### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שַׁעַטְנֵז (shaʻaṭnêz, `{{H8162}}`) refers to a fabric or garment composed of two different materials, specifically linen and wool, woven together. The etymology of the word is uncertain, with the base definition noting its probable foreign derivation. This suggests it may have been a technical term for this specific type of textile. The core meaning is inherently tied to the prohibition against its use, as it is exclusively mentioned in contexts forbidding the wearing of such mixed materials. Its semantic range is narrow, precisely denoting this particular forbidden blend, emphasizing the concept of an improper or unnatural combination of distinct elements.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שַׁעַטְנֵז (shaʻaṭnêz, `{{H8162}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the Pentateuch's legal codes:
1. **[[Leviticus 19:19]]**: "You shall keep my statutes. You shall not let your cattle breed with a different kind. You shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed, nor shall you wear a garment of cloth made of two kinds of material (שַׁעַטְנֵז)." Here, the prohibition against shaʻaṭnêz is grouped with other laws concerning the mixing of distinct "kinds" (מִין - `{{H4327}}`), such as diverse animal species and different types of seeds. This context places the law within a broader divine concern for maintaining created order and distinct categories.
2. **[[Deuteronomy 22:11]]**: "You shall not wear a garment of cloth made of two kinds of material (שַׁעַטְנֵז), wool and linen mixed together." This verse explicitly defines shaʻaṭnêz as the combination of wool and linen, providing clarity on the specific materials involved. As with the Leviticus passage, this law is part of a series of statutes designed to distinguish Israel from the surrounding nations and to foster a culture of obedience to Yahweh's specific commands. The prohibition is absolute, without stated exceptions or further explanation of its rationale within the immediate context.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of shaʻaṭnêz is deeply intertwined with several foundational biblical themes:
* **Distinct Kinds (מִין - `{{H4327}}`):** The prohibition is part of a broader set of laws (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:19]], [[Deuteronomy 22:9-10]]) that forbid the mixing of different "kinds" or species. This echoes the creation narrative in [[Genesis 1:11-25]], where God creates living things "according to their kinds," establishing a divine order of distinct categories.
* **Holiness and Separation:** The laws against mixing are often understood within the larger framework of the Holiness Code in Leviticus, which calls Israel to be a holy and separate people unto Yahweh ([[Leviticus 11:44-45]], [[Leviticus 19:2]]). The maintenance of distinct boundaries, even in seemingly mundane aspects of life like clothing, served as a tangible expression of this call to separation from the practices of surrounding cultures.
* **Purity Laws:** While shaʻaṭnêz is not a purity law in the sense of ritual defilement, it falls under the umbrella of laws that delineate proper and improper conduct, contributing to the overall purity and order of the Israelite community.
* **Linen (בַּד - `{{H906}}`, בּוּץ - `{{H948}}`) and Wool (צֶמֶר - `{{H6785}}`):** These are the two specific materials prohibited from being mixed. Both were common textiles in the ancient Near East. Notably, linen (often bad) was frequently associated with priestly garments and purity ([[Exodus 28:6-8]], [[Leviticus 6:10]]), while wool was a common material for everyday clothing. The prohibition is not against either material individually but against their specific combination.
### Theological Significance
The prohibition against shaʻaṭnêz carries profound theological significance, even if its precise rationale is not explicitly stated in the text:
* **Affirmation of Divine Order:** The most common theological interpretation links shaʻaṭnêz to God's created order. Just as God established distinct "kinds" in creation, the laws against mixing (animals, seeds, fabrics) reinforce the divine preference for order, distinction, and the integrity of categories. Wearing shaʻaṭnêz could be seen as an act that violates or blurs these divinely ordained boundaries.
* **Symbol of Holiness and Identity:** For Israel, the adherence to such laws served as a constant, tangible reminder of their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and their call to be a holy nation set apart from others. It instilled a mindset of discernment and obedience, teaching them to respect divine boundaries in all areas of life. The very act of choosing what to wear became an act of worship and covenant fidelity.
* **Rejection of Syncretism:** While not explicitly stated, some scholars suggest that these laws against mixtures may have served as a safeguard against syncretistic practices or pagan rituals prevalent in the ancient Near East, which sometimes involved symbolic mixing. The prohibition would thus reinforce Israel's exclusive devotion to Yahweh.
* **Pedagogical Purpose:** The law, though seemingly minor, could serve as a pedagogical tool. By requiring strict adherence to distinctions in clothing, it trained the Israelites in a broader principle of discerning between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean, and ultimately, between obedience and disobedience to God's revealed will.
### Summary
שַׁעַטְנֵז (shaʻaṭnêz, `{{H8162}}`) refers specifically to a garment or fabric made from a forbidden mixture of linen and wool. Appearing only in [[Leviticus 19:19]] and [[Deuteronomy 22:11]], its wearing is strictly prohibited as part of the Mosaic Law. This prohibition is contextualized within broader laws concerning the maintenance of distinct "kinds" and the avoidance of forbidden mixtures, reflecting God's established order in creation. Theologically, shaʻaṭnêz underscores the divine concern for order and the integrity of categories, serving as a tangible symbol of Israel's call to holiness and separation. It reinforced their unique covenant identity and taught them to respect divine boundaries in all aspects of life, symbolizing the rejection of any blurring of lines between the sacred and the profane, and emphasizing their exclusive devotion to Yahweh.
TRV