### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term קִשֻּׁר (qishshur, `{{H7196}}`) is derived from the verbal root קָשַׁר (qashar, `{{H7194}}`), which fundamentally means "to bind," "to tie," or "to conspire." As a noun, qishshur therefore denotes something that is bound or tied. Its primary semantic range encompasses an "ornamental girdle" or "attire," specifically associated with women, and also a "headband." This suggests an item of clothing that is not merely functional but possesses decorative or symbolic significance. The connection to the root qashar implies an item that is fastened or tied around the body, whether at the waist as a girdle or on the head as a band.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קִשֻּׁר (qishshur, `{{H7196}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances found within the prophetic book of Jeremiah. Each occurrence offers rich contextual insight into its meaning and symbolic weight:
1. **[[Jeremiah 2:32]]**: "Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire (קִשֻּׁר)? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number."
In this verse, qishshur is paralleled with עֲדִי (adi, `{{H5716}}`), meaning "ornaments" or "jewelry." The context is a rhetorical question posed by God, highlighting the profound spiritual apostasy of Israel. A bride's "attire" or "wedding dress" (often including a distinctive girdle or headpiece) is something deeply cherished and unforgettable. The comparison underscores the shocking nature of Israel's forgetfulness of God, implying that their relationship with the divine covenant was less valued than a bride's most prized possessions. Here, qishshur symbolizes something valuable, cherished, and intimately connected to identity and commitment.
2. **[[Jeremiah 13:18]]**: "Say to the king and the queen mother, 'Take a humble seat, for your beautiful crown (קִשֻּׁרִים) has come down from your heads.'"
Here, qishshur appears in the plural, קִשֻּׁרִים (qishshurim), and is associated with royalty ("king and queen mother"). The translation "crown" or "royal headbands" is fitting given the context of royal authority and impending humiliation. The command to "take a humble seat" directly precedes the declaration that their "beautiful crown" has fallen. This signifies the imminent loss of their exalted status, dignity, and power due to divine judgment. In this context, qishshur symbolizes the outward manifestation of royal authority, prestige, and perhaps the pride associated with their position, all of which are subject to God's sovereign hand of judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root קָשַׁר (qashar, `{{H7194}}`), meaning "to bind," "to tie," "to conspire." This etymological link firmly grounds qishshur in the concept of something fastened or secured.
Other related terms, particularly those denoting items of adornment or clothing, provide further semantic context:
* עֲדִי (adi, `{{H5716}}`): "ornament," "jewelry," often paralleled with qishshur in [[Jeremiah 2:32]].
* צָנִיף (tsanif, `{{H6797}}`): "turban," "headband," "diadem," often associated with priests or royalty, conceptually similar to the "headband" or "crown" aspect of qishshur in [[Jeremiah 13:18]].
* חֲגוֹרָה (chagorah, `{{H2290}}`): a more general term for "girdle" or "belt," which qishshur could be a specific, ornamental type of.
* אֲבְנֵט (avnet, `{{H73}}`): the "sash" or "girdle" worn by priests.
Conceptually, qishshur touches upon themes of:
* **Adornment and Beauty**: As an "ornamental girdle" or "headband."
* **Identity and Status**: Particularly in its use for a bride or royalty.
* **Remembrance and Forgetfulness**: Contrasted with Israel's spiritual amnesia in [[Jeremiah 2:32]].
* **Pride and Humiliation**: Representing royal glory that is brought low in [[Jeremiah 13:18]].
* **Covenant Fidelity**: Or the lack thereof, as illustrated by Israel's spiritual state.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קִשֻּׁר (qishshur, `{{H7196}}`) is profound, especially given its limited yet impactful appearances within Jeremiah's prophetic message.
In [[Jeremiah 2:32]], qishshur serves as a powerful metaphor for the cherished nature of a covenant relationship. A bride's "attire" is not merely clothing; it embodies her identity, her commitment, and the joy of her union. For Israel to forget God, who had "married" them in covenant, is portrayed as an act more unnatural and grievous than a bride forgetting her most precious adornments. This highlights the depth of Israel's spiritual infidelity and their casual disregard for the sacred bond established with Yahweh. The word underscores the concept of divine pathos—God's deep sorrow over His people's unfaithfulness—and calls attention to the spiritual amnesia that led to their apostasy.
In [[Jeremiah 13:18]], qishshur embodies the transient nature of human glory and authority in the face of divine judgment. The "beautiful crown" or "royal headbands" of the king and queen mother symbolize their earthly power, prestige, and perhaps the pride that often accompanies such positions. Their removal signifies the impending humiliation and loss of sovereignty that Judah's leadership would experience due to their persistent sin. This illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over human kingdoms and His readiness to humble the proud, demonstrating that true authority and enduring glory reside only with Him. The word thus becomes a symbol of the fragility of human power and the inevitable consequences of disobedience to God's will.
Collectively, qishshur points to the tension between outward human adornment and status, and inward spiritual reality. While the items themselves are neutral, their symbolic usage in Jeremiah reveals how they can expose spiritual negligence (forgetting God) or become objects of pride leading to divine judgment (loss of royal status).
### Summary
The Hebrew word קִשֻּׁר (qishshur, `{{H7196}}`), derived from קָשַׁר (qashar, `{{H7194}}`) "to bind," refers to an ornamental girdle or headband, primarily for women. Its two significant occurrences in the book of Jeremiah imbue it with rich theological symbolism. In [[Jeremiah 2:32]], qishshur represents a bride's cherished attire, serving as a stark contrast to Israel's profound spiritual forgetfulness and unfaithfulness to their covenant with God. It underscores the severity of their apostasy, portraying it as more unnatural than a bride forgetting her most prized possessions. In [[Jeremiah 13:18]], the plural form qishshurim refers to the "beautiful crown" or "royal headbands" of the king and queen mother. Here, it symbolizes their earthly glory, authority, and perhaps pride, the removal of which signifies divine judgment and the impending humiliation of the monarchy. Thus, qishshur encapsulates themes of cherished covenant, spiritual amnesia, the transient nature of human glory, and the sovereign judgment of God upon pride and disobedience.
TRV