### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **maʼăkeleth**, represented by `{{H3979}}`, translates to **knife**. It is derived from the root word `ʼâkal` `{{H398}}`, which means "to eat," suggesting an instrument used for preparing or consuming food. This term appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the scriptures, highlighting its specific and often dramatic usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H3979}}` is used in several intense and significant biblical scenes. It appears twice in the account of Abraham{H85} and Isaac, first when Abraham **took**{H3947} the wood and the **knife** for the offering [[Genesis 22:6]], and again when he **took**{H3947} the **knife** to **slay**{H7819} his son [[Genesis 22:10]]. In a grim narrative in Judges, a man **took**{H3947} a **knife** and **divided**{H5408} his concubine into pieces [[Judges 19:29]]. The term is also used metaphorically in Proverbs, where the teeth of a wicked generation are described as **knives** used to **devour**{H398} the poor [[Proverbs 30:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the context surrounding `{{H3979}}`:
* `{{H398}}` **ʼâkal** (to eat): As the root word, it establishes the primary, and perhaps original, purpose of a knife as a tool for preparing or consuming food. This connection is seen figuratively when the wicked **devour**{H398} the poor [[Proverbs 30:14]].
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): This word for a cutting instrument is used in parallel with `{{H3979}}` in Proverbs, where the teeth of the wicked are described as **swords**{H2719} and **knives** [[Proverbs 30:14]]. It often signifies conflict or judgment.
* `{{H7819}}` **shâchaṭ** (to slaughter): This verb is directly linked to the use of the **knife** in the account of Abraham, who took the knife **to slay**{H7819} his son, often used in contexts of sacrifice or massacre [[Genesis 22:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and moral weight of `{{H3979}}` is conveyed through its stark and powerful contexts:
* **The Test of Faith:** The **knife** is central to the testing of Abraham{H85}. His act of taking the **knife** to **slay**{H7819} his son represents the pinnacle of obedient faith, a willingness to surrender what is most precious to God [[Genesis 22:10]].
* **An Instrument of Depravity:** In Judges, the **knife** becomes a tool for a brutal and shocking act, used to **divide**{H5408} a concubine. This event highlights a period of profound lawlessness and moral decay within Israel [[Judges 19:29]].
* **A Metaphor for Injustice:** [[Proverbs 30:14]] uses **knives** figuratively to describe the destructive power of a wicked **generation**{H1755}. Their words and actions are weapons that **devour**{H398} the poor and needy, portraying oppression as a violent act.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3979}}` **maʼăkeleth** is more than a simple word for a **knife**. Though appearing only four times, its contexts are unforgettable. From its role as the potential instrument of sacrifice in Abraham's ultimate test of faith [[Genesis 22:10]] to its use in a shocking act of violence signaling societal collapse [[Judges 19:29]], the word carries immense weight. Its metaphorical use in [[Proverbs 30:14]] further extends its meaning to represent the cruel injustice that can devour the vulnerable. Thus, a common tool is elevated to symbolize moments of extreme faith, depravity, and oppression.
TRV