Hebrew word · H4555

מִסְפָּחָה

mispechoteikhem

veil

Found only in Ezek 13:18 and 13:21. It is probably from a root meaning 'to attach, join, spread over', giving a covering, veil or head-wrap. Its exact form (long veil, shawl, cap) is unknown.

Appears 2 times in 2 verses of the Hebrew Old Testament. · Updated November 09, 2026

What it means

long veil, veil (as spread out)

Abridged from Brown, Driver and Briggs, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament (1906), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Ezekiel 13:18

Range of meaning: Found only in Ezek 13:18 and 13:21. It is probably from a root meaning 'to attach, join, spread over', giving a covering, veil or head-wrap. Its exact form (long veil, shawl, cap) is unknown.
Against the English: KJV/YLT 'kerchiefs'; BSB/WEB/ESV 'veils'. 'Kerchief' suggests a domestic headscarf; 'veil' is closer but may suggest bridal or modesty veils, which are not in view.
How it drifted: Like keset, a rare word that translators have guessed at. The Vulgate's cervicalia ('neck-pillows') carried the bedding idea forward.
Used elsewhere in the period: No other biblical occurrence. The Septuagint uses a general word for 'coverings, wraps'. Covering the head appears in ancient Near Eastern ritual as a gesture of seizing or controlling a person, but a direct parallel to this practice is not secure.

Where it appears

Ezekiel · 2

Ezekiel 13:18 הַמִּסְפָּח֛וֹת the long veils

and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their wrists and make veils for the heads of people of every height, in order to ensnare their souls. Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own?

Here: Another rare word, found only here and in v.21, where God tears them off. Some kind of covering or veil was draped over the head, apparently as part of the ritual.
Ezekiel 13:21 מִסְפְּחֹֽתֵיכֶ֗ם long veils your

I will also tear off your veils and deliver My people from your hands, so that they will no longer be prey in your hands. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.