Bible Dictionaries
Habergeon

Holman Bible Dictionary

A short coat of mail covering the neck and shoulder worn as defensive armor. The KJV uses harbergeon to translate three Hebrew words. The first (2 Chronicles 26:14; Nehemiah 4:16 ) is translated coats of mail or armor, body armor, or breastplate by modern translations. Modern translations agree that the second term (Job 41:26 ) refers to an offensive weapon, the javelin. There is much uncertainty regarding the meaning of the third term (Exodus 28:32; Exodus 39:23 ). NAS, NRSV follow the KJV in retaining coat of mail. Other translations include: collar (NIV); garment (RSV); oversewn edge (REB following the earliest Greek translation). See Arms and Armor .