English · KJV
H4037

מַגְזֵרָה

magzêrâh /mag-zay-raw'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom גָּזַר
Meaninga cutting implement, i.e. a blade
KJV usageaxe.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of magzêrâh — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word magzêrâh, represented by H4037, is defined as a cutting implement or axe. Derived from a root word meaning "to cut," this term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular appearance offers a specific and focused glimpse into its function.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole use of H4037 is found in the narrative describing the aftermath of David's conquest of the Ammonites. The scripture states that David brought forth the people from the conquered city and put them under various tools, including "harrows of iron, and under axes of iron" 2 Samuel 12:31. In this context, the axe is presented as an instrument used upon a defeated population, listed alongside other severe implements like saws and harrows.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of H4037:

  • H1270 barzel (iron): This word is directly linked to H4037 in its only appearance, described as an "axe of iron" 2 Samuel 12:31. Iron is often used to symbolize unyielding strength, severity, or hardship, as seen in descriptions of a "furnace of iron" Jeremiah 11:4 or threshing instruments of iron Amos 1:3.
  • H4050 mᵉgêrâh (a saw; axe, saw): This word appears in the very same list of implements in 2 Samuel 12:31 as "saws." Its presence alongside H4037 reinforces the theme of cutting and labor. A parallel account also lists it as a tool used against the Ammonites 1 Chronicles 20:3.

Theological Significance

The thematic weight of H4037, though based on a single verse, is potent and specific.

  • Instrument of Judgment: The axe appears in a context of military conquest and the subjugation of a defeated enemy. It functions as a tangible symbol of the severe consequences of war in the ancient world.
  • Severity of Iron: The explicit mention that the axe is made of iron H1270 is significant. Iron in scripture can represent unyielding and harsh power, as seen in metaphors like an "iron sinew" Isaiah 48:4 or an "iron pillar" Jeremiah 1:18. Therefore, the "axe of iron" is not just a tool but a symbol of inflexible, severe force.

Summary

In summary, H4037 is a highly specific term for an axe or cutting tool. Its lone biblical reference in 2 Samuel 12:31 firmly places it in a context of war and severe judgment. Paired with saws H4050 and specified as being made of iron H1270, magzêrâh provides a stark and vivid image of the harsh instruments employed in the subjugation of a conquered people.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • מַגְזְרֹת
  • מְּגֵרָה

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H1270 בַּרְזֶל perhaps from the root of בִּרְזוֹת; iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement; (ax) head, iron. H4050 מְגֵרָה from גָּרַר; a saw; axe, saw.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in 2 Samuel — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.