A hand-breadth is an ancient unit of measurement used in biblical times, equivalent to the width of a human hand. This measurement is often mentioned in the Bible to describe dimensions, particularly in the context of construction and sacred objects. The hand-breadth is generally considered to be approximately four inches or about 10 centimeters.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 25:25 : "And make a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim." This verse refers to the construction of the table for the Bread of the Presence in the Tabernacle. The hand-breadth measurement is used to specify the width of the rim, indicating the precision and care required in crafting items for worship.

2. Exodus 37:12 : "He also made a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim." This passage echoes the instructions given in Exodus 25:25, as it describes the actual construction of the table by Bezalel, the skilled craftsman appointed by God. The repetition underscores the importance of adhering to divine specifications.

3. 1 Kings 7:26 : "It was a handbreadth thick, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It could hold two thousand baths." This verse describes the dimensions of the Sea, a large basin in Solomon's Temple. The hand-breadth thickness of the Sea's rim highlights the grandeur and durability of the Temple's furnishings.

4. Ezekiel 40:5 : "And I saw a wall surrounding the temple area. The measuring rod in the man’s hand was six long cubits, each of which was a cubit and a handbreadth. He measured the wall; it was one rod high and one rod wide." In Ezekiel's vision of the future temple, the hand-breadth is used to define the length of a cubit, indicating a slightly longer measurement than the standard cubit. This suggests a divine standard of measurement, emphasizing the temple's holiness and perfection.

Symbolic Significance:

In the Bible, measurements often carry symbolic meaning, reflecting God's order and precision. The use of the hand-breadth in sacred contexts underscores the human element in divine service, as it is a measurement based on the human body. This can be seen as a reminder of the relationship between God and humanity, where human efforts are guided by divine instructions.

Cultural Context:

The hand-breadth, along with other ancient measurements like the cubit, was a practical unit in a time when standardized measurements were not prevalent. It allowed for consistency in construction and trade, as it was based on the average size of a human hand, making it accessible and understandable to the people of that era.

In summary, the hand-breadth is a small yet significant unit of measurement in the Bible, used to convey the meticulous care required in the construction of sacred objects and spaces. Its use reflects the intersection of divine command and human craftsmanship, illustrating the importance of following God's precise instructions in worship and daily life.2947. tephach -- a span, handbreadth, coping
... Word Origin from taphach Definition a span, handbreadth, coping NASB Word Usage
coping (1), handbreadth (2), handbreadths (1). coping, hand-breadth. ...
/hebrew/2947.htm - 6k

Chel. The Court of the Women.
... The same also did Chel, or the Ante-murale. "That space was ten cubits broad, divided
from the Court of the Gentiles by a fence, ten hand-breadths high; in ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 29 chel the court.htm

The Account Given in the Aforesaid Book of the Place of Our Lord's ...
... In the north part of the tomb the sepulchre of our Lord is hewn out of the same
rock, seven feet in length, and three handbreadths above the floor; the ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xvi the account given.htm

Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... thee.'". 3. Farther on was the Sorag, ten handbreadths high. And thirteen
breaches were in it, which the Kings of Javan had made. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 1 massecheth middoth.htm

Book ii.
... Ps. xxxviii.8. Vulgate. My loins are filled with deceits. xxxix.5. He hath made
our days as handbreadths. lxix.5. My sins are not hid from thee. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii.htm

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles ...
... opposite the entrance. Each niche' was 4 cubits (6 feet) long, and had a
height of seven and a width of six handbreadths. As these ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxi the death and.htm

Handbreadths (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Handbreadths (1 Occurrence). Psalms 39:5 Behold, you have
made my days handbreadths. My lifetime is as nothing before you. ...
/h/handbreadths.htm - 6k

Hand-breadths (1 Occurrence)
Hand-breadths. Handbreadths, Hand-breadths. Handed . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Selah. (DBY JPS). Handbreadths, Hand-breadths. Handed . Reference Bible.
/h/hand-breadths.htm - 6k

Hand-breadth (7 Occurrences)
... Psalms 39:5 Behold, Thou hast made my days as hand-breadths; and mine age is as
nothing before Thee; surely every man ... Handbreadth, Hand-breadth. Handbreadths . ...
/h/hand-breadth.htm - 8k

Life-time (12 Occurrences)
... Psalms 39:5 Behold, thou hast made my days 'as' handbreadths; And my life-time is
as nothing before thee: Surely every man at his best estate is altogether ...
/l/life-time.htm - 9k

Selah (76 Occurrences)
... Selah. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 39:5 Behold, you have
made my days handbreadths. My lifetime is as nothing before you. ...
/s/selah.htm - 28k

Span (14 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Psalms 39:5 Behold, you have made
my days handbreadths. My lifetime is as nothing before you. ...
/s/span.htm - 12k

Pentecost (3 Occurrences)
... the preparation of these two loaves (Josephus, Ant, III, x, 6). According to the
Mishna (Menachoth, xi.4), the length of the loaf was 7 handbreadths, its width ...
/p/pentecost.htm - 21k

Lifetime (28 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 39:5 Behold, you have made my days handbreadths. My lifetime
is as nothing before you. Surely every man stands as a breath." Selah. ...
/l/lifetime.htm - 14k

Mere (56 Occurrences)
... Won't one be cast down even at the sight of him? (See NIV). Psalms 39:5 Behold,
you have made my days handbreadths. My lifetime is as nothing before you. ...
/m/mere.htm - 22k

Estate (40 Occurrences)
... Psalms 39:5 Behold, thou hast made my days as handbreadths; And my life-time is
as nothing before thee: Surely every man at his best estate is altogether vanity ...
/e/estate.htm - 20k

What does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.org

How can I see the hand of God moving in my life? | GotQuestions.org

Why does Scripture emphasize the right hand of God? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus