II Sam. 17:28 — Beds, Sofas, and Hebrew Lexicography

Abstract

The article deals with the exegetical history in mediaeval and modern Hebrew lexicography of the word סַפּוֹת sappōṯ of II Samuel 17:28. Depending on various considerations of etymology and context, the identification of the items in question has varied between "basins" and "couches". The latter interpretation is reflected in the modern Israeli Hebrew סַפָּה sapa "sofa".