5688. aboth
Lexical Summary
aboth: cords, ropes, cordage

Original Word: עֲבֹת
Part of Speech: Noun
Transliteration: `aboth
Pronunciation: ah-VOHT
Phonetic Spelling: (ab-oth')
KJV: band, cord, rope, thick bough (branch), wreathen (chain)
NASB: cords, ropes, cordage, bonds, clouds, corded
Word Origin: [the same as H5687 (עָבוֹת עָבוֹת - leafy)]

1. something intwined, i.e. a string, wreath or foliage

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
band, cord, rope, thick bough branch, wreathen chain

Or rabowth {ab-oth'}; or (feminine) tabothah {ab- oth-aw'}; the same as aboth; something intwined, i.e. A string, wreath or foliage -- band, cord, rope, thick bough (branch), wreathen (chain).

see HEBREW aboth

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from abath
Definition
cord, rope, cordage
NASB Translation
bonds (1), clouds (1), cordage (3), corded (1), cords (8), ropes (8).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
עֲבֹת noun masculineJudges 15:13#NAME?feminineJudges 15:14 + (twisted) cord, rope; cordage; interwoven foliage (?); — absolute ׳ע Exodus 28:14 2t.; construct עֲבוֺת Isaiah 5:18; Psalm 129:4; suffix 3masculine singular עֲבֹתוֺ Job 39:10, 3masculine plural עֲבֹתֵ֑ימוֺ Psalm 2:3; plural עֲבֹּתִים Judges 15:13 +, עֲבֹתֹת +, Exodus 28:14 +, etc.; —

1 cord, rope:

a. as fetter, Judges 15:13,14; Judges 16:11,12; Ezekiel 3:25; Ezekiel 4:8; Job 39:10 (of wild ox), so also probably Psalm 118:27 bind the festal victim (חַג) with cords Ew Ol De Hup-Now Dr and others; > with branches Che, compare Bae Du; figurative of authority Psalm 2:3 ("" מוֺסְרוֺתֵימוֺ), Psalm 129:4.

b. עֲבוֺת הָעֲגָלָה Isaiah 5:18 i.e. with which a cart is drawn (in simile; "" חַבְלֵי הַשָּׁוְא); figurativeעֲבֹתוֺת אַהֲבָה Hosea 11:4 with the cords of love, of ׳יs drawing Israel ("" חַבְלֵי אָדָם).

c. cordage, cord, of (twisted) golden chains on high priest's breast-piece (all P): מַעֲשֵׂה עֲבֹת, cordage-work Exodus 28:14,22; Exodus 39:15; שַׁרְשְׁרֹת הָעֲבֹתֹת Exodus 28:14 the chains of cords (cordlike chains); שְׁתֵּי (הָ)עֲבֹתֹת the two cords Exodus 28:24; Exodus 28:25; Exodus 39:17,18.

2 interwoven foliage (?) in phrase (עַלֿ)בֵּין עֲבֹתִים of top of a vine Ezekiel 19:11 (clouds Ew Hi-Sm Toy, read then עָבוֺת); of cedar, Ezekiel 31:3,10,14, but in these certainly clouds, so ᵐ5 Ew Hi-Sm Co and others

עֹג see עוֺג

Topical Lexicon
Scope of Meaning and Imagery

Across its twenty-four occurrences עֲבֹת functions as a vivid picture of strength that can either secure or restrain. In narrative prose it describes tangible cords, ropes, harnesses, or braided chains. In poetry and prophecy it extends to metaphorical bonds—of sin, oppression, covenant love, or proud self-sufficiency—and even to the thick intertwined boughs of mighty trees. However the word is used, the image is consistently that of something strong, intertwined, and binding.

Craftsmanship in the Priestly Garments (Exodus 28; 39)

The first cluster of references appears in the instructions for the ephod and breastpiece of the high priest. “You are to make braided chains of pure gold, like corded rope, and attach them to the breastpiece” (Exodus 28:22). Six verses describe these golden cords that linked the memorial stones on the shoulders to the breastpiece over the heart. The same detail is repeated in Exodus 39 when the work is completed. These cords express the unity of the high priest’s ministry—shouldering the tribes’ names while carrying them upon his heart—and the unbroken strength of the mediatorial office that prefigures the perfect High Priest. The gold speaks of purity and deity; the braided construction, of corporate solidarity before God.

Bonds of Human Strength and Divine Deliverance (Judges 15–16; Psalms 2; 129)

In the Samson cycle the word appears six times for the ropes that fail to restrain the Spirit-empowered judge. “The ropes on his arms became like flax burned with fire” (Judges 15:14). Human devices, however new or numerous, cannot hinder the purpose of God. This theme re-emerges in the Psalter: “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords from us” (Psalm 2:3) is the cry of rebellious nations against the LORD and His Anointed, yet their rebellion is futile. Conversely, the righteous can sing, “The LORD is righteous; He has cut me free from the ropes of the wicked” (Psalm 129:4). Whether cords symbolize tyranny or rebellion, the outcome is the same—Yahweh snaps them with ease.

Agricultural and Daily Life Illustrations (Job 39:10; Isaiah 5:18)

The word is rooted in ordinary experience. Job is asked, “Can you bind the ox with a harness in the furrow, or will he harrow the valleys after you?” (Job 39:10). Isaiah issues a woe to those who “draw iniquity with cords of falsehood and sin with cart ropes” (Isaiah 5:18), picturing people hitched to their own evil like beasts hauling a load. Everyday farm imagery turns into moral exhortation: sin may feel manageable, yet its rope grows thicker until the sinner is enslaved.

Prophetic Symbol-Acts of Restriction (Ezekiel 3:25; 4:8)

Ezekiel is literally bound with cords as a sign to the exiles: “I will bind you with ropes, so that you cannot go out among the people” (Ezekiel 3:25). The prophet’s enforced silence and immobilization dramatize the judgment soon to fall on Jerusalem. In Ezekiel 4:8 the cords are divine in origin—proof that when the word of God foretells confinement, no human resolve can break free.

Branches of Lofty Cedars—Pride and Collapse (Ezekiel 19:11; 31:3, 10, 14)

Four times עֲבֹת describes the thick intertwined boughs of towering trees: Israel’s royal line (Ezekiel 19) and Assyria likened to a stately cedar (Ezekiel 31). What looks invincible is cut down when it exalts itself. The imagery shifts from cords that bind to branches that boast, yet the lesson is identical: any strength not rooted in humility before God is destined to be broken.

Cords of Covenant Love (Hosea 11:4)

In one of the tenderest uses the Lord says, “I led them with cords of kindness, with ropes of love; I lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them.” The same word that elsewhere chains prisoners is here transformed into a gentle tether of affectionate guidance. Divine love binds not to restrict but to keep close, remove burdens, and nourish.

Liturgical Service and Sacrificial Commitment (Psalm 118:27)

“Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.” The worshiper willingly fastens the victim so that it cannot escape until the offering is complete. The verse anticipates the voluntary self-giving of Christ, who allowed Himself to be bound that sinners might be set free.

Ministry Implications

• Teach God’s people that every cord is ultimately in His hands: He alone fashions bonds that protect and breaks bonds that enslave.
• Highlight the contrast between cords of sin and cords of love. Use Hosea 11 as a pastoral call to repentance motivated by kindness.
• In discipleship, draw from the priestly cords: the believer bears responsibilities (shoulders) and affections (heart) that must remain inseparably linked.
• Encourage humility by recalling Ezekiel’s cedars; strong branches are no guarantee against divine pruning.

Whether decorative gold chains on a sacred garment, new ropes on Samson’s arms, cart ropes of sin, or cords of everlasting love, עֲבֹת illustrates the biblical paradox: what binds most firmly becomes either an instrument of bondage or a channel of blessing, depending on whether it is forged by human rebellion or divine grace.

Forms and Transliterations
בַּעֲבֹת֣וֹת בַּעֲבֹתִ֑ים בַּעֲבֹתִ֣ים בעבתות בעבתים הָֽעֲבֹתֹ֔ת הָעֲבֹתִ֜ים הָעֲבֹתֹ֔ת הָעֲבֹתֹ֖ת הָעֲבֹתֹ֣ת העבתים העבתת וְכַעֲב֥וֹת וכעבות עֲב֣וֹת עֲבֹ֑ת עֲבֹת֑וֹ עֲבֹתִ֑ים עֲבֹתִ֔ים עֲבֹתִ֣ים עֲבֹתִ֨ים עֲבֹתֵֽימוֹ׃ עֲבֹתֹ֣ת עֲבוֹתִ֑ים עֲבוֹתִ֔ים עבות עבותים עבת עבתו עבתים עבתימו׃ עבתת ‘ă·ḇō·ṯê·mōw ‘ă·ḇō·ṯîm ‘ă·ḇō·ṯōṯ ‘ă·ḇō·ṯōw ‘ă·ḇō·w·ṯîm ‘ă·ḇō·wṯ ‘ă·ḇōṯ ‘ăḇōṯ ‘ăḇōṯêmōw ‘ăḇōṯîm ‘ăḇōṯōṯ ‘ăḇōṯōw ‘ăḇōwṯ ‘ăḇōwṯîm aVot avoTeimov avoTim avoTo avoTot ba‘ăḇōṯîm ba‘ăḇōṯōwṯ ba·‘ă·ḇō·ṯîm ba·‘ă·ḇō·ṯō·wṯ baavoTim baavoTot hā‘ăḇōṯîm hā‘ăḇōṯōṯ hā·‘ă·ḇō·ṯîm hā·‘ă·ḇō·ṯōṯ haavoTim haavoTot vechaaVot wə·ḵa·‘ă·ḇō·wṯ wəḵa‘ăḇōwṯ
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Englishman's Concordance
Exodus 28:14
HEB: אֹתָ֖ם מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה עֲבֹ֑ת וְנָתַתָּ֛ה אֶת־
NAS: them of twisted cordage work,
KJV: at the ends; [of] wreathen work
INT: shall make work cordage shall put chains

Exodus 28:14
HEB: אֶת־ שַׁרְשְׁרֹ֥ת הָעֲבֹתֹ֖ת עַל־ הַֽמִּשְׁבְּצֹֽת׃
NAS: and you shall put the corded chains
KJV: them, and fasten the wreathen chains
INT: shall put chains the corded on the filigree

Exodus 28:22
HEB: גַּבְלֻ֖ת מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה עֲבֹ֑ת זָהָ֖ב טָהֽוֹר׃
NAS: chains of twisted cordage work in pure
KJV: at the ends [of] wreathen work
INT: of twisted work cordage gold pure

Exodus 28:24
HEB: אֶת־ שְׁתֵּי֙ עֲבֹתֹ֣ת הַזָּהָ֔ב עַל־
NAS: the two cords of gold
KJV: the two wreathen [chains] of gold
INT: shall put the two cords of gold on

Exodus 28:25
HEB: קְצוֹת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הָעֲבֹתֹ֔ת תִּתֵּ֖ן עַל־
NAS: of the two cords on the two
KJV: of the two wreathen [chains] thou shalt fasten
INT: ends of the two cords shall put on

Exodus 39:15
HEB: גַּבְלֻ֖ת מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה עֲבֹ֑ת זָהָ֖ב טָהֽוֹר׃
NAS: chains like cords, of twisted
KJV: at the ends, [of] wreathen work
INT: of twisted work cords gold pure

Exodus 39:17
HEB: וַֽיִּתְּנ֗וּ שְׁתֵּי֙ הָעֲבֹתֹ֣ת הַזָּהָ֔ב עַל־
NAS: the two gold cords in the two rings
KJV: the two wreathen chains of gold
INT: put the two cords gold in

Exodus 39:18
HEB: קְצוֹת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י הָֽעֲבֹתֹ֔ת נָתְנ֖וּ עַל־
NAS: of the two cords on the two
KJV: of the two wreathen chains
INT: ends of the two cords put on

Judges 15:13
HEB: וַיַּאַסְרֻ֗הוּ בִּשְׁנַ֙יִם֙ עֲבֹתִ֣ים חֲדָשִׁ֔ים וַֽיַּעֲל֖וּהוּ
NAS: new ropes and brought
KJV: new cords, and brought him up
INT: bound two ropes new and brought

Judges 15:14
HEB: יְהוָ֗ה וַתִּהְיֶ֨ינָה הָעֲבֹתִ֜ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־
NAS: came upon him mightily so that the ropes that were on his arms
KJV: came mightily upon him, and the cords that [were] upon his arms
INT: of the LORD become the ropes after were on

Judges 16:11
HEB: אָס֤וֹר יַאַסְר֙וּנִי֙ בַּעֲבֹתִ֣ים חֲדָשִׁ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֛ר
NAS: with new ropes which
KJV: with new ropes that never were occupied,
INT: bind tightly ropes new which

Judges 16:12
HEB: וַתִּקַּ֣ח דְּלִילָה֩ עֲבֹתִ֨ים חֲדָשִׁ֜ים וַתַּאַסְרֵ֣הוּ
NAS: new ropes and bound
KJV: new ropes, and bound
INT: took Delilah ropes new and bound

Job 39:10
HEB: רֵ֭ים בְּתֶ֣לֶם עֲבֹת֑וֹ אִם־ יְשַׂדֵּ֖ד
NAS: in a furrow with ropes, Or
KJV: the unicorn with his band in the furrow?
INT: the wild A furrow ropes Or harrow

Psalm 2:3
HEB: וְנַשְׁלִ֖יכָה מִמֶּ֣נּוּ עֲבֹתֵֽימוֹ׃
NAS: And cast away their cords from us!
KJV: and cast away their cords from us.
INT: and cast at their cords

Psalm 118:27
HEB: אִסְרוּ־ חַ֥ג בַּעֲבֹתִ֑ים עַד־ קַ֝רְנ֗וֹת
NAS: the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns
KJV: the sacrifice with cords, [even] unto the horns
INT: Bind the festival cords against to the horns

Psalm 129:4
HEB: צַדִּ֑יק קִ֝צֵּ֗ץ עֲב֣וֹת רְשָׁעִֽים׃
NAS: He has cut in two the cords of the wicked.
KJV: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.
INT: is righteous has cut the cords of the wicked

Isaiah 5:18
HEB: בְּחַבְלֵ֣י הַשָּׁ֑וְא וְכַעֲב֥וֹת הָעֲגָלָ֖ה חַטָּאָֽה׃
NAS: And sin as if with cart ropes;
KJV: and sin as it were with a cart rope:
INT: the cords of falsehood ropes cart and sin

Ezekiel 3:25
HEB: נָתְנ֤וּ עָלֶ֙יךָ֙ עֲבוֹתִ֔ים וַֽאֲסָר֖וּךָ בָּהֶ֑ם
NAS: they will put ropes on you and bind
KJV: behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind
INT: will put and ropes and bind you cannot

Ezekiel 4:8
HEB: נָתַ֥תִּי עָלֶ֖יךָ עֲבוֹתִ֑ים וְלֹֽא־ תֵהָפֵ֤ךְ
NAS: I will put ropes on you so that you cannot
KJV: And, behold, I will lay bands upon thee, and thou shalt not turn
INT: will put and ropes you cannot turn

Ezekiel 19:11
HEB: עַל־ בֵּ֣ין עֲבֹתִ֑ים וַיֵּרָ֣א בְגָבְה֔וֹ
NAS: above the clouds So that it was seen
KJV: was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared
INT: and among the clouds seen height

Ezekiel 31:3
HEB: קוֹמָ֑ה וּבֵ֣ין עֲבֹתִ֔ים הָיְתָ֖ה צַמַּרְתּֽוֹ׃
KJV: and his top was among the thick boughs.
INT: and very was among boughs become top

Ezekiel 31:10
HEB: אֶל־ בֵּ֣ין עֲבוֹתִ֔ים וְרָ֥ם לְבָב֖וֹ
KJV: his top among the thick boughs, and his heart
INT: about among boughs is haughty heart

Ezekiel 31:14
HEB: אֶל־ בֵּ֣ין עֲבֹתִ֔ים וְלֹֽא־ יַעַמְד֧וּ
KJV: their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees
INT: about among boughs nor stand

Hosea 11:4
HEB: אָדָ֤ם אֶמְשְׁכֵם֙ בַּעֲבֹת֣וֹת אַהֲבָ֔ה וָאֶהְיֶ֥ה
NAS: of a man, with bonds of love,
KJV: of a man, with bands of love:
INT: of a man led bonds of love became

24 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 5688
24 Occurrences


‘ă·ḇōṯ — 4 Occ.
‘ă·ḇō·ṯê·mōw — 1 Occ.
‘ă·ḇō·ṯîm — 8 Occ.
‘ă·ḇō·ṯōw — 1 Occ.
‘ă·ḇō·ṯōṯ — 1 Occ.
ba·‘ă·ḇō·ṯîm — 2 Occ.
ba·‘ă·ḇō·ṯō·wṯ — 1 Occ.
hā·‘ă·ḇō·ṯîm — 1 Occ.
hā·‘ă·ḇō·ṯōṯ — 4 Occ.
wə·ḵa·‘ă·ḇō·wṯ — 1 Occ.

5687
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