kord (chebhet, yether, methar, `abhoth; schoinion):
(1) The Arabic chab'l corresponds to the Hebrew chebhel and is still the common name for cord or rope throughout the East. Such ropes or cords are made of goat's or camel's hair, first spun into threads and then twisted or plaited into the larger and stronger form. Chebhel is translated rather inconsistently in the Revised Version (British and American) by "cord" (Jos 2:15;Job 36:8, etc.); by "line" (2Sa 8:2;Mic 2:5;Ps 16:6;78:55;Am 7:17;Zec 2:1); by "ropes" (1Ki 20:31), and by "tacklings" (Isa 33:23).
(2) Yether corresponds to the Arabic wittar, which means catgut. With a kindred inconsistency it is translated the Revised Version (British and American) by "withes" (Jud 16:7the Revised Version, margin "bowstring"); by "cord" (Job 30:11), where some think it may mean "bowstring," or possibly "rein" of a bridle, and by "bowstring" (Ps 11:2), doubtless the true meaning.
(3) Methar is considered the equivalent of Arabic atnab, which means tent ropes, being constantly so used by the Bedouin. They make the thing so called of goat's or camel's hair. It is used of the "cords" of the tabernacle (Jer 10:20), of the "cords" of the "hangings" and "pillars" of the courts of the tabernacle in Exodus and Numbers, and figuratively byIsa 54:2, "Lengthen thy cords," etc.
(4) `Abhoth is thought to have its equivalent in the Arabic rubuts, which means a band, or fastening. SeeBAND. It is translated by "cords" inPs 118:27;129:4; by "bands" inEze 3:25;Job 39:10;Ho 11:4; by "ropes" inJud 15:13,14, and by "cart rope" inIsa 5:18. SeeCART. See alsoNu 15:38andAMULET. It Seems to have the meaning of something twisted or interlaced.
(5) In the New Testament "cord" is found inJoh 2:15, translating schoinion, but inAc 27:32the same Greek word is rendered "ropes."
Figurative:
(1) of affliction (Job 36:8);
(2) of God's laws (Ps 2:3);
(3) of the artifices of the wicked (Ps 129:4;140:5);
(4) of sinful habits (Pr 5:22);
(5) of true friendship or companionship (Ec 4:12);
(6) possibly of the spinal cord (Ec 12:6);
(7) of falsehood (Isa 5:18);
(8) of the spirit of enterprise and devotion (Isa 54:2);
(9) of God's gentleness.
George B. Eager