Lexical Summary shaatnez: Mixed fabric, mixed cloth Original Word: שַׁעַטְנֵז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance garment of divers sorts, linen and wollen Probably of foreign derivation; linsey- woolsey, i.e. Cloth of linen and wool carded and spun together -- garment of divers sorts, linen and wollen. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originperhaps of foreign origin Definition mixed stuff NASB Translation material mixed (1), material mixed together (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׁעַטְנֵז noun masculine mixed stuff (perhaps of Egyptian origin; Kn derives from Coptic saht, woven, + nudj, false (PeyronLex 224. 133), and thinks originally שַׁעַטְנֹז; ᵐ5 has κίβδηλος spurious); — a kind of cloth forbidden for garments; defined Deuteronomy 22:11 by צֶמֶר וּפִשְׁתִּים יַחְדָּו, and Leviticus 19:19 (H) by כִּלְאַיִם. שֵׁעִיר see שֵׂעִיר. I. שׁעל (√of following; Late Hebrew שַׁעַל, deep, depth, of sea; Aramaic שְׁעוֺלָא, שָׁעֳלָא, Topical Lexicon Meaning within Israel’s Covenant Life The term שַׁעַטְנֵז (shaʿatnez) denotes a specific kind of mixed-fabric cloth—principally wool and linen woven together—that the Torah forbids for personal garments. Although apparently technical, the word stands in a wider framework of laws that distinguish Israel from surrounding nations by marking everyday life with reminders of covenant holiness (Leviticus 11:44). Biblical Occurrences • Leviticus 19:19 sets the principle: “Do not wear a garment of mixed linen and wool.” Both contexts cluster שַׁעַטְנֵז with statutes concerning mixtures—crossbreeding cattle, sowing fields with mixed seed, and combining materials in clothing. Together they form a pattern: God’s covenant people are to reject confusions that obscure the created order. Historical and Cultural Background Archaeology confirms that Canaanite and Egyptian textiles sometimes blended plant and animal fibers for luxury or cultic use. Royal and priestly garments in many ancient religions employed mixed materials to symbolize cosmic powers. In Israel, however, such mixtures were carefully confined to the sanctuary. The ephod, breastpiece, curtain, and veil of the tabernacle employed “blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen” interwoven with dyed wool (Exodus 26:31; 28:6). By restricting שַׁעַטְנֵז to sacred space, God highlighted the separation between priestly mediators and the lay populace. Theological Significance 1. Holiness through Separation: The prohibition embodies the call to be “holy to the LORD” by refusing practices that blur God-ordained distinctions (Leviticus 20:26). Christological Perspective Jesus Christ, the perfect High Priest, wore a seamless tunic (John 19:23), underscoring an undivided righteousness that fulfills the symbolism behind shatnez. In Him the ceremonial wall dividing Jew and Gentile is demolished (Ephesians 2:14), yet His church still reflects holiness through ethical purity rather than fabric codes (Hebrews 9:9-10). Practical Ministry Applications • Teaching Holiness: Shatnez laws provide a tangible entry point for explaining how God cares about the details of daily life. Related Passages for Study Exodus 26:31; 28:6, 36-38 – sacred mixed fabrics allowed only for priestly service Ezekiel 44:17-18 – linen garments for restored-temple priests Matthew 5:17-19 – Christ’s fulfillment of the Law James 1:27 – pure and undefiled religion Summary Shatnez is more than an ancient dress code; it is a symbol woven into Israel’s collective memory, reminding God’s people that holiness requires discernment, separation from corruption, and wholehearted devotion to the Creator. Forms and Transliterations שַֽׁעַטְנֵ֔ז שעטנז ša‘aṭnêz ša·‘aṭ·nêz shaatNezLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 19:19 HEB: וּבֶ֤גֶד כִּלְאַ֙יִם֙ שַֽׁעַטְנֵ֔ז לֹ֥א יַעֲלֶ֖ה NAS: upon you of two kinds of material mixed together. KJV: mingled of linen and woollen come INT: A garment two of material nor wear Deuteronomy 22:11 2 Occurrences |
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= Biblical Hebrew [שֹׁעַל]).