by reduplication from an unused root meaning to shale off as bark; a scale (of a fish); hence a coat of mail (as composed of or covered with jointed plates of metal); mail, scale.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qasqeseth**, represented by `{{H7193}}`, describes a **scale** or a coat of **mail**. According to its base definition, it can refer to the scales of a fish or a coat of mail composed of jointed metal plates. It appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible, illustrating its dual meaning in both natural and martial contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H7193}}` is applied in two distinct ways. Primarily, it is a key feature in the dietary laws outlined in the Torah. Aquatic creatures that possess both fins and **scales** are permissible to eat ([[Leviticus 11:9]], [[Deuteronomy 14:9]]). Conversely, those lacking these features are considered unclean [[Deuteronomy 14:10]] and an abomination [[Leviticus 11:12]]. The word is also used to describe military armor, as seen in the description of Goliath, who was armed with a coat of **mail** [[1 Samuel 17:5]]. Finally, it appears metaphorically in prophecy, where the **scales** of a great fish, representing Egypt, are part of an image of divine judgment [[Ezekiel 29:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and application of `{{H7193}}`:
* `{{H5579}}` **çᵉnappîyr** (fins): This word is consistently paired with **scales** in the dietary laws. The presence or absence of both **fins** and **scales** determines whether a water creature is clean or unclean ([[Leviticus 11:10]], [[Deuteronomy 14:10]]).
* `{{H8302}}` **shiryôwn** (coat of mail, breastplate, habergeon, harness): This term is used for a piece of armor and appears directly alongside `{{H7193}}` in the description of Goliath's armor, specified as a "coat `{{H8302}}` of **mail** `{{H7193}}`" [[1 Samuel 17:5]].
* `{{H2931}}` **ṭâmêʼ** (unclean): This word defines the status of creatures lacking scales. In [[Deuteronomy 14:10]], aquatic animals without fins and **scales** are explicitly declared **unclean** unto Israel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7193}}` is expressed through its different contexts.
* **Ritual Purity:** The most frequent use of the word establishes a boundary between what is clean and unclean for God's people. The presence of **scales** is a physical marker for a divinely ordered system of holiness and separation from the surrounding nations [[Leviticus 11:9-10]].
* **Symbol of Hostile Strength:** When used to describe Goliath's armor, the coat of **mail** symbolizes the formidable, man-made defenses of an enemy of Israel. This armor represented a physical challenge that was ultimately overcome by divine power [[1 Samuel 17:5]].
* **Metaphor for Judgment:** In Ezekiel's prophecy, the **scales** of the great fish are part of a vivid metaphor for God's judgment upon a prideful nation. The very things that are part of the creature's nature become entangled in its downfall [[Ezekiel 29:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7193}}` carries a dual meaning that the biblical authors use to convey important concepts. As the **scale** of a fish, it is a cornerstone of dietary laws that teach holiness and separation. As **mail** on a warrior, it represents the physical might of those who oppose God. This single term powerfully illustrates how the natural world and human technology are used in Scripture to articulate principles of purity, conflict, and divine judgment.
TRV