Original Word: עַשְׁתֵּי
Part of Speech: Noun
Transliteration: `ashtey
Pronunciation: esh-tay
Phonetic Spelling: (ash-tay')
Word Origin: [apparently masculine plural construction of H6247 (עֶשֶׁת - carved) in the sense of an afterthought (used only in connection with H6240 (עָשָׂר - Ten) in lieu of H259 (אֶחָד - one)) eleven or (ordinal) eleventh]

1. + eleven(-th)

eleventh

Apparently masculine plural construction of esheth in the sense of an afterthought (used only in connection with asar in lieu of 'echad) eleven or (ordinal) eleventh -- + eleven(-th).

see HEBREW esheth

see HEBREW asar

see HEBREW 'echad

Word Origin
from ashath
Definition
one
NASB Translation
eleven* (6), eleventh* (13).

עַשְׁתֵּי₁₉ noun number one (Assyrian išten, one; išten ešrit, eleven; Dl^{§ 75, Tel Amarna} [iš-]tit, first time; see Gie ZAW i (1881), 226 Ges^{§ 97e} Kö^{ii. l, 212 and references}); — only + עָשָׂר, עֶשְׂרֵה (q. v.) = eleven, eleventh, Jeremiah 1:3; Jeremiah 39:2 = Jeremiah 52:5 = 2 Kings 25:2; Ezekiel 26:1 Ezekiel 40:49; Zechariah 1:7; Exodus 26:7,8; Exodus 36:14,15; Numbers 7:72; Numbers 29:20 (all P), Deuteronomy 1:3; 1 Chronicles 12:13; 1 Chronicles 24:12; 1 Chronicles 25:18; 1 Chronicles 27:14.

Overview

The feminine construct עַשְׁתֵּי marks the cardinal “eleven” or the ordinal “eleventh.” In Scripture the number frequently signals a threshold—situated between the completed order of ten and the covenantal fullness of twelve—appearing in tabernacle design, sacrificial patterns, chronological notices, administrative roles, and prophetic visions.

Usage in the Construction of the Tabernacle

Exodus 26:7–8 and 36:14–15 record “eleven curtains” of goats’ hair forming the tent over the tabernacle: “You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all” (Exodus 26:7). The extra panel beyond ten supplied complete coverage, portraying divine protection that exceeds human adequacy and urging worshipers to guard holy spaces with diligent care.

Role in Festal Offerings

Numbers 7:72 notes the offerings presented “on the eleventh day” during the altar’s dedication, while Numbers 29:20 lists the eleven bulls of the third day of the Feast of Tabernacles: “On the third day you are to present eleven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished.” The declining sequence of bulls culminates in eleven, foreshadowing a coming single, sufficient sacrifice and teaching Israel that atonement flows from God’s gracious provision rather than human abundance.

Chronological Markers in Israel’s History

• Deuteronomy 1:3 situates Moses’ final address “on the first day of the eleventh month,” a moment of preparation before entering Canaan.
• The “eleventh year” becomes synonymous with judgment as Jerusalem falls (2 Kings 25:2; Jeremiah 39:2; 52:5).
• Ezekiel’s oracle against Tyre begins “In the eleventh year” (Ezekiel 26:1), whereas Zechariah’s night visions of comfort are dated to “the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month” (Zechariah 1:7).

Thus the designation frames both consequential endings and hopeful new beginnings.

Military and Priestly Administration

The monarchy of David employed the ordinal to ensure orderly service:

– Eleventh priestly division: Eliashib (1 Chronicles 24:12).

– Eleventh musician course: Azareel (1 Chronicles 25:18).

– Eleventh monthly army division: “Benaiah the Pirathonite… twenty-four thousand” (1 Chronicles 27:14).

– Eleventh Gadite warrior: Machbannai (1 Chronicles 12:14).

Regular rotation underlines disciplined stewardship and shared responsibility in ministry.

Architectural Measurement in Ezekiel’s Temple Vision

Ezekiel 40:49 assigns the future temple portico a width of “eleven cubits.” The precision mirrors the eleven curtains of the wilderness sanctuary, assuring worshipers that God’s forthcoming dwelling will be proportioned to His exact design.

Symbolic Considerations

Standing just beyond ten and just short of twelve, eleven conveys anticipation—of judgment, completion, or renewal. In siege narratives it marks the close of rebellion; in Deuteronomy it signals readiness to inherit promise; in tabernacle and temple descriptions it hints at provision yet to be perfected. The number therefore calls God’s people to watchfulness as He moves them from partial experience toward consummated glory.

Ministry Implications

1. Preparation: Like Israel in the eleventh month, churches must ready themselves under the Word before advancing.
2. Protection: The eleventh curtain models adding prayerful safeguards around worship and leadership.
3. Perseverance: Prolonged sieges ending in the eleventh year warn against complacency and encourage steadfast faithfulness.
4. Orderly Service: Eleventh divisions in priesthood and army commend structured rotations that cultivate broad participation.
5. Hope: Eleven-cubit measurements confirm that even seemingly incomplete situations lie within God’s precise plan.

Key References

Exodus 26:7-8; Exodus 36:14-15; Numbers 7:72; Numbers 29:20; Deuteronomy 1:3; 2 Kings 25:2; 1 Chronicles 12:14; 1 Chronicles 24:12; 1 Chronicles 25:18; 1 Chronicles 27:14; Jeremiah 39:2; Jeremiah 52:5; Ezekiel 26:1; Ezekiel 40:49; Zechariah 1:7

בְּעַשְׁתֵּֽי־ בעשתי־ לְעַשְׁתֵּ֣י־ לְעַשְׁתֵּ֥י לְעַשְׁתֵּֽי־ לעשתי לעשתי־ עַשְׁתֵּ֣י עַשְׁתֵּ֥י עַשְׁתֵּֽי־ עַשְׁתֵּי־ עשתי עשתי־ ‘aš·tê ‘aš·tê- ‘aštê ‘aštê- ashtei bə‘aštê- bə·‘aš·tê- beashtei lə‘aštê lə‘aštê- lə·‘aš·tê lə·‘aš·tê- leashTeiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts