### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שָׁבִיס (shâbîyç), transliterated as *shâbîyç* and assigned Strong's number `{{H7636}}`, derives from an unused root signifying "to interweave." This etymological root is crucial, as it defines the very nature of the object: a finely woven or netted structure. Its core meaning denotes a "netting for the hair" or a "caul." This suggests a decorative head covering or hair ornament, likely intricate in its construction, designed to hold or adorn the hair. It would have been an item of personal adornment, indicating a level of sophistication or luxury in its design and material, consistent with its interweaving origin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word שָׁבִיס (shâbîyç) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the prophetic book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 3:18]]**: "In that day the Lord will take away the finery of the anklets, the headbands, the crescent ornaments, the pendants, the bracelets, the veils, the turbans, the leg ornaments, the sashes, the perfume boxes, the amulets, the rings, the nose rings, the festal robes, the outer garments, the cloaks, the handbags, the hand mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the cauls." (ESV, emphasis added on "cauls")
This solitary occurrence is embedded within a scathing prophetic indictment against the haughty and indulgent women of Jerusalem. Isaiah lists a litany of their elaborate and ostentatious articles of clothing and jewelry, all of which are slated for removal by divine judgment. The inclusion of the *shâbîyç* among these items highlights its nature as a luxurious and perhaps even excessive adornment. The context is one of divine displeasure over pride, vanity, and the misuse of wealth for outward display, contrasting sharply with the impending desolation and humiliation that will strip away these symbols of status and beauty. The catalog of items, including the *shâbîyç*, serves to emphasize the extent of their material preoccupation and the thoroughness of God's coming judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
While *shâbîyç* is unique in its singular biblical appearance, its meaning connects it to broader categories of adornment, head coverings, and the concept of weaving.
* **Adornment and Clothing**: The passage in [[Isaiah 3]] itself lists numerous related terms for articles of clothing and jewelry, such as `{{H6287}}` ( *pe'er* - turban or headdress), `{{H8197}}` ( *sâpîyph* - veil or shawl), and `{{H3801}}` ( *keli* - a general term for vessel or article, often used for implements or ornaments). The overall theme is the outward display of wealth and status through elaborate attire.
* **Head Coverings**: The *shâbîyç* functions as a form of head or hair covering. Other terms for headwear, though distinct in form, share this general function, such as `{{H4701}}` ( *mitpachat* - shawl/mantle) or `{{H6287}}` ( *pe'er* - turban).
* **Weaving and Netting**: The root meaning of "to interweave" connects *shâbîyç* to the craft of textile production and the creation of intricate netted structures. While not directly naming the process, it implies a skilled artistry in its manufacture. Other Hebrew words for "net" (e.g., `{{H7568}}`, *reshet*, a hunting or fishing net) share the concept of interwoven strands, though their function is entirely different. The emphasis for *shâbîyç* is on its decorative, ornamental purpose.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *shâbîyç* is derived almost entirely from its singular, yet potent, appearance in [[Isaiah 3:18]].
1. **Symbol of Pride and Vanity**: The *shâbîyç*, as one item among many luxurious adornments, symbolizes the excessive pride, vanity, and materialism of the women of Jerusalem. Their preoccupation with outward appearance and status, enabled by their wealth, stands in stark contrast to the spiritual and social decay afflicting the nation.
2. **Object of Divine Judgment**: Its inclusion in the list of items that the Lord "will take away" signifies that these very symbols of their self-exaltation will become instruments of their humiliation. God's judgment involves stripping away their perceived glory, leaving them exposed and shamed. This act underscores God's opposition to human arrogance and His commitment to humbling the proud.
3. **Contrast Between Outer and Inner**: Implicitly, the passage contrasts the fleeting nature of external beauty and material wealth with the enduring value of inner righteousness and humility. The Lord's focus is not on the adornments themselves, but on the heart attitude they represent—a heart turned away from God and towards self-glorification.
4. **Prophetic Warning**: The mention of the *shâbîyç* contributes to Isaiah's broader prophetic message: that outward displays of prosperity and pride are ultimately hollow and will be removed by divine intervention if they are not accompanied by justice, righteousness, and humility before God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שָׁבִיס (shâbîyç), `{{H7636}}`, denotes a "netting for the hair" or "caul," deriving from a root meaning "to interweave," suggesting an intricately crafted hair ornament. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Isaiah 3:18]] places it within a powerful prophetic oracle condemning the excessive pride and materialism of the women of Jerusalem. As one of many luxurious items of adornment, the *shâbîyç* symbolizes their vanity and preoccupation with outward show. Its inclusion in the list of possessions that the Lord will strip away signifies divine judgment, leading to the humiliation and degradation of those who placed their trust in fleeting external glory rather than in God. Thus, while appearing only once, *shâbîyç* serves as a poignant symbol contributing to Isaiah's indictment against pride and the transient nature of worldly splendor in the face of divine reckoning.
TRV