### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉthîy**, represented by `{{H8359}}`, is a technical term for the **warp** in weaving. It is defined as a fixture, specifically the warp threads of a fabric. This word appears a total of **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible, with every instance found in a single chapter of Leviticus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical usage of `{{H8359}}` is exclusively found within the legal instructions for identifying leprosy in textiles, as detailed in Leviticus 13. The term **warp** is consistently paired with **woof** `{{H6154}}` to describe the fundamental structure of a garment. These laws apply to items made of **linen** `{{H6593}}`, **woollen** `{{H6785}}`, or **skin** `{{H5785}}` [[Leviticus 13:48]]. The priest would inspect the **warp** and woof for signs of a spreading plague, and depending on the findings, the item would either be burned [[Leviticus 13:52]] or declared clean [[Leviticus 13:59]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of materials and weaving:
* `{{H6154}}` **ʻêreb** (woof): This word refers to the transverse threads in a woven cloth and is the direct counterpart to **warp**. It appears alongside `{{H8359}}` in every instance to describe the complete fabric structure [[Leviticus 13:48]].
* `{{H899}}` **beged** (garment): This general term for clothing provides the context for the inspection. The laws examine the **warp** and woof within a **garment** to determine its purity [[Leviticus 13:57]]. In other contexts, righteousnesses can be described as filthy rags, or **garments** [[Isaiah 64:6]].
* `{{H6593}}` **pishteh** (linen): One of the primary materials whose **warp** and woof were subject to inspection. It is also mentioned as a valuable material sought by the virtuous woman [[Proverbs 31:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8359}}` is derived entirely from its concentrated use in the purity laws of Leviticus.
* **Thoroughness of Purity Laws:** The specific mention of both the **warp** and woof demonstrates the detailed nature of God's laws for separating the clean from the unclean. No part of the fabric, down to its foundational threads, was exempt from inspection [[Leviticus 13:59]].
* **Pervasiveness of Corruption:** A plague that had spread into the very **warp** of a garment was considered a deep and fretting leprosy. This symbolized how sin or defilement can permeate the very foundation of a thing, requiring its complete destruction by fire [[Leviticus 13:52]].
* **Priestly Discernment:** The laws place the responsibility on the priest to examine the **warp** and determine if a plague had spread [[Leviticus 13:53]]. This highlights the priest's role as the authorized agent for discerning and declaring purity within the community.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8359}}` **shᵉthîy** is a highly specific term for the **warp** of a woven material. Its exclusive appearance in Leviticus 13 ties it directly to the laws of ritual purity concerning leprosy in garments. Paired with its counterpart, woof `{{H6154}}`, it illustrates a key biblical theme: the need for absolute purity, where even the foundational threads of an object are subject to divine standards and priestly examination. The word itself is technical, but its context is rich with meaning about holiness and corruption.
TRV