Lexical Summary
chesheb: Band, woven work, artistic design
Original Word:חֵשֶׁב
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:chesheb
Pronunciation:kheh'-sheb
Phonetic Spelling:(khay'-sheb)
KJV: curious girdle
NASB:skillfully woven band, woven band, artistic band
Word Origin:[fromH2803 (חָשַׁב - considered)]
1. a belt or strap (as being interlaced)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
curious girdle
Fromchashab; a belt or strap (as being interlaced) -- curious girdle.
see HEBREWchashab
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
chashabDefinitioningenious work
NASB Translationartistic band (1), skillfully woven band (5), woven band (2).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
, name of the
girdle or
band of the ephod (
cunningly woven band, RV), only P; always in combination,
Exodus 28:27,28;
Exodus 29:5;
Exodus 39:20,21;
Leviticus 8:7;
Exodus 28:8;
Exodus 39:5.
Topical Lexicon
Placement in the Priestly Garmentsחֵשֶׁב (chesheb) designates the artistically woven waistband that was integral to the ephod of Israel’s high priest. Formed of the same gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen threads as the ephod itself, it lay across the high priest’s chest and back, binding the two shoulder pieces together and providing anchor points for the breastpiece (Exodus 28:8). InExodus 28:27-28 and 39:20-21 the band’s gold-ring connections demonstrate how every part of the priestly vestments functioned as a unified whole.
Occurrences in the Pentateuch
Exodus 28:8; 28:27-28; 29:5; 39:5; 39:20-21; andLeviticus 8:7 record all eight uses. Each reference concerns either the original instructions, the actual construction, or the formal investiture of Aaron. Outside these contexts the term never appears, underscoring its exclusive link to the high priestly office.
Historical and Craftsmanship Significance
The chesheb exemplifies the tabernacle’s demand for meticulous artistry. Israelite weavers blended metallic threads with dyed linen to produce a flexible yet ornate band able to bear the weight of the breastpiece studded with gemstones representing the tribes. The waistband’s careful placement “above its woven waistband” (Exodus 28:8) speaks to ancient tailoring practices that balanced beauty, durability, and symbolic function.
Symbolism within Israel’s Worship
1. Unity and Support. By fastening the breastpiece to the ephod, the chesheb held the twelve-stone memorial “over Aaron’s heart” (Exodus 28:29). The waistband therefore pictures both solidarity among the tribes and the sustaining role of the high priest.
2. Holiness and Order. Nothing in the vestments was left to improvisation; the precise instructions reflect a God who orders worship down to the smallest thread.
3. Remembrance Before the LORD. Because the waistband kept the names of Israel secure, it serves as a tangible reminder that God’s people are continually borne before Him.
Christological Foreshadowing
Hebrews 7–10 portrays Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest who unites His people to God. Just as the chesheb joined the memorial stones to the ephod, so Christ binds believers to Himself, carrying their names “onto His heart” as He intercedes (Hebrews 7:25). The ornate yet functional nature of the waistband anticipates the seamless integration of Christ’s beauty and strength in redeeming His church.
Ministry Implications for the Church
• Excellence in Service. The Spirit’s gifting (Exodus 28:3) that produced the chesheb sets a precedent for skilled craftsmanship in every sphere of Christian ministry.
• Intercessory Responsibility. Leaders today, like Aaron of old, are called to bear God’s people on their hearts, fastening petitions to the throne of grace.
• Corporate Unity. The waistband’s role in holding together varied elements models how the church’s diverse members are bound by love into one body (Ephesians 4:16).
Conclusion
Though a small component of the high priest’s attire, the chesheb embodies deep theological currents—order, unity, remembrance, and mediation. Its eight appearances cluster around moments when God establishes, fashions, and consecrates priestly service, pointing ultimately to the perfect High Priest who forever secures His people before the Father.
Forms and Transliterations
בְּחֵ֖שֶׁב בְּחֵ֙שֶׁב֙ בחשב וְחֵ֤שֶׁב וְחֵ֨שֶׁב וחשב חֵ֣שֶׁב חשב לְחֵ֖שֶׁב לחשב bə·ḥê·šeḇ beCheshev bəḥêšeḇ Cheshev ḥê·šeḇ ḥêšeḇ lə·ḥê·šeḇ leCheshev ləḥêšeḇ veCheshev wə·ḥê·šeḇ wəḥêšeḇ
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