from the same as פַּשׁ as in the sense of comminuting; linen (i.e. the thread, as carded); flax, linen.
Transliteration:pishteh
Pronunciation:pish-teh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma פִּשְׁתֶּה (pishteh), transliterated as *pishteh*, primarily denotes both the plant "flax" (*Linum usitatissimum*) and the textile "linen" derived from its fibers. Its etymological root suggests a sense of "comminuting" or "breaking apart," which accurately describes the process of retting and scutching flax fibers to prepare them for spinning. As a plant, flax was cultivated for its strong fibers, used for textiles, and its seeds (linseed), which yielded oil. As a fabric, linen was highly valued in the ancient Near East for its strength, absorbency, and coolness, making it suitable for a wide range of applications from everyday clothing to specialized ritual garments.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term פִּשְׁתֶּה (pishteh) appears approximately 17 times in the Old Testament, illuminating its diverse roles:
* **Agricultural Significance**: In [[Exodus 9:31]], the destruction of the flax crop by the hail plague in Egypt demonstrates its importance as a staple agricultural product. This event highlights God's power over the natural world and the economy of Egypt.
* **Domestic Use and Craftsmanship**: [[Joshua 2:6]] describes Rahab hiding the Israelite spies under "stalks of flax" on her rooftop, likely laid out for drying or processing, indicating its presence in common household activities. The "virtuous woman" in [[Proverbs 31:13]] and [[Proverbs 31:22]] "works with willing hands" and "makes linen garments," showcasing the skill and industry associated with flax cultivation and linen production within the household economy.
* **Symbolic Weakness**: In [[Judges 15:14]], Samson's new ropes become "like flax that has caught fire," a vivid simile emphasizing extreme weakness and fragility, as dry linen is highly flammable.
* **Ritual Purity and Sacred Garments**: The most significant contextual use of פִּשְׁתֶּה (pishteh) is in relation to purity laws and priestly attire. [[Leviticus 13:47-59]] includes linen among materials susceptible to "leprous diseases" (mold or mildew), requiring specific purification rituals, underscoring its common use in garments and its cultic implications. Crucially, [[Deuteronomy 22:11]] prohibits the wearing of *sha'atnez*, a mixture of wool and linen, which underscores the distinctiveness and often sacred association of linen. In Ezekiel's vision of the Temple, the man measuring the Temple uses a "line of flax" ([[Ezekiel 40:3]]), and priests are explicitly commanded to wear "linen garments" when ministering in the inner court, not wool, to prevent sweating ([[Ezekiel 44:17-18]]). This emphasizes linen's association with purity, holiness, and ritual appropriateness for divine service.
* **Messianic Prophecy**: [[Isaiah 42:3]] (quoted in [[Matthew 12:20]]) uses the powerful metaphor of a "faintly burning wick" (literally, "smoking flax") that the Messiah "will not quench." This refers to a lamp wick, typically made of flax, that is barely alight. The imagery speaks profoundly of the Messiah's gentle, compassionate, and nurturing character towards the weak and struggling, not extinguishing even the dimmest spark of hope or faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H948}}` *bad***: This term is often translated as "linen" and specifically refers to a finer, purer quality of linen, almost exclusively used for priestly garments and sacred objects (e.g., the high priest's ephod, the curtains of the Tabernacle). While פִּשְׁתֶּה (pishteh) can be general, *bad* typically denotes the consecrated, superior linen.
* **`{{H8376}}` *sha'atnez***: The forbidden mixture of wool and linen, highlighting the distinct and often ritually separated nature of materials in Israelite law. This prohibition underscores the importance of order and separation in the Israelite worldview.
* **Clothing and Textiles**: Linen was a foundational material for clothing in ancient Israel, ranging from everyday wear to specialized vestments, reflecting its essential role in daily life.
* **Purity and Holiness**: The repeated association of linen with priestly garments and cultic regulations strongly links it to concepts of purity, cleanliness, and separation for sacred purposes. Its natural white color likely contributed to this symbolic association.
* **Agriculture and Craftsmanship**: The cultivation of flax and the labor-intensive process of turning it into thread and fabric were vital aspects of the ancient Israelite economy and domestic skill, reflecting human ingenuity and diligence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פִּשְׁתֶּה (pishteh) is multifaceted:
* **Purity and Consecration**: The most prominent theological thread is linen's strong association with purity and consecration. The requirement for priests to wear linen garments in the Temple ([[Ezekiel 44:17-18]]) symbolizes the cleanliness and separation demanded of those who serve a holy God. It signifies a state of ritual and moral purity necessary for drawing near to the divine presence. The prohibition of *sha'atnez* further emphasizes the principle of distinctiveness and order in the divine economy.
* **Divine Compassion and Gentleness**: The "smoking flax" metaphor in [[Isaiah 42:3]] beautifully illustrates the tender and nurturing character of the Messiah. It portrays a God who does not crush the weak or extinguish the struggling, but rather patiently sustains and strengthens the faintest spark of faith or hope. This speaks to God's profound grace and mercy towards humanity's brokenness.
* **Human Diligence and Righteousness**: The portrayal of the "virtuous woman" in [[Proverbs 31]] who "makes linen garments" speaks to the value of diligence, wisdom, and productive labor within the context of a righteous life. Her engagement with linen production reflects practical godliness and responsible stewardship within the household.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**: The destruction of the flax crop in the plagues of Egypt ([[Exodus 9:31]]) demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His power to execute judgment, even through the disruption of essential agricultural cycles.
### Summary
פִּשְׁתֶּה (pishteh) denotes both the flax plant and the linen textile, a material of profound practical, cultural, and theological significance in the Old Testament. Its presence spans agricultural contexts, domestic life, and, most notably, sacred ritual. The word underscores themes of purity and consecration, particularly in its association with priestly vestments and cultic regulations, signifying the cleanliness required for divine service. The metaphor of the "smoking flax" profoundly reveals the gentle and compassionate nature of the Messiah, who nurtures the weak rather than crushing them. Furthermore, the use of linen in Proverbs highlights human diligence and industry as aspects of a righteous life. Ultimately, פִּשְׁתֶּה (pishteh) serves as a tangible link between the mundane elements of ancient life and deep theological truths concerning holiness, divine character, and human responsibility.
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