The heald shaft (1) according to the invention has, for coupling the shaft rods (2) with the end binders (5), connecting joints (10) whose pivot axes (14) lie externally of the shaft rods (2) and preferably inside the end binders (5). By means of the connecting joints (10) a moment-free coupling between the shaft rods (2) and the end binders (5) is ensured. The relative pivotal motions between the shaft rods (2) and the end binders (5) appearing during operation do not generate any moment transmissions between the shaft rods (2) and the end binders (5). According to a preferred embodiment, the driving couplers (7) are arranged above the end binders (5) in a direct extension thereof.