from אָכַל; an eatable (includ. provender, flesh and fruit); food, fruit, (bake-)meat(-s), victual.
Transliteration:maʼăkâl
Pronunciation:mah-ak-awl'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word maʼăkâl (מַאֲכָל, `{{H3978}}`) is derived from the verbal root אָכַל (ʼākal, `{{H398}}`), meaning "to eat." As a noun, maʼăkâl fundamentally signifies "that which is eaten" or "an eatable." Its semantic range is broad, encompassing any form of sustenance, provisions, or food. This includes general foodstuffs for humans, such as bread, grains, and fruits, as well as provender or fodder for animals. It can also specifically denote meat or the produce of trees. The term represents the concrete reality of nourishment, whether divinely provided, humanly cultivated, or gathered.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Maʼăkâl appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illustrating various aspects of daily life, divine provision, and legal stipulations.
In the narrative of the Flood, Noah is instructed to gather maʼăkâl for himself, his family, and all the animals on the ark, emphasizing its role as essential sustenance for survival ([[Genesis 6:21]]). Similarly, in the account of Joseph in Egypt, maʼăkâl refers to the vast stores of food collected during the years of plenty, demonstrating its importance for national preservation during famine ([[Genesis 41:35]]).
The term is also used in the context of the Passover, where the people were commanded to eat the lamb with unleavened bread, referring to the meal as maʼăkâl ([[Exodus 12:4]]). In the wilderness, the manna provided by God is described as maʼăkâl, highlighting divine sustenance in a barren land ([[Exodus 16:32]]).
Furthermore, maʼăkâl is central to the dietary laws (kashrut) in the Pentateuch, where it distinguishes between clean and unclean foods. For instance, [[Leviticus 11:34]] discusses the defilement of maʼăkâl by unclean creeping things, underscoring the meticulous regulations concerning what was permissible for consumption by the Israelites. In [[Deuteronomy 20:20]], the term specifically refers to fruit trees, which were not to be cut down during a siege because they served as maʼăkâl for the people. This demonstrates a practical concern for long-term food supply and a nuanced approach to warfare. The word also appears in poetic and wisdom literature, such as in [[Job 34:10]] where it can denote "provender" for animals, or in [[Psalm 145:15]] where God is praised for giving food (maʼăkâl) in due season.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to maʼăkâl is its root verb, אָכַל (ʼākal, `{{H398}}`), "to eat," which forms the basis of its meaning. Other related Hebrew terms that also denote food or sustenance include:
* לֶחֶם (lechem, `{{H3899}}`): While literally "bread," it often functions as a general term for food or provisions, as in "bread for the journey."
* צֵידָה (tseyda, `{{H6720}}`): Specifically refers to provisions for a journey or expedition, implying prepared food for travel.
* בָּר (bar, `{{H1250}}`): Grain, corn, or produce, often referring to raw agricultural yield.
* טֶרֶף (teref, `{{H2964}}`): Prey, torn food, often associated with animals devouring their catch.
The concept of maʼăkâl is intrinsically linked to divine provision, human dependence, agricultural practices, and the intricate system of purity laws in ancient Israel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of maʼăkâl is profound, primarily underscoring God's role as the benevolent Provider and humanity's inherent dependence.
1. **Divine Provision:** The frequent mention of maʼăkâl highlights God's faithfulness in sustaining His creation. From the initial command for humanity to eat from the trees of the garden ([[Genesis 1:29]]), to the miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness ([[Exodus 16:32]]), and the promise of abundant harvests in the promised land, God is consistently portrayed as the source of all maʼăkâl. This reinforces the understanding of God's sovereign care for both humanity and the animal kingdom ([[Psalm 104:27-28]], [[Psalm 145:15-16]]).
2. **Human Dependence and Trust:** The need for maʼăkâl constantly reminds humanity of its finite nature and reliance on a higher power. It cultivates an attitude of gratitude and trust in God's ability to meet fundamental needs, contrasting with self-sufficiency or reliance on other gods.
3. **Holiness and Separation:** The meticulous dietary laws in the Torah concerning clean and unclean maʼăkâl served a crucial theological purpose. By distinguishing permissible from impermissible foods, God established boundaries that reinforced Israel's identity as a holy and separate people, set apart for Him ([[Leviticus 11:44-45]]). These laws were not merely about hygiene but were deeply symbolic, teaching obedience, discipline, and the pursuit of ritual purity in all aspects of life.
4. **Covenantal Blessings and Curses:** The availability or scarcity of maʼăkâl often functioned as a tangible sign of God's blessings for obedience or curses for disobedience within the covenant ([[Deuteronomy 28:5-8, 15-18]]). Abundance of food signified divine favor, while famine indicated divine judgment.
### Summary
Maʼăkâl (מַאֲכָל, `{{H3978}}`) is a foundational Hebrew term signifying "eatable" or "food" in its broadest sense, derived from the verb "to eat." Its occurrences across the Old Testament reveal its essential role in daily life, encompassing provisions for humans and animals, and its distinction in dietary laws. Theologically, maʼăkâl powerfully communicates God's unwavering provision and humanity's absolute dependence on Him. It also serves as a critical element in the Mosaic covenant, defining purity and reflecting divine blessings or judgments. Understanding maʼăkâl provides insight into the practical realities of ancient Israelite life and the profound theological truths embedded in their relationship with their Creator.
TRV