Lexical Summary
abnet: Belt, Sash
Original Word:אַבְנֵט
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:abnet
Pronunciation:av-NAYT
Phonetic Spelling:(ab-nate')
KJV: girdle
NASB:sash, sashes
Word Origin:[of uncertain derivation]
1. a belt
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
girdle
Of uncertain derivation; a belt -- girdle.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originof uncertain derivation
Definitiona girdle
NASB Translationsash (6), sashes (3).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
— absolute
Exodus 28:4 +;
Isaiah 22:21; construct
Exodus 39:29;
Exodus 28:40; —
girdle, of high priest
Exodus 28:4,39;
Exodus 39:29;
Leviticus 8:7;
Leviticus 16:4; of priests
Exodus 28:40;
Exodus 29:9;
Leviticus 8:13 (all P); of high official
Isaiah 22:21. — Josephus
iii. 7. 2 ; compare further Lag
Ges. Abh. 39. described Jos
Ant. iii. 7. 2 as a sash wound round breast several times, and falling to the feet; in (Persian) a money-bag wound round body Sta
ThLz. 1894, 236.
see below [].
Topical Lexicon
Overviewאַבְנֵט (’abnēt) denotes the sash or waistband that girded the tunic of priests and high officials. Though a small component of attire, it binds the garments of service, marking both consecration and delegated authority.
Occurrences in Scripture
1. Priestly instruction:Exodus 28:4; 28:39; 28:40; 29:9; 39:29
2. Priestly consecration:Leviticus 8:7; 8:13
3. Day of Atonement:Leviticus 16:4
4. Royal stewardship:Isaiah 22:21
Place within Priestly Garments
Exodus 28 lists the sash among the “holy garments” by which Aaron and his sons are “to minister to Me as priests” (Exodus 28:4). For ordinary priests it was of fine twined linen, while the high priest’s daily sash was richly embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn (Exodus 28:39). The sash completed the priestly appearance of “glory and beauty,” keeping every other piece properly in place.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The ornate high-priestly sash symbolized the blended beauties of redemption—heavenly blue, regal purple, sacrificial scarlet, interwoven with radiant white linen. Its careful workmanship mirrors the precision required in approaching a holy God. Conversely, on the Day of Atonement the high priest exchanged the ornate sash for one of plain linen (Leviticus 16:4), emphasizing humility and holiness when he entered the Most Holy Place.
Liturgical Function
Tightening the sash prepared the priest for service, much like girding one’s loins for action. Priestly ministries—sacrifice, intercession, blessing—were performed only after the sash was bound, illustrating that readiness and order are prerequisites for acceptable worship.
Symbolic and Typological Significance
1. Truth and Integrity. A securely fastened sash pictures inner truthfulness. Paul draws the parallel: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Ephesians 6:14).
2. Christ our High Priest. Revelation portrays the risen Lord “dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet, with a golden sash around His chest” (Revelation 1:13). His golden sash transcends the linen of the earthly priesthood, displaying the perfection of His eternal ministry.
3. Atonement and Humility. The shift from embroidered to plain linen on the Day of Atonement foreshadows Christ, who laid aside visible glory to offer Himself for sin (Philippians 2:6-8).
Broader Old Testament Usage
Isaiah 22:21 applies ’abnēt to the royal steward: “I will clothe him with your robe and tie your sash around him”. The sash thus signifies transference of authority. Whereas Shebna abused his office, Eliakim would become “a father to the dwellers of Jerusalem,” prefiguring the faithful stewardship of Messiah.
New Testament Echoes
Beyond Revelation and Ephesians, the image of being girded recurs inLuke 12:35 and1 Peter 1:13, urging vigilance and moral preparedness. Allusions to the priestly sash remind believers that they, too, are a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), called to serve in purity and truth.
Practical Application for Believers
• Readiness: As the sash gathered loose garments, so believers are to gather their thoughts and affections for undivided service.
• Integrity: The belt of truth guards against hypocrisy; sincerity is the proper fit for those who draw near to God.
• Identity: The priestly sash marked divine appointment. In Christ, every believer wears the insignia of accepted worship and delegated ministry.
Thus אַבְנֵט, though mentioned only nine times, binds together themes of holiness, authority, and service from Sinai to the New Jerusalem.
Forms and Transliterations
אַבְנֵ֔ט אַבְנֵ֜ט אַבְנֵטִ֑ים אבנט אבנטים בָּֽאַבְנֵ֔ט באבנט הָאַבְנֵ֞ט האבנט וְאַבְנֵ֑ט וְאַבְנֵ֥ט וְאַבְנֵֽטְךָ֙ וּבְאַבְנֵ֥ט ואבנט ואבנטך ובאבנט ’aḇ·nê·ṭîm ’aḇ·nêṭ ’aḇnêṭ ’aḇnêṭîm avNet avneTim bā’aḇnêṭ bā·’aḇ·nêṭ baavNet hā’aḇnêṭ hā·’aḇ·nêṭ haavNet ū·ḇə·’aḇ·nêṭ ūḇə’aḇnêṭ uveavNet veavNet veavneteCha wə’aḇnêṭ wə’aḇnêṭəḵā wə·’aḇ·nê·ṭə·ḵā wə·’aḇ·nêṭ
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