7660. shabats

Lexical Summary

shabats: set, work, weave the of checkered

Original Word: שָׁבַץ
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: shabats
Pronunciation: shah-BAHTS
Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-bats')
KJV: embroider, set
NASB: set, work, weave the of checkered
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to interweave (colored) threads in squares
2. (by implication) (of reticulation) to inchase gems in gold

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

embroider, set

A primitive root; to interweave (colored) threads in squares; by implication (of reticulation) to inchase gems in gold -- embroider, set.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
probably to weave in checker (or plaited) work
NASB Translation
set (2), weave the of checkered (1), work (2).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

[שָׁבַץ] verb Pi`el probably weave in chequer or plaited work (Late Hebrew שָׁבַץ ornament a vessel with a pattern; Syriac (Lexicons) immiscuit, commixtio: see also Lag^{BN 143}); —

Pi`el Perfect2masculine singular וְשִׁבַּצְתָּ֫ Exodus 28:39 (P), and thou shalt chequer (or plait) the tunic (in) byssus.

Pu`al Participle masculine plural מְשֻׁבָּצִים זָהָב Exodus 28:20 (P), inwoven (i.e. set in a chequered or plaited mounting) with gold (-thread) shall they be (of gems).

Topical Lexicon

Occurrences in Scripture

The verb שָׁבַץ appears twice, both within the description of the high-priestly garments:
• Exodus 28:20 – “and the fourth row shall be a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper; they are to be mounted in gold filigree.”
• Exodus 28:39 – “You are also to weave the tunic of fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash.”

Range of Meaning in Context

In verse 20 the word conveys the careful setting of gemstones in golden latticework; in verse 39 it refers to the skilled weaving of linen into an ornate tunic. Both senses carry the idea of intricate interlacing so that separate elements (stones or threads) become a unified, beautiful whole.

Priestly Aesthetics and Worship

שָׁבַץ anchors the visual splendor of the high priest’s attire. Precious stones “mounted in gold filigree” on the breastpiece reflected the tribal names of Israel (Exodus 28:21), reminding worshipers that the covenant people were borne on the priest’s heart before the LORD. Likewise, the finely woven tunic undergirded the outer vestments, testifying that holiness extends beneath visible ministry to the unseen fabric of life. The verb therefore reinforces that beauty, order, and precision belong in public worship because they mirror the perfection of the God who is being served.

Symbolism of Security and Permanence

Gemstones fixed in gold settings illustrate the firmness of God’s covenant promises; the tribal names could not slip or be lost. The same security is implied in the tightly woven tunic—no loose threads, no gaps, no compromise. שָׁבַץ thus becomes a picture of how God binds His people to Himself: with permanence, intentionality, and beauty (Isaiah 49:16; John 10:28).

Craftsmanship as a Spiritual Calling

Exodus 31:1-5 describes Bezalel as “filled with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.” Though שָׁבַץ is not used there, the concept is identical. The Spirit elevates artistic labor into sacred service. Those gifted in design, fabric, jewelry, woodworking, or digital media today continue that ministry when they employ excellence for the glory of God and the edification of the congregation.

Theological Threads

1. Incarnation of Glory – The breastpiece adorned with securely set stones foreshadows Christ, the High Priest, who carries His people close to His heart (Hebrews 4:14-16).
2. Unity in Diversity – Distinct gems and diverse linen strands form one garment, anticipating the church as “living stones… being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5).
3. Sanctified Detail – Nothing in the tabernacle was left to improvisation; God dictated the pattern (Exodus 25:9). Likewise, doctrinal fidelity and moral purity are not optional embroidery but required elements of Christian witness.

New Testament Echoes

Paul reminds believers that “if anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones… each one’s work will become evident” (1 Corinthians 3:12-13). The imagery of secure inlay and tested craftsmanship draws directly on Old Testament motifs such as שָׁבַץ. Revelation 21:18-21 employs similar gem-language to describe the New Jerusalem, where the church—fully perfected—will be forever “mounted” in glory.

Practical Applications for Ministry

• Encourage artists, tailors, designers, and builders in the congregation; their gifts are not ornamental extras but expressions of divine grace.
• Guard doctrinal and ethical “integrity of weave.” Compromise unravels witness.
• Model excellence in every worship element—from music charts to slide fonts—so that form reinforces, not distracts from, the message.
• Teach security of salvation through the image of names engraved on precious stones, set immovably upon the breastpiece of our Great High Priest.

Conclusion

שָׁבַץ may occur only twice, yet it interlaces rich theology: covenant security, Spirit-empowered craftsmanship, and the call to reflect God’s ordered beauty in worship and life.

Forms and Transliterations

וְשִׁבַּצְתָּ֙ ושבצת מְשֻׁבָּצִ֥ים משבצים mə·šub·bā·ṣîm meshubbaTzim məšubbāṣîm veshibbatzTa wə·šib·baṣ·tā wəšibbaṣtā

Englishman's Concordance

Exodus 28:20
HEB: וְשֹׁ֖הַם וְיָשְׁפֵ֑ה מְשֻׁבָּצִ֥ים זָהָ֛ב יִהְי֖וּ
NAS: and a jasper; they shall be set in gold
KJV: and a jasper: they shall be set in gold
INT: and an onyx jasper shall be set gold become

Exodus 28:39
HEB: וְשִׁבַּצְתָּ֙ הַכְּתֹ֣נֶת שֵׁ֔שׁ
NAS: You shall weave the tunic
KJV: And thou shalt embroider the coat
INT: shall weave the tunic of fine

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 7660
2 Occurrences

mə·šub·bā·ṣîm — 1 Occ.
wə·šib·baṣ·tā — 1 Occ.