(Aramaic) from דְּבַח; a sacrificial altar; altar.
Transliteration:madbach
Pronunciation:mad-bakh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H4056}}` madbach (מַדְבַּח) directly translates to "altar," specifically a "sacrificial altar." It is derived from the Aramaic verb דְּבַח (dbach), meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice." This etymological root clearly defines its primary function as a designated structure for the offering of sacrifices to a deity. Its semantic range is tightly focused on this singular, sacred purpose, signifying the physical locus where ritual offerings, particularly burnt offerings, are presented.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4056}}` madbach appears only once in the biblical text, in the book of Ezra:
* [[Ezra 7:17]]: "and whatsoever shall be needful for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, *on the altar*."
In this solitary occurrence, `{{H4056}}` madbach is found within the decree issued by King Artaxerxes, providing resources for the restoration of temple worship in Jerusalem. The context emphasizes the provision of animals and supplies for "burnt offerings" (עֹלָוָן, the Aramaic equivalent of Hebrew עוֹלָה, `{{H5930}}`) to be offered "on the altar" (עַל מַדְבְּחָא). This verse highlights the altar's indispensable role in the prescribed worship of the "God of heaven," underscoring its centrality to the sacrificial system that the returning exiles were re-establishing. The king's decree, though from a foreign ruler, facilitates the proper worship of Yahweh, demonstrating divine providence in the post-exilic period.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic `{{H4056}}` madbach is a direct cognate and semantic equivalent to the more frequently occurring Hebrew word מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeakh, `{{H4196}}`), which also means "altar." Both terms share a common etymological root related to the act of sacrifice (Hebrew זָבַח, zabach, `{{H2076}}`). This linguistic parallelism underscores the continuity of the concept of the altar across different Semitic languages within the biblical corpus.
Related concepts include:
* **Sacrifice (זֶבַח, `{{H2077}}`):** The primary act performed on the altar.
* **Offering (קָרְבָּן, `{{H7133}}`):** The gifts presented to God.
* **Atonement (כָּפַר, `{{H3722}}`):** Though not directly performed by the altar itself, the altar is the place where atonement rituals (e.g., sin offerings) are enacted.
* **Worship and Communion:** The altar serves as a focal point for approaching God and establishing or maintaining fellowship.
* **Divine Presence:** In the Tabernacle and Temple, the altar was proximate to the Holy Place, signifying its role as a point of contact between the human and divine realms.
### Theological Significance
The altar, whether designated by `{{H4056}}` madbach or `{{H4196}}` mizbeakh, holds profound theological significance. It is not merely a piece of religious furniture but a divinely ordained structure essential for the proper worship of God.
1. **Place of Divine Encounter:** The altar serves as the primary location where humanity can approach God through prescribed means. It is where the covenant relationship is reaffirmed and where God's presence is met through the giving of offerings.
2. **Facilitator of Atonement:** While the blood of the sacrifice itself atones, the altar is the instrument and stage upon which the atoning ritual is performed. It is where sin is addressed and reconciliation with God is made possible.
3. **Symbol of Devotion and Obedience:** The act of bringing a sacrifice to the altar signifies the worshiper's devotion, obedience to divine commands, and recognition of God's sovereignty.
4. **Continuity of Worship:** In [[Ezra 7:17]], the specific mention of the Aramaic madbach within a decree from a Persian king highlights God's sovereign hand in ensuring the continuity of His people's worship, even in foreign lands and under foreign rule. The restoration of the altar was paramount for the returning exiles to re-establish their spiritual identity and covenant obligations.
5. **Anticipation of Christ:** Biblically, all sacrifices offered on the altar ultimately point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, who serves as both the perfect High Priest and the perfect offering, fulfilling and superseding the Old Testament sacrificial system.
### Summary
`{{H4056}}` madbach is an Aramaic term signifying a "sacrificial altar," deriving from the root meaning "to sacrifice." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Ezra 7:17]] underscores its critical role in the divinely mandated worship of the "God of heaven" during the post-exilic period. As the direct equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H4196}}` mizbeakh, the madbach represents the sacred locus for offerings, communion with God, and the enactment of atonement. Its presence in the text, even under a foreign king's decree, emphasizes the enduring importance of the altar as a symbol of devotion, reconciliation, and the continuity of God's redemptive plan for His people.
TRV