What is the meaning of Hat in the Bible?
The Hebrew word חַט (hat) in Daniel 3:21 is a hapax legomenon, appearing only once in the Old Testament, which creates significant translation difficulties due to its lack of direct archaeological parallels for ancient Near Eastern headwear.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Acknowledging the linguistic uncertainty of this rare term prevents anachronistic assumptions about ancient dress and directs attention to the narrative's primary emphasis on the characters' steadfast faith rather than the specific details of their attire.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Hat functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Hat in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hat clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Daniel 3:21
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Hat." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hat/