Lexical Summary
zachach: To be pure, to be clear
Original Word: זָחַח
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: zachach
Pronunciation: zah-kakh
Phonetic Spelling: (zaw-khakh')
KJV: loose
NASB: come loose
Word Origin: [a primitive root]
1. to shove or displace
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
loose
A primitive root; to shove or displace -- loose.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origina prim. root
Definitionto remove, displace
NASB Translationcome loose (2).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
[] (Arabic
👁 Image push, thrust away; compare also Aramaic ,
👁 Image,
move, move away (intransitive)) —
Imperfect Exodus 28:28 and that the breast-piece be not displaced etc., Exodus 39:21 (both P).
Topical Lexicon
Root Concept of StabilityThe verb זָחַח conveys the idea of slipping, shifting, or coming loose. In its two appearances the form is negated (“shall not slip”), turning the focus from movement to steadfastness. Thus, the word contributes a nuance of immovability and security within the tabernacle narrative.
Occurrences in Exodus
1. Exodus 28:28 – in the directions for constructing the high priest’s garments, the breastpiece is to be bound “so that the breastpiece will not come loose from the ephod”.
2. Exodus 39:21 – the craftsmen obey the instructions exactly, achieving the same result: “so that the breastpiece would not come loose from the ephod”.
Both verses appear at critical junctures: first during the divine command, then in the faithful execution of that command. The repetition underscores Yahweh’s requirement that what symbolizes His covenantal relationship with Israel remain firmly in place.
Liturgical and Symbolic Significance
The breastpiece of judgment carried the names of the twelve tribes over the high priest’s heart (Exodus 28:29). By preventing the piece from slipping, זָחַח secures the memorial stones directly over the priest’s heart whenever he enters the Holy Place. The steadfast positioning speaks of:
• Continual remembrance—Israel is never out of God’s sight.
• Covenant stability—the relationship does not shift with circumstance.
• Priesthood reliability—the mediator must represent the people without interruption.
Prophetic Foreshadowing of Christ
Hebrews 6:19 presents hope in Christ “as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” The rare verb זָחַח portrays the same idea in fabric form: an unwavering bond between mediator and people. Jesus, the great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), fulfills the image. What the blue cord accomplished symbolically—preventing any separation—Christ realizes permanently: “He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him” (Hebrews 7:25).
Pastoral and Devotional Applications
1. Assurance of Salvation
Believers rest in a salvation that “will not slip.” The imagery invites confidence in God’s unbreakable hold (John 10:28-29).
2. Call to Hold Fast
While God secures His people, Scripture also exhorts them to reciprocate: “Let us hold firmly to the confession of our hope” (Hebrews 10:23). The same steadfastness expected of the breastpiece is expected of disciples.
3. Ministry Integrity
Leaders today, like the ancient craftsmen, must obey the pattern without alteration. Faithful adherence to revealed truth guards the church from doctrinal drift (1 Timothy 4:16).
Related Biblical Themes
• Divine remembrance – Malachi 3:16; Revelation 5:8
• Covenant faithfulness – Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 89:34
• Spiritual steadfastness – 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Thessalonians 2:15
• Christ as High Priest – Hebrews 2:17; 8:1-2
Summary
Though occurring only twice, זָחַח anchors a vital aspect of Israel’s priestly worship: the breastpiece must never wander from the ephod. The word therefore enriches the theology of security—first in the tabernacle, ultimately in Christ—encouraging believers to rely on God’s unwavering covenant love and to mirror that steadfastness in life and ministry.
Forms and Transliterations
יִזַּ֣ח יזח yiz·zaḥ yizZach yizzaḥ
Links
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Interlinear Hebrew •
Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
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