or עֲבוֹת; or (feminine) עֲבֹתָה; the same as עָבֹת; something intwined, i.e. a string, wreath or foliage; band, cord, rope, thick bough (branch), wreathen (chain).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻăbôth**, represented by `{{H5688}}`, refers to something intwined, like a rope, wreath, or thick foliage. It appears 25 times across 23 unique verses in the Bible, and its meaning shifts depending on the context, from literal cords and chains to metaphorical bands and the dense branches of a tree.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{H5688}}` is used to describe physical restraints. Samson was bound with two new **cords** [[Judges 15:13]] which he later broke as if they were flax burnt with fire [[Judges 15:14]]. It is also used for the **wreathen** work of the gold chains on the high priest's breastplate [[Exodus 28:22]]. Figuratively, it can describe the bonds of human relationships, as when God drew Israel with **bands** of love [[Hosea 11:4]], or the oppressive bonds of the wicked [[Psalms 129:4]]. In a botanical sense, it refers to the **thick boughs** of a mighty cedar, symbolizing great height and pride [[Ezekiel 31:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the different applications of `{{H5688}}`:
* `{{H2256}}` **chebel** (rope, cord): This word is often used for ropes and cords, similar to `{{H5688}}`. It appears alongside it in contexts of being bound, such as drawing iniquity with **cords** of vanity [[Isaiah 5:18]] or God drawing his people with **cords** of a man [[Hosea 11:4]].
* `{{H7194}}` **qâshar** (to tie, bind): This verb describes the action of using a cord or band. Its connection to `{{H5688}}` is seen in the rhetorical question about whether one can **bind** the unicorn with his **band** in the furrow [[Job 39:10]].
* `{{H8333}}` **sharshᵉrâh** (a chain): This term specifically denotes a chain, often decorative. It is used interchangeably with `{{H5688}}` in the description of the **wreathen** chains made for the priest's breastplate ([[Exodus 28:14]], [[Exodus 39:15]]).
* `{{H6057}}` **ʻânâph** (bough, branch): This word for a branch or twig is used in conjunction with `{{H5688}}` to describe the foliage of a great tree, as when the Assyrian cedar is described as having fair **branches** with its top among the **thick boughs** [[Ezekiel 31:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5688}}` is demonstrated through its varied metaphorical uses.
* **Sacred Consecration:** The word is tied to priestly duty and worship. The **wreathen** chains were integral to the high priest's ephod and breastplate [[Exodus 28:14]], and **cords** were used to bind the **sacrifice** to the altar [[Psalms 118:27]].
* **Divine Love vs. Human Sin:** The word illustrates a stark contrast. God uses **bands** of **love** to draw His people near [[Hosea 11:4]], while the rebellious are described as those who draw **sin** as if with a cart **rope** [[Isaiah 5:18]].
* **The Hubris of Nations:** The image of **thick boughs** is used as a metaphor for the arrogance of powerful empires. The Assyrian king's heart was "lifted up in his height" as his top reached among the **thick boughs** [[Ezekiel 31:10]], a pride that led to his downfall.
* **Spiritual Bondage and Liberation:** The term represents both oppressive and divine control. In [[Psalm 2:3]], the nations conspire to cast away God's **cords**. Conversely, the Lord is praised for having "cut asunder the **cords** of the wicked" [[Psalms 129:4]], liberating his people.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5688}}` is a versatile word that signifies much more than a simple rope or branch. It is used to describe everything from the literal ropes that bound Samson to the ornate gold chains of the priesthood. Theologically, it captures the tension between divine love and human rebellion, the sacredness of worship, the dangers of pride, and the concept of spiritual bondage and freedom.
TRV