English · KJV
H4046

מַגֵּפָה

maggêphâh /mag-gay-faw'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom נָגַף
Meaninga pestilence; by analogy, defeat
KJV usageslaughter, stroke.
Idioms & phrases(idiom be) plague(-d)

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of maggêphâh — 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 maggêphâh, represented by H4046, refers to a pestilence, slaughter, or stroke. It is derived from the verb H5062 nâgaph, meaning to smite or defeat. Appearing 26 times in 25 unique verses, H4046 consistently signifies a devastating blow, often as a direct and severe judgment.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H4046 is used to describe different forms of catastrophic events. It can refer to a divinely sent pestilence, as when the LORD warns Pharaoh, "I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart" Exodus 9:14. It is also used for a massive military defeat, such as the "great slaughter" of twenty thousand men during the conflict with Absalom's followers 2 Samuel 18:7. The term can describe a profound personal loss, as when God tells Ezekiel he will take away the desire of his eyes with a stroke Ezekiel 24:16. A recurring theme is that the plague can be "stayed" through atonement and intercession (Numbers 16:48, 2 Samuel 24:25).

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of H4046:

  • H5062 nâgaph (to smite, plague, defeat): As the root verb, it establishes the action that causes the maggêphâh. In a prophecy against Jerusalem's enemies, the LORD will smite them with a plague Zechariah 14:12.
  • H4191 mûwth (to die): This word often appears alongside H4046 to state the fatal outcome of the plague. For example, twenty-four thousand people died in the plague Numbers 25:9.
  • H2398 châṭâʼ (to sin): The plague is frequently a direct consequence of sin. David admits, "I it is that have sinned," which resulted in the people being plagued 1 Chronicles 21:17.
  • H6279 ʻâthar (intreat, (make) pray(-er)): This word highlights the remedy for the plague. After David built an altar and made offerings, the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed 2 Samuel 24:25.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H4046 is significant, illustrating key principles about divine justice and covenant relationship.

  • Divine Judgment: The term is a powerful descriptor of God's active judgment against sin and rebellion. It is sent upon the Israelites for their trespass Numbers 31:16, upon the Philistines 1 Samuel 6:4, and is prophesied as a future judgment on the heathen Zechariah 14:18.
  • Consequences of Trespass: The link between specific sins and the resulting plague is direct. The men who brought an evil H7451 report died by the plague Numbers 14:37, and the trespass H4604 at Peor resulted in a plague among the congregation Numbers 31:16.
  • Atonement and Intercession: The narrative repeatedly shows that the plague can be stopped. Phinehas "executed judgment" H6419, and the plague was stayed Psalms 106:30. Similarly, Aaron stands with an censer to make atonement and halt the plague Numbers 16:48.

Summary

In summary, H4046 is a term that conveys more than just disease or battle; it represents a decisive and calamitous blow. Whether a pestilence, slaughter, or personal stroke, it serves as a stark illustration of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. However, the accounts also emphasize that through repentance, atonement, and intercession, such dire judgment can be averted, demonstrating a path to reconciliation.

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 26 occurrences, inflected in 3 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.

  • מַּגֵּפָה
  • מַגֵּפֹתַ
  • מַגֵּפַת

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.

H5062 נָגַף a primitive root; to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease); beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (dow H4191 מוּת a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill; [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (b H2398 חָטָא a primitive root; properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, H6279 עָתַר a primitive root (rather denominative from עֶתֶר); to burn incense in worship, i.e. intercede (reciprocally, listen to p H7451 רַע from רָעַע; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), di H4604 מַעַל from מָעַל; treachery, i.e. sin; falsehood, grievously, sore, transgression, trespass, [idiom] very.

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

Appears in 25 verses across 9 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Numbers (9 verses); never once in the other 30.

1
Exodus
9
Numbers
2
1 Samuel
4
2 Samuel
2
1 Chronicles
1
2 Chronicles
2
Psalms
1
Ezekiel
3
Zechariah

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.