper" or "garment," specifically a "shirt" or "tunic," often made of "fine linen." Its etymological root suggests the action of "enveloping." Though rare in biblical occurrences, its appearances in [[Judges 14:12-13]], [[Proverbs 31:24]], and [[Isaiah 3:23]] consistently portray it as an item of value, whether as a prize, a product of skilled labor, or a symbol of luxury and status. The term highlights aspects of ancient Israelite material culture, economy, and social distinctions. Theologically, *çâdîyn* indirectly speaks to themes of human industry and provision, and serves as a subtle element in prophetic critiques of materialism, thereby enriching our understanding of the practical and moral dimensions of biblical narratives.
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